AFA Announces 2008 National Aerospace Teacher of the Year

Arlington, VA – The Air Force Association today announced Leo Murphy, a teacher at Choctawhatchee and Crestview High Schools in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is the 23rd recipient of the prestigious National Aerospace Teacher of the Year Award.

Nominated by the AFA Hurlburt Chapter and the Florida State AFA, Murphy was singled out for developing an aviation institute program for middle and high school students. As Director, of the CHOICE Aviation Institute, Murphy introduces his students to the glamour of flight tempered by a solid grounding in aeronautical concepts.

“Through this award, AFA highlights the contributions of teachers in aerospace fields of study,” said S. Sanford Schlitt, Vice Chairman of the Board for Aerospace Education. “Leo Murphy is a great example of a teacher who creates enthusiasm among his students, and we’re happy to recognize him.”

“Good teachers make a big difference in the lives of young people,” said Mike Dunn, President of AFA. “This award is our opportunity to say thank you to Leo Murphy and teachers like him.”

Murphy incorporates guest speakers, field trips and hand-on activities to get his students excited about careers in aviation and aerospace. In addition to his teaching, Murphy developed a local, low-cost, college degree completion alternative that allows his students to live at home and attend nearby state junior colleges and universities to obtain an Associates of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics.

A 30-year career naval aviator, he accumulated over 4,000 flight hours and serves as an associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He has won numerous awards including the 2007 Innovative Excellence in Teaching Award from the 18th International Conference of Teaching, 2003 Embry-Riddle Distinguished Faculty Award and is the 2008 Air Force Association Florida State Teacher of the Year.

The National Aerospace Teacher of the Year award recognizes classroom teachers at the national level for their accomplishments and achievements in exciting K-12 students about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and preparing them to use and contribute to tomorrow’s technologies.

Contact: Ann Sagle at 703.247.5800 ext 4869 or asagle@afa.org

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