The annual awards program, managed by the Indianapolis-based nonprofit Project Lead The Way, highlights individuals who bridge the gap between abstract academic concepts and tangible professional skills. This year’s cohort includes Cheryl Tamayo of Arlington High School, recognized as the Robert and Patricia Kern PLTW Teacher of the Year, and Jennifer Dowd of Hadley Elementary School, who received the Administrator of the Year distinction. Other honorees include Tameko Wilson of Liberty STEAM Charter School, Nancy Junkins of Whitesburg Middle School, Jessica Hershey of Lyman High School, Shawn Volk of Little Chute Career Pathways Academy, and Candace Barton of Bozeman High School.

Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of PLTW, emphasized that the selection reflects a shift toward experiential learning where students test ideas and navigate failure in real-time. By supporting a network that now spans over 12,200 schools, these educators are tasked with preparing students for complex challenges through the organization's PreK-12 STEM and CTE curriculum. The recipients were chosen for their success in expanding access to these programs and creating learning environments that encourage students to move beyond traditional textbook-based instruction.