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Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Two FCPS Educators Honored With State Awards by VATIE

Two educators from Chantilly Academy, now known as the New Commonwealth Governor’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Academy at Chantilly High School, have been recognized with awards by the Virginia Association for Trade and Industrial Education (VATIE). Doug Wright, academy administrator, was named the Outstanding Career and Technical Educator by VATIE for outstanding service to the field of trade and industrial education.   Chris Wyckoff, who teaches construction technology at the academy, has been named the Outstanding New Career and Technical Teacher. Chantilly High School is a Fairfax County public school.

Wright was recognized for his efforts to advance STEM and career and technical education by pursuing a partnership with ProFinishes Plus that teaches students green technology in the Automotive Collision Services program. Students are learning waterborne automotive paint technology that, in the coming years, is anticipated to be mandated by both federal and state governments as part of a move from solvent-based paints in an effort to ease the impact on the environment. ProFinishes Plus is working to update the shop with new equipment so that students can learn the new technology in class. The partnership is establishing an advisory committee to guide the development of the program according to local industry expectations for competencies; to promote student achievement and postsecondary opportunities, including employment; and to solicit support for scholarships. 

Wright also led the academy’s Automotive Technology program to achieve certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation via curricular and workshop enhancements. He has made major improvements to classrooms and the salon workshop for Cosmetology students and to the kitchen and classroom area for Culinary Arts students, enhancing the learning experience with hands-on, real-world experiences in the classroom.

For more than 20 years, Wright has demonstrated his commitment to K-12 trade and industry education. In addition to serving as administrator of the New Commonwealth Governor’s STEM Academy, he served as an assistant principal at both Westfield and Chantilly High Schools. Prior to that, he was a technology education teacher at Rocky Run Middle, Herndon Intermediate (now Middle), and Madison High Schools.

Wyckoff serves as the carpentry instructor at the academy and works with students from 13 different Fairfax County high schools at Chantilly. His industry experience and connections are visible in his lesson plans, guest speaker lists, and field trip opportunities for students. He serves as a mentor to new teachers and works with Adult and Community Education instructors to ensure that the needs of adult learners are being met with the appropriate tools, materials, and resources. 

Wyckoff, an alumnus of Oakton High School, is a SkillsUSA advisor and has accompanied students to state and national competitions. He has served as the District 5 vice chair and chair of the District 5 Skill Competition. He also serves as a class sponsor and wrestling coach at Chantilly.