Larson Teacher is a Finalist for the Air & Space Forces National Award

Larson Science Teacher Colleen Cain is the 3rd place winner for the National Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) National Aerospace/STEM Teacher of the Year. This award, presented in partnership with Rolls-Royce, recognizes exemplary achievements in promoting STEM education to students and colleagues at Larson.

Officials with AFA were impressed with Cain’s nomination, reading in part: “This award recognizes Colleen Cain’s exemplary achievements in promoting STEM education to the many youth and teachers with whom she works at Larson Middle School. The national Teacher of the Year selection committee was quite impressed with her varied STEM education leadership efforts which involve integrating a variety of science programs and beneficial collaborations with community and science organizations,” said Stephen K. Gourley, Vice Chair of the Board/Education Air & Space Forces Association. “Colleen is to be commended for the above and beyond commitment she gives so unselfishly to her students and other teachers to help prepare youth as the next generation’s national STEM workforce.”

This is something her colleagues at Larson know all too well. Says Larson Principal Brian Zawislak: “Colleen is a passionate 7th-grade science teacher from Larson Middle School in Troy, MI, who strives to inspire students by fostering three Cs which are her guiding points: collaboration, connection, and community. She has worked hard for the past 18 years to provide a variety of authentic science opportunities for her students.”

Cain was pleased and flattered to receive this award: “As an educator, my goal is to inspire the next generation of innovators and creators through unique learning opportunities. Incorporating community-based partnerships into the classroom helps students to become engaged, life-long learners. The 21st century skills necessary to be successful in the careers of the future include collaboration, critical thinking, and hands-on learning; my role as an AFA education ambassador is to collaborate with like-minded educators to build learning communities that develop these skills.”

The National AFA office will present Cain with a certificate and a $1,000 check in honor of her accomplishments. Concluded Gourley: “We do hope that you will continue to work with the MI AFA chapter and state to help the AFA shine even more brightly in STEM educational outreach. You can be a beacon of hope to other educators with whom the MI AFA works. Thank you for your stellar representation of educational excellence in our nation.”

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Photos courtesy of AFA and Troy Schools: 1 & 2 are of Colleen alone, 3rd is with Brigadier General (Ret) Doug Slocum, President of the Michigan Air and Space Force Association.