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AFA Announces 2009 National Aerospace Teacher of the Year
AFA announces William L. Austin, a dedicated teacher at Pocalla Springs Elementary School, Sumter, SC, as the 24th recipient of the
prestigious National Aerospace Teacher of the Year Award.
Nominated by the Swamp Fox Chapter #298 and the South Carolina AFA, Austin uniquely combines his roles as an elementary teacher, an adjunct
college professor and an Air Force veteran, who served 21 years. Austin’s teaching career began as a favor to a harried educator who
requested he watch over a class for awhile in the absence of the substitute teacher. Instead, he discovered his calling.
He strongly believes in the importance of education, particularly the need for quality science and math education that is the underpinning
of aerospace development and many other professions. In a 15-year teaching career, he has instilled a love of learning and science in many
students. He also shares his practical knowledge with other upcoming science teachers as an adjunct professor at the College of Charleston
and formerly at the Citadel Military College.
“Congratulations to William Austin, an excellent teacher. He is AFA’s National Aerospace Teacher of the Year,” said S. Sanford Schlitt, Vice
Chairman of the Board for Aerospace Education. “He creates enthusiasm among his students, generates interest in science and inspires other
teachers by his example.”
“William Austin is making a difference in many young lives, and we’re proud to recognize his dedication,” said Mike Dunn, President of AFA.
“We appreciate William Austin, the many other fine nominees for this award, and so many good teachers across the country, whose work will
influence our nation’s future.”
Austin holds a BA in Education from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s from South Carolina State University. He also studied
Aerospace Technology at the Community College of the Air Force.
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 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and preparing them to use these skills
and contribute to tomorrow’s technologies.
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