Joseline Nacua of Jefferson Elementary school in Compton Unified School District named PLTW Launch Teacher of the Year

INDIANPOLIS (Feb. 18, 2019) – Joseline Nacua of Jefferson Elementary school in Compton Unified School District (CUSD)was recently recognized by Project Lead The Way (PLTW) as the PLTW Launch Teacher of the Year, which is the highest recognition for PLTW Launch educators. PLTW President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Vince Bertram presented the award in front of nearly 1,000 attendees, including teachers from across the United States at PLTW’s national conference in Indianapolis – PLTW Summit.

“We are tremendously proud of Ms. Nacua and honored that she calls Compton Unified School District home,” said Dr. Darin Brawley, CUSD Superintendent. “She exemplifies our mission to provide students with outstanding educational experiences in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and math. We greatly appreciate her tireless efforts on behalf the students within our district.”

The award is based on merit and is a reflection of Nacua’s strong alignment to PLTW’s mission; exceptional commitment to students; school leadership; and meaningful involvement in PLTW curriculum, assessment, and professional development.

Ms. Nacua’s passion for innovative uses of technology in the classroom comes through when she shares about her experience with PLTW: “I enjoy PLTW/STEAM to expose our students at Jefferson to and develop their 21st Century Skills [as well as] apply the engineering design process in finding solutions to real life problems. My goal is to prepare students for college and career readiness.”

In addition to Nacua’s award, PLTW recognized four other instructors as PLTW program teachers of the year for their outstanding commitment to empowering students to thrive in our evolving world and the Robert and Patricia Kern PLTW Teacher of the Year:

• PLTW Gateway Teacher of the Year- Kristie Steinlicht, Anacapa Middle School, Ventura Unified School District, Ventura, California
• PLTW Engineering Teacher of the Year- Brett Kisker, Liberty North High School, Liberty Public Schools, Liberty, Missouri
• PLTW Biomedical Science Teacher of the Year- Jeanine Hall, Hendrick Hudson High School, Hendrick Hudson School District, Montrose, New York
• PLTW Computer Science Teacher of the Year- Susan Jones, Midway High School, Midway Independent School District, Woodway, Texas
• Robert and Patricia Kern PLTW Teacher of the Year- Devin McKinnon, New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School, New Berlin School District, New Berlin, Wisconsin

Ms. Nacua has been teaching 2nd through 6th grade since 2012. She has shown the implementation of STEAM strategies and programs. Ms. Nacua provides her leadership support by sharing her expertise in PLTW with other teachers.

One fifth grader had this to share about PLTW and Ms. Nacua’s efforts: “I never had any computer science experience and I [now] feel that I have the opportunity to become an engineer. When someone mentions computer science or robotics, I [used to] think these programs are only offered at other schools, not in Compton. I was very excited to hear that we will be learning about computer science, coding, and robotics. PLTW is a program that teaches students to become well rounded individuals.”

“Teachers are an important part of a student’s village,” said CUSD President Micah Ali. “They go far beyond teaching—they nurture, prepare, support and tear down barriers for our students. When that is done in excellence, such as with Ms. Nacua and her fellow PLTW awardees, that is something to honor and celebrate!”

“PLTW is proud to work with outstanding educators across the country who are inspiring and empowering our students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills,” Bertram said. “Joseline Nacua is an exemplary teacher, and we are proud to recognize her for her commitment to students.”

PLTW Summit, sponsored by Chevron, is the premier gathering for individuals dedicated to preparing students with the in-demand and transportable skills they need to succeed in college and careers. Guests will include PreK-12 educators, students, university leaders, and business and industry leaders.

Compton Unified School District is located in in the south-central region of Los Angeles County, California. CUSD encompasses the city of Compton and portions of the cities of Carson and Los Angeles. The district currently serves nearly 26,000 students at 36 sites and has emerged from a dramatic turnaround, marked by increases in student achievement rates, a graduation rate nearing 90% (according to the California Dashboard), facilities improvements, and a focus on STEAM throughout all schools. The mission of the Compton Unified School District is to empower leaders to lead, teachers to teach and students to learn by fostering an environment that encourages leaders and teachers to be visionary, innovative and accountable for the achievement of all students. For more information, visit http://www.compton.k12.ca.us

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 11,500 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.