Eastern Center For Arts & Technology Instructor Receives 'New Teacher Of The Year' Award

WILLOW GROVE, PA — An instructor from the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology has received a significant recognition for his work.

Mike Refsnider, Eastern's networking and cybersecurity instructor, was presented with the citation last week during an event attended by State Sen. Maria Collett, a Montgomery County Democrat.

The Region I Association for Career and Technical Education New Teacher of the Year Award is given to only one teacher in all of Region I, which covers Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia.

Collett was on hand late last week to present Refsnider with a Pennsylvania Senate citation congratulating Refsnider for the accolates.

"We are proud of Mr. Refsnider's accomplishments and grateful to see him recognized in this capacity," Cathleen Plesnarski, Eastern's executive director, said in a statement.

Plesnarski said that the school was pleased that Collett came to honor Refsnider, saying that the senator has been a long-time supporter of Eastern, and was instrumental in helping the school to secure funding to purchase vans needed to transport students.

"She is always willing to take time out of her busy schedule to support our school, staff, and students," Plesnarski stated.

The citation presented by Collett recognizes Refsnider's work in making a difference in the lives of his students.

"He demonstrates dedication, care, and leadership and masterfully prepares his students for the challenges to come throughout their lives," the citation reads in part. "Mr. Refsnider rightly earns deep respect, admiration, and gratitude for his tireless commitment to the education of the young people of his Commonwealth."

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology offers specialized career training for students from the communities of Abington, Bryn Athyn, Cheltenham, Hatboro-Horsham, Jenkintown, Lower Moreland, Springfield, Upper Dublin and Upper Moreland.