Joe Walsh named MiSTEM Region 2 STEM Integration Educator of the Year
Joe Walsh, 2020 - 2021 MiSTEM Region 2 STEM Integration Educator of the Year
If you read the Mirror regularly, you are probably familiar with Joseph Walsh, Manchester Jr./Sr. High School's and Riverside's Technology and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Teacher. In May we highlighted the eco-friendly business B.A.A.M. that grew out of his 8th grade STEM class and in June we covered the his new venture Caife Aspire in the Nellie Ackerson building, which will expand opportunities for student entrepreneurship. And now we are happy to report that his inspiring work with Manchester students combining STEM and business is now being recognized outside of our community!
Last week, Manchester Community School’s superintendent, Dr. Brad Bezeau, announced that Walsh has been selected as the 2020-2021 State of Michigan's MiSTEM Region 2 STEM Integration Educator of the Year. This is one of two awards presented this year for all of the MiSTEM Region 2 made up of Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties.
Dr. Bezeau stated, “Mr. Walsh is being recognized for his creativity, dedication, and passion for Entrepreneurial STEM and Technology teaching and learning.”
Mi STEM Region 2 Director, D. Scott Heister described the award, “The award recognizes an educator who has a consistent record of integration of STEM-principles and high-quality STEM-related experiences for students, with a focus on: promoting active learning and imaginative, critical, and independent thinking; developing a love of learning and appreciation for the relationship between STEM-based content and society; building resilience and helping students learn the advantages of “failing forward;” using design process thinking and STEM-based learning experiences; engaging with learners beyond the classroom and creating opportunities to address the individual needs of all learners; and using teaching techniques that are appropriate and effective with a wide variety of learning styles.”
Walsh responded, ”I am very excited and honored to receive this award. I’m thankful to be working in a district where we can be creative and innovative.”
Walsh began integrating STEM-based learning experiences when he worked with students ranging from Young 5’s to second grade, with a goal to help his students build an understanding of the world around them. His lessons began with simple “classic” STEM projects like building bridges and towers, which progressed to real world applications such as the creation of “buddy benches.”
He has been an educator for 9 ½ year. He joined Manchester Community Schools in 2019 so he could teach in the same district his own children attended, and he brought his love for teaching STEM with him. Since joining Riverside Intermediate School, Walsh has been able to expand his program.
“The students in the Intermediate building are working on many different projects that include the study of design and 3D printing,” Walsh shared. “There are many failures to start off with, and the students quickly learn that failure is just the precursor to success. We use the mottos, “Progress, Not Perfection,” and “Keep Moving Forward,” as our daily anthems.”
He also works hard to create an inclusive environment where all his students can thrive. Walsh notes, “One of my favorite stories is of one of my special needs students. He is a student with Down syndrome and at first, he struggled to find his fit in the class. Through the work of his aide, the special education teacher, myself, and a few caring students, we were able to help him find his strength. He loves being the center of attention, and with the permission of his family, he has become the official face for the students’ company, 'Iconic Designers LLC.' STEM can serve as a great testament to the ability of students to embrace each other’s differences and for those who may be different, it provides the opportunity to shine.”
Heister explained that there is a grant associated with the award. “The MiSTEM Region 2 STEM Integration Educator of the Year Award includes a $1000 grant to help increase Walsh’s impact around STEM education in his classroom and school. He plans to use the grant funds to expand programming for students in grades 3-6. Walsh currently provides some robotics experiences but would like to expand the scope of the robotics opportunities, including working with students to build underwater robots that would be able to pick up trash in the River Raisin, which runs through the Village of Manchester.”
In addition to receiving the $1,000 grant, Walsh will be recognized at the MiSTEM Recognition Ceremony with the date TBD due to the pandemic.
Dr. Bezeau concluded, “We recognize and congratulate him for engaging our Manchester students in challenging and meaningful educational instruction in STEM related areas and growing our course offerings and experiences in these critical fields."
This is the second year that the MiSTEM Region 2 STEM Educator of the Year and STEM Integration Educator of the Year awards have been given out. Notably, last year’s Region 2 STEM Integration Educator of the Year was also a Manchester Community Schools teacher! In 2020, Ellen Supers was recognized for her STEM education work at Luther C. Klager Elementary School.
Congratulations, Mr. Walsh and Manchester Community Schools!
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