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Monday, August 13, 2012

Edison Academy Instructor Named VATIE Teacher of the Year

Robert Stringham, who teaches heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) at Edison Academy, has been selected as the Virginia Association of Trade and Industrial Educators (VATIE) Teacher of the Year. This award is given to a Virginia secondary school trade and industrial education teacher who excels at teaching students in the classroom and laboratory as well as making contributions to his field at all levels, including local and state involvement. Stringham received the award at the VATIE conference held in Norfolk earlier this month.

Stringham prepares his HVACR students with training and education for the workforce by using the latest teaching technology and up-to-date HVACR tools, equipment, and techniques. He provides dual enrollment opportunities for his students through Edison Academy's academic partner, Northern Virginia Community College, and develops lasting partnerships with local business and labor organizations such as Shapiro and Duncan, Croppe Metcalf, and Sheet Metal Workers Local 100, among others. He also works with the SkillsUSA professional student organization as the trainer for state officers and as officer candidate coordinator for the annual conference and competitions. His involvement in VATIE, SkillsUSA, and other Career and Technical Education (CTE) organizations supports and promotes HVACR careers and CTE opportunities to students and helps meet the growing need for employees in this field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for HVACR mechanics and installers will increase by approximately 34 percent through 2020. Employees in this field earn a median salary of $42,530 per year; these salaries tend to be higher in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.