Recent Press

Press Releases, News & Updates from Explore and all of our education efforts.

Chuck Parker Receives 2021 Outstanding Industry Educator Award

Chuck Parker Head ShotThe Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that Chuck Parker has been recognized with an Outstanding Industry Educator Award in the middle school division for his dedication in the classroom.  Parker, a teacher at Charles Town Middle School, works with students to explore pathways available in career and technical education.  Parker will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement.  He will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia. 

“Chuck is a dedicated and student centered CTE teacher at Charles Town Middle School. His passion for Career and Technical Education is evident in his everyday teaching. Students in Chuck's classes learn coding, robotics, and programming, among other CTE interests. His students become proficient in these standards while utilizing curriculum elements such as NexRobotics, Code.org, and educational Minecraft,” Nicole V. Reed, Assistant Principal, Charles Town Middle School. 

Launched in 2020, the Emerging Elite in Manufacturing & Outstanding Industry Educator Awards celebrate the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia. “Chuck’s students have participated in multiple Explore Academies and What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Student Video Contests in the Eastern Panhandle. He provides innovative learning experiences for his middle school students, and we are honored to celebrate Chuck for his steadfast commitment,” Monica Cross, Program Director of Explore the New Manufacturing. 

OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY EDUCATOR Awardees are making positive impacts in the classroom. Student success is often the result of a dynamic teacher who inspires pupils to work harder to pursue a rewarding future. Awardees have championed students in manufacturing related technical and STEM courses and are involved in the Explore the New Manufacturing or other affiliated programs.       

Parker’s award is part of the 14-day awards announcement series. Join us daily at noon as the Explore Team rolls out the 2021 recipients of the Emerging Elite in Manufacturing and the Outstanding Industry Educator Awards.  Profiles of all award recipients will be available on the Explore the New Manufacturing website after they have been announced. https://www.exploremfgwv.com/awards

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