Pictured, OA’s Nathan Brown was recently named Region 43 Technology Teacher of the Year.
Veteran Owego Apalachin technology teacher Nathan Brown has been named Region 43 Teacher of the Year by the New York State Technology Engineering Educators Association (NYSTEEA). One teacher is selected as the region’s best each year, nominated from a large pool of Technology Education Teachers throughout Tioga, Broome, Chenango and Delaware counties.
“We’re extremely proud of Nate Brown here, and this recognition is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Dr. Bill Russell, OA superintendent of schools. “Nate provides great guidance to his students in the workshops and labs, but he also engages them in the classroom. What’s more, he makes connections with so many of our students through his commitment to the district with involvement in our performing arts program, and he sets a great example as a volunteer in the community.”
“Mr. Brown’s attributes as an educator fit the criteria for this award perfectly,” said Tom Beatty, principal at Owego Apalachin Middle School, where Brown is a member of his faculty. “When motivating kids to think and problem-solve, Nate’s one of the best I’ve seen. He constantly explores new ideas and approaches to enrich his students. He has high expectation for them, and they rise to meet his challenge. They really love being in his classes.”
“Teaching the basic fundamentals of hands-on machine use in middle school is very important for our students’ futures so they can use these skills in the real world,” said Brown, now in his 12th year at OA Schools. “Having the opportunity to have a hands-on classroom, allowing students to get out of their seats, to problem-solve, design, and be creative on their own, is so rewarding.”
Brown will be formally recognized with this honor at an NYSTEEA awards banquet in the spring.
Nate Brown was one of four nominees for this year’s award and was voted in by former state and regional teachers of the year.
When he is not in the classroom, you’ll find Brown taking part in many service-oriented activities throughout the community. He is a volunteer firefighter, and he plays a big, albeit unsung role in Owego Free Academy’s musical productions, as he runs the set- building crew and is the behind-the-scene manager. He is also a member of the Southern Tier Technology Engineering Educators’ Association and the New York State Technology Engineering Educators’ Association.
