2024-2025 Educator of the Year Award Winners!
LaQuinta Plunkett of Southwest Dekalb High School in Decatur, GA, is the 2024-2025 Digital Curriculum Educator of the Year! She specializes in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE), curriculum development, and technology integration. This year her students were state finalists in multiple Georgia Council on Economic Education competitions along with being Stock Market Game Congressional District regional winners. Her strong background in business, information systems, and workforce development enhances her ability to prepare students for success in today’s dynamic career landscape. To learn more about LaQuinta, and her approach to CTAE, check out this video:
Cynthia Lofts of Oregon Charter Academy in Mill City, OR, is the 2024-2025 Knowledge Matters Educator of the Year! She currently serves as an Advanced Mathematics and Business Management Teacher and Curriculum Developer, and has led initiatives that integrate mathematics with Career and Technical Education (CTE). What sets her approach apart is its integration with companion math courses, , creating a cohesive, cross-disciplinary experience. Capstone projects in these courses connect financial concepts with mathematical reasoning, helping students see the tangible impact of their learning in real-world career contexts. To learn more about Cynthia, and her unique integration of simulations into her core curriculum, check out this video:
Kelly Conwell of Kosciuszko Middle School in Hamtramck, MI, is the 2024-2025 Learning Blade Educator of the Year! She brings 22 years of experience to the classroom across varied disciplines, recently taking on a full-time STEM role, where she continues to spark student curiosity in early career exploration through innovative implementation strategies. Her certification in Project Lead The Way courses includes Automation & Robotics and Design & Modeling, and she has been a dedicated robotics coach, leading multiple teams through the years, including in the First Tech Challenge (FTC) competition. To learn more about Kelly, and how she brings career exploration to her classroom, check out this video:
See the complete list of Learning Blade State Educator of the Year Winners here!