By Gabbie Burton
Contributing Writer

Oxford Area High School teacher Scott Wooddell received national recognition from Project Lead the Way (PLTW) at the school’s March 23 faculty meeting. Wooddell was named PLTW Computer Science Teacher of the Year out of over 3000 submissions from across the country. 

PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that provides curriculum for STEM subjects including computer science, engineering and biomedical science. PLTW serves 2.5 million students and over 100,000 educators. PLTW focuses on activity, project- and problem-based instruction that emphasizes hands-on and student-led learning. Oxford has used the PLTW curriculum for 13 years. 

In his introduction at the award ceremony, principal Jamie Canaday credited Wooddell for his work and contributions to his students. 

“As an administrator who's worked with Scott for 20 years, I admire his passion for learning and his desire to have our computer science program on the cutting edge for our students,” he said. “But most importantly, over the past 10 years, Scott's vision for computer science is that every student has a seat in his class regardless of their background. He strategically added Project Lead the Way courses that allow for diverse students to take his classes, and he strives to break the stigma that computer science is only for the elite learner.”

Four of those students spoke at the award presentation and recognized Wooddell for his support and guidance. 

“Mr. Wooddell has been a cornerstone of my high school experience, as well as somebody who has supported me in pursuing my passions,” said senior Keenan Thomas. “Mr. Wooddell has inspired my interest in computers and technology in a way that I will never forget, even as a student in college and I believe that he will continue to do great things here at Oxford. Thank you and congratulations, Mr. Wooddell.”

PLTW CEO Dave Dimmett surprised Wooddell by coming to the meeting to present him with 

the award. PLTW gives out one Teacher of the Year Award for each of their disciplines which include computer science, engineering, bio-medical science and an elementary and middle school teacher of the year. Dimmett, a former teacher himself, explained that he visits each school and teacher who receives one of the awards. 

“I don't ever want to forget the value and importance of a classroom teacher and a group of teachers coming together in their community to serve young people,” Dimmett said. “By coming out to do this, it helps us see the community, talk to students, talk to other educators and it always positions our work right where it belongs, in the heart of a community.”

Wooddell gave his thanks to the school administrators for nominating him for the award and shared his feelings on the recognition, highlighting the students as his motivator. 

“I do this for the students,” he said. “I enjoy working with them, especially that bunch, those four kids that came up, I've worked with them for three, four years. That’s what’s kind of neat about doing a program like this, where many of the kids take more than one of my classes so I get to see a progression with them and build a relationship over time with students.”

Wooddell’s award comes with a $1,000 cash prize, a $2,000 prize for the school and an all- expenses-paid trip for him to attend the PLTW National Convention. Wooddell was also not the only Oxford teacher recognized by PLTW this year as engineering teacher Trevor Haney was awarded an outstanding teacher commendation from PLTW as well. 

While the PLTW engineering and computer science curriculum has been utilized at Oxford for several years now, this past year, the high school implemented the biomedical science curriculum and next year will be one of the first schools to add the new principles of AI course. 

Additionally at the meeting, the Citadel Heart of Learning Award was presented to Dana Webb, a ninth grade English teacher. Webb has been teaching at Oxford since 2017, initially beginning as a special education teacher. In the nominations from students, Webb was described as patient, kind, supportive and caring. Webb was surprised by the award and shared her thoughts after the presentation. 

“I can't stop shaking. It's wonderful, and I was completely surprised,” Webb said. “I love working with all the kids and being able to support them and be an advocate for them. It’s my favorite thing to do.”