SAE International, previously known as the Society of Automotive Engineers, is a U.S.-based, globally active professional association and standards developing organization for engineering professionals in various industries. Through A World In Motion and General Motors, they support the Gravity Cruiser Design Challenge. If you've read here for any length of time, you may recall that Joan and I volunteer in our daughter Stephanie's classes for this program.
Essentially, the students work in teams to design, test, and make improvements on a gravity powered small "vehicle." For many of these kids, it is their first exposure to real teamwork. It has been interesting to see the growth in the kids as they work their way through the process to improve their vehicles, as well as the pride they take with each incremental step. Ultimately, they get to compete to see which team can get the most distance out of their design.
While the kids are learning, and hopefully having fun, a lot of work goes into this program. GM provides retired staff to administer the program - as well as guidance to keep the process moving. That has also been the role that Joan and I have done in Steph's class.
The GM guy who runs the program in this and other schools has always been impressed with the way Steph runs the program in her classes and how she challenges the students. It has been a joy for us to be able to watch Steph at work. Ken (the GM guy) asked if I would take photos of Steph working with the kids for a potential award... not easy to do, while not letting Steph know what was going on. I got the photos to our son-in-law Dan, who forwarded them to Steph's principal, who sent them on to Ken.
Late this week, we found out what that was all about: Stephanie was selected to receive a national award, the 2020 Gary Dickinson Award for Teaching Excellence. It also came with a monetary award for both Steph and her school, as well as the national recognition Steph has brought to her school district. Steph was not aware that this was something she was in the running for until getting the word that she was being given this award.
About the award: "Established in 2001, this award recognizes an outstanding middle school teacher or a team of teachers who have made creative and exemplary use of the A World In Motion (AWIM) program to further develop students' understanding and experience in math, science and engineering."
Steph was nominated by Ken and his team, so it means even more since it came from outside the school district, and from people who have seen many other Gravity Cruiser programs in action. We already knew what this award signifies: what a dedicated teacher Stephanie is... we could not be more proud of her.
She needed to submit a headshot photo in her acceptance of this award. We are not there to do that for her, but Dan did a nice job with a photo, and I did the work-up of it for the specifications...
When I told Rufus about this, he said, "She's a good girl." Yep.
4 comments:
awesome!! congratulations to Stephanie, Dan, her proud parents, and all the furry kids.
Bob & Nancy Klugh
cbrats
Thanks for that nice message, Bob & Nancy. This award came at an opportune time: the school situation is all on-line, so it is a different world for students and teachers. The immediate "feedback" from the students isn't there like in-person learning. It is tough on both sides of that teacher/student situation as they all find what works best. I am also proud of Steph and Dan as they move forward with getting these kids educated.
Being a member of a family of public school teachers, I greatly appreciate Stephanie's and Dan's dedication to their profession. Congratulations to Steph for this honor and many thanks for time and effort she gives to her students, not only with this very worthwhile program, but on a daily basis. Beautiful photo! Jim and Joan, your pride in your daughter is well-deserved. You are a very special family. And Rufus is just the coolest!
Barb Phillips
Brockport, N.Y.
Hi Barb - So nice to hear from you! Hope all is going well for you there in New York. Thanks for the nice message. We see how hard Steph and Dan work - they do more than educate, and I think the students and parents (well, most of them) understand and appreciate their efforts.
Rufus is a cool cat - great personality. Another thing we have to thank Steph for: bringing that first cat into our family 38 years ago.
Best wishes,
Jim, Joan, and Rufus
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