For Immediate Release
June 21, 2011

AFA Announces 2011 National Aerospace Teacher of the Year

Arlington, VA – The Air Force Association (AFA) today announced Nancy Hoover, a dedicated educator at L.C. Bird High School, Midlothian, Virginia, is the 26th recipient of the prestigious National Aerospace Teacher of the Year Award.

Hoover will receive a $3,000 cash award and plaque at the AFA Field Awards Celebration Dinner on Saturday, September 17 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center near Washington, DC. Also, earning cash awards of $2,000 and $1,000 respectively for second and third place are Lori Bradner of Florida and Thomas E. Jenkins, Jr., of Ohio.

Hoover is a high school teacher with 15 years of experience, exclusively in the physical sciences with a solid focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Over the years, she increased her capability to teach complex subject matter by earning a PhD and obtaining specialized training. She currently stands as the Specialty Center Coordinator at the Governor’s Academy for Engineering Studies at LC Bird School.

Having worked in the classroom since 1996, Dr. Hoover uses her skills and abilities, along with innovative teaching tactics, to meet the challenges that many educators who strive to make a difference in their student’s lives encounter. Sponsoring student teams for robotic programs, the Physics Olympics and NASA’s Student Launch Initiative, Dr. Hoover looks for the maximum opportunity to grant successful experiences for her students.

Dr. Hoover established a series of “Brown Bag Seminars”, providing an interactive forum that allows students to ask questions of teachers, parents and guests related to life and professional STEM experiences and future STEM career opportunities. She also established an aerospace curriculum to further increase her school’s academic offerings, for which she consulted with subject matter experts, developed objectives and created lesson plans to provide a quality product.

“Congratulations to AFA’s newest National Aerospace Teacher of the Year, Nancy Hoover ,” said George Muellner, Vice Chairman of the Board for Aerospace Education. “The depth and breadth of her professional experience and enthusiasm for promoting STEM among today’s students make her a strong educator and a true asset. Her students will be well equipped for a successful future, no matter what career and college paths they choose. We appreciate Dr. Hoover and the many dedicated educators across the country who are making significant differences in the lives of their students.”

The National Aerospace Teacher of the Year award recognizes classroom teachers at the national level for their accomplishments and achievements in building enthusiasm among K-12 students about STEM, and preparing them to use these skills and contribute to tomorrow’s technologies.

For more information on the National Aerospace Teacher of the Year program, contact Mary Nauheimer at MNauheimer@afa.org.

The AFA is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has over 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing 120,000 members.

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