From Seed to Apple | Page 39

noticed that he was tying the mathematics he was learning to the hands-on experiences I was providing, and experiencing success. He carried those successes into the CTE classes I taught the next year, and into his current career. Isaac has been helping with our competitions since he graduated. Although the state and national competitions drive my students, I have witnessed a change in the culture at our high school. The students who I have now participating in my afterschool technology programs hold their heads a little higher and brag about how they are getting their math and science classes better. I have seen an increase in enrollment requests for my classes and other CTE classes at our school as well. I firmly believe that a portion of our school’s success in math and science score increases are a result of our CTE programs and the competitions that we participate in. Together, we at Sunnyside High School have learned that competition breeds excellence. Teacher of the Year biographies: bit.ly/2015ToY 37