Meet our 2024-25 National PLTW Teachers and PLTW Administrator of the Year Awards Winners! 

Robert & Patricia Kern PLTW Teacher of the Year

Marisol Pérez

John C. Fremont High School STEAM Magnet

Marisol Pérez, a retired U.S. Coast Guard veteran, has dedicated much of her life to serving both her country and her community. With more than a decade of teaching experience in South Central Los Angeles, she currently instructs courses in AP Calculus, Statistics for Engineering and Sciences, Principles of Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering at John C. Fremont High School STEAM MAGNET. She also leads the Girls Build – Chicas en STEM outreach program and organizes VEX robotics competitions. Marisol’s educational mission focuses on inspiring students from black and brown communities, particularly young girls, to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her goal is to demonstrate that STEM professionals can come from any background, including women of color from their own communities. 

National PLTW Launch Teacher of the Year

Amy Magill

East Farms STEAM Magnet School

Amy Magill is a 1st grade teacher at East Farms STEAM Magnet School in Newman Lake, Washington, part of the East Valley School District. She is dedicated to integrating English Language Arts with PLTW, aiming to deepen students' understanding. Amy collaborates with her STEAM Leadership team to provide engaging STEAM experiences at her school. She serves as a PLTW Site Coordinator and PLTW Launch Lead Teacher and has been a Master Teacher since 2015 for both PLTW Launch Classroom Teacher and PLTW Launch Lead Teacher Training. In her role as a Master Teacher, she values connecting with educators from across the country.  

PLTW National Gateway Teacher of the Year

Sarah Leonard

Louis L. Redding Middle School

Sarah Leonard, an accomplished educator since 2011, has dedicated her career to fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment within the Appoquinimink School District in Middletown, Delaware. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University and a master’s degree in Learning and Technology, Leonard is certified in Middle Level Science, Middle Level Mathematics, and Special Education (K-12). Her career began as a middle school special education teacher in Mathematics and Science, and she currently teaches Project Lead the Way courses at Louis L. Redding Middle School, where her passion for teaching has flourished. Sarah is actively involved in her school as the advisor for the National Junior Honor Society, Technology Student Association, and STEM Connect Club, and contributes to the Safety Team and Equity Committee. She is also a mentor for new teachers and a member of several professional organizations, including the NEA and CSTA. Her exceptional contributions to education have earned her accolades such as the 2023 Delaware STEM Educator of the Year and the 2024 Delaware VFW Teacher of the Year. 

National PLTW Computer Science Teacher of the Year

Elizabeth Traub

Pittsburg High School

Elizabeth Traub, an established STEM educator at Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, California, had a surprising path to a role in education,  dreaming of becoming a rocket scientist. After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona in 2004, Elizabeth’s chance encounter with a former principal led to a substitute teaching role that quickly turned into a full-time position by 2005. Driven by a desire to give back to the community and inspired by their students’ challenges, Elizabeth has made a profound impact in education. Their commitment is evident in the many former students who have pursued STEM careers or become teachers themselves. Elizabeth’s teaching philosophy blends real-world applications with academic standards, focusing on developing students into thoughtful global and local citizens. Elizabeth also prioritizes professional behavior and inclusivity, creating a classroom environment where students grow both personally and academically.  

National PLTW Engineering Teacher of the Year

Brian Rhodes

Blackstone Valley Technical High School

Brian Rhodes is the Team Leader of the Engineering and Robotics Program at Blackstone Valley Tech in Upton, Massachusetts, where he also serves as the PLTW Site Coordinator. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, Brian has made significant contributions to the field of education, particularly in coaching students through VEX Robotics, FIRST Robotics, ARC Drone, and Skills USA competitions.  

Brian’s background includes notable service in the United States Navy’s Nuclear Power Program and work within the semiconductor industry, complementing his academic credentials. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, an Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate in Mathematics, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching.  

National PLTW Biomedical Science Teacher of the Year

Tanya Adkisson

Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School

Tanya Adkisson is a dedicated PLTW Biomedical Science Teacher and Coordinator with over 25 years of experience inspiring high school students in grades 9-12. National Board Certified since 2009, Tanya has committed her career to connecting students' studies to real-world biomedical applications. She has taught a diverse range of subjects, including Algebra I and II, Biology, Forensic Science, and all four PLTW Biomedical Sciences courses. Tanya’s influence extends beyond the classroom as she has served as the Science Coordinator and helped establish the Science National Honor Society at her school, contributing to its recognition as a Green School and a Distinguished High School for PLTW Biomedical Sciences. A Semi-Finalist for Teacher of the Year and an Outstanding Educator, she has also been a Curriculum Writer and Master Teacher. Tanya holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Emergency Health Services with a concentration in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, and she volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician before transitioning to education.

National PLTW Administrator of the Year

Kimberly Mason

Rosenwald Elementary School

Dr. Kimberly Sutton Mason, Principal at Rosenwald Elementary School in Society Hill, South Carolina, is a dedicated educator and Baptist minister with over 31 years of experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University, Master of Education degrees in Learning Disabilities and Educational Administration from Francis Marion University and the University of South Carolina, respectively, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Kimberly founded El Levation Ministries Worldwide in 2016 and has led impactful initiatives such as the Royal Roundup Prophetic Teaching Conference and the Homeless Project. She also serves as Assistant Pastor at Little Zion MBC and champions justice and educational equality. At Rosenwald Elementary, a STEAM Immersion School, she advocates for rigorous curricula, including PLTW and Targeted Small Group Instruction, and mentors aspiring administrators. Kimberly’s work combines her commitment to education and faith, aiming to inspire and empower her community.