Luke Becker Is Bringing NASA Education to Earth in K-12 Classrooms

The Air & Space Forces Association is proud to introduce Luke Becker of Armstrong High School in Plymouth, Minn., the third-place winner of our 2025 Thompson-Mallett National Teacher of the Year award. This national recognition, sponsored by Rolls-Royce, celebrates extraordinary K-12 classroom teachers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to promoting STEM and preparing students for the technologies of tomorrow.

Becker, an Agricultural Education, Technology Education, and CTE Coordinator with 15 years of teaching experience, has consistently gone above and beyond to integrate aerospace-related STEM topics and programs into his curriculum. His innovative approach and dedication have had a profound impact on his students, fostering a mentality that encourages real-world problem-solving and creative exploration.

“I believe the greatest contribution to my students is that I show them just a hint of things that are possible and then step back to let them explore,” Becker said. “I unlock the possibility and then let them kick down the door, at times making mistakes along the way.”

Becker embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication that AFA’s Teacher of the Year program seeks to recognize. His ability to connect complex STEM concepts to tangible, impactful projects, from designing prosthetic hardware for injured service members to developing microgravity washing machines for NASA, truly sets him apart from others. He is not just teaching; he is inspiring the next generation of aerospace and STEM leaders.

Becker’s programs have garnered national attention. His leadership of the NASA HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware) program at Robbinsdale Armstrong Center of Excellence has led to 11 National Design Finalist Teams and three projects currently being tested by NASA, including a Micro Gravity IV Administration system, a Lunar Worktable, and a Micro Gravity Washing Machine. Robbinsdale Area Schools was recently honored as a NASA HUNCH Center of Excellence, the fourth district in the nation to receive this designation.

“Mr. Becker is both a gifted communicator and master instructional designer. He has developed and taught multiple advanced-level courses, each intentionally constructed to immerse students in hands-on, meaningful learning experiences,” said Dr. Teri Staloch, the superintendent of Robbinsdale Area Schools. “His classroom is a hub of innovation—where theory meets real-world application, and where students are inspired to dream big and design boldly. What truly sets Mr. Becker apart is his unwavering belief in students and their limitless potential. He challenges, supports, and empowers them every step of the way. His influence extends far beyond the classroom—preparing future engineers, innovators, and leaders who will shape our world.”

Beyond the classroom, Becker coached a Shell Eco Marathon team that achieved remarkable success, becoming the only team ever to compete in all three fuel types (Internal Combustion, Battery Electric, Hydrogen Fuel Cell) in one year. In 2023, his team won the World Drivers Championship in the High School Overall, Ethanol Category, and Gas Time Trial, beating all but four colleges globally.

“Not getting it right the first time isn’t failure; it’s a valuable learning opportunity,” Becker said. “The best teams I’ve worked with had to struggle through problems, face setbacks, and resist the urge to give up.  When they pushed through and succeeded, they came out knowing they could conquer anything.”

Becker’s dedication to the teaching profession also extends to training other educators, conducting workshops on high-mileage vehicle design, World Food Prize, and NASA HUNCH, and contributing to textbooks on shop safety and electrical wiring.

“His leadership and mentorship have guided many students into STEM careers, teaching them problem-solving and life skills,” said Roman Hund, the president of AFA’s Minnesota E.W. Rawlings AFA Chapter 213, who nominated Becker for the award. “His work with NASA programs and fuel-efficient vehicle competitions has earned recognition across the Twin Cities, with his team even qualifying for the World Championships. He involves the whole family in his projects and the education process making a lasting impact on students and their families.”

For his outstanding achievements, AFA is presenting Becker with a $1,000 award. His recognition highlights the critical role educators play in shaping a technically literate workforce and inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.