Southeast Community College
and Career Academy Instructor Dan Nickel was presented with the 2020 Air Force
Association State Teacher of the Year Award, as well as the Lincoln Chapter
Teacher of the Year Award. Nickel teaches Instructional Technology courses and
sponsors The Career Academy’s three Cyber Patriot teams.
“I am honored and blessed to
be included within such an elite group of educators,” Nickel said upon
receiving the awards.
Annually, the Air Force
Association chapters worldwide recognize teachers at both the chapter and state
levels. The Teacher of the Year program recognizes classroom teachers for
their accomplishments and achievements in educating K-12 students about
science, technology, engineering, and math. Additional criteria for the
award includes preparing students to contribute to tomorrow’s technologies.
“It’s a unique opportunity for AFA
to recognize and reward outstanding teachers who are furthering excellence in
the classroom,” said Diane Bartels, Aerospace Education vice president for the
Lincoln chapter. “Dan has solicited equipment donations from local businesses
for special student projects, facilitated industry-sponsored scholarships and
assisted students in finding summer internships.”
Nickel
received a certificate, Air Force Association merchandise and a check for
$1,000 to be used in the classroom.