In the heart of Muskogee, Okla., at Hilldale High School, a dynamic educator is shaping the future of STEM education. Danielle Ward, a teacher with an innovative approach and passion for hands-on learning, recently received the 2024 Instructor of the Year Award from Tormach, presented at the Annual Leadership Summit for the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) at Gateway Technical College. This award recognizes Ward’s outstanding contributions to STEM education and her advanced approach to teaching.

Danielle Ward ’s journey to becoming an award-winning STEM educator was an unexpected one but is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the impact of dedicated teaching. “My first career choice was to be a pediatric nurse,” Ward recalls. “However, the college I attended to play softball did not offer that option. My advisor suggested enrolling in the teacher classes, and once I had my first observation in a classroom, I knew that was where I wanted to be.”

Her passion for STEM was fueled by a love of hands-on activities and a drive to bring new opportunities to her students. “I loved tinkering with things and any lesson involving hands-on work,” Ward explains. “In 2011, I began teaching at Hilldale and set out to bring Robotics to our school. We started VEX V5 in 2015 with three teams and today we have eight teams competing. Our principal, Darren Riddle, asked me to lead the STEM Lab for our Middle School, and later our High School.”

Her impact extends beyond technical skills, fostering a creative and engaging learning environment. “My class is a Computer Science course required for graduation and students take it without knowing what to expect,” Ward notes. “We have printed animals with animation, designed their dream room using blueprints and then 3D printed and painted them. We have designed miniature putt-putt courses and played nine holes in the hallway, laser engraved coasters and keychains, made signs with slogans and created banners for our Special Olympic kids to take to the state event. We’ve also made senior banners, created marble roller coasters from cardboard, designed and flown kites and much more. The students love watching their ideas come to life.”

Ward has successfully integrated Tormach’s xsTECH Tabletop CNC Routers into her curriculum, providing students with practical, hands-on experience. “We currently have four xsTECH routers in our High School lab,” she says. “Every nine weeks, my students rotate through different curricula, including the xsTECH and Dremel 3D45 printers, earning certifications that prepare them for future careers.”

Danielle Ward ’s success at Hilldale High School is bolstered by the strong partnership between Tormach and the NC3, a non-profit organization that supports nearly 2,000 secondary and post-secondary institutions worldwide. Through this partnership, Ward’s students have access to the most current and relevant curriculum, including the xsTECH or 24R CNC Router Certification from NC3. These certifications provide students with a solid foundation in CNC fundamentals, enhancing their job readiness and aligning with industry standards.

Instructors like Ward benefit from professional development opportunities by attending Train-the-Trainer events hosted at NC3-certified Leadership Schools. Led by expert Master Instructors, these events equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed to implement the latest certifications in their classrooms. This hands-on training ensures that instructors can effectively teach and certify students in CNC machining, bridging the gap between education and industry requirements.

The comprehensive NC3 certification curriculum supplements existing school programs with a blend of classroom presentations, labs and exams, culminating in a final comprehensive knowledge-based test. This rigorous approach ensures that students not only learn the theory but also demonstrate their competencies through practical lab activities and assessments, making them highly valued by employers.

Ward notes that the program’s biggest impact on students in Muskogee, a city abundant with manufacturing opportunities, is their success in securing jobs in local manufacturing businesses after graduation. The xsTECH has given students a solid foundation in CNC machining, equipping them with essential job skills for the workforce. Additionally, some students have pursued engineering degrees at local universities and received scholarships for completing the STEM course.

“It was great to sit down with Danielle and hear about her experiences teaching in a STEM lab,” said Domenic Giunta, Education Sales Advisor with Tormach. “Her unique approach and targeted hands-on applications significantly impact her students. We are proud to honor her as our 2024 Instructor of the Year.”

Winning this award holds deep significance for Ward. “It is quite an honor to be selected for this prestigious award. I hope to be a role model for other women as we have more females taking the STEM course now than in previous years. If you had told me 22 years ago this is where I would be today, I would have laughed. This award is proof that you can achieve great things if you challenge yourself and are never afraid to try.”

Ward’s vision for the future of STEM education is one of inclusivity and opportunity. “I envision the barriers for women in STEM to keep decreasing. Females empowering other females is important and I hope I can continue to do that. I see more women teaching in STEM fields, allowing more doors to open. The message I want to share with educators and students is to invest in STEM education. Students, never underestimate what you can do. STEM is fun, exciting, creative and hands-on. If you can imagine it, you can make it happen!”

Danielle Ward ’s story is a testament to the power of education and the difference one dedicated teacher can make. As she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of STEM leaders, her impact will be felt far beyond the walls of Hilldale High School.

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