Goshen High School Technology and Industrial Arts Teacher Dillon Johnson, an educator who has been with the district for five years, has been awarded “Regional Teacher of the Year” by the New York State Technology and Engineering Educators Association (NYSTEEA).
Johnson was nominated by his colleagues from the Long Island Technology and Engineering Educators Association, and presented with the award at the NYSTEEA Awards Ceremony on March 14.
“Mr. Johnson has made great strides since starting his career at Goshen High School just five years ago,” a statement from the NYSTEEA said.
Besides teaching Robotics and Woodworking, the tech and industrial arts teacher’s schedule also includes many computer-based classes, some of which are part of the Continuing Teacher and Leader Education Pathway where students can earn as many as 11 college credits. The program has grown to be incredibly popular, so he often teaches an extra class each day as part of his schedule.
In addition to his current course offerings, Johnson was one of the key developers of Science Technology Engineering, and Math (STEM) Day for Women.
This all-day outdoor event provided a variety of activities for girls to learn what STEM is all about, and the numerous opportunities it provides for them in the future. The NYSTEEA described the program, which is now an annual event that takes place in a neighboring school, as “exemplary.”
The Regional Teacher of the Year was also recognized for always being willing to help others in his department’s open STEM Lab, where there is an abundance of equipment that can be used for school projects.
After school, Johnson coaches the Girls Basketball Team and Robotics Club, and has recently become involved in a new high-tech student-based club, E-Sports, by hosting fundraising events. The students involved are involved in competitions such as Sports Games Madden and NBA 2K.
“There is nothing else I would rather be doing with my life,” Johnson said. “Having the opportunity to be a part of this special community we call Goshen and to have the opportunity to impact these kids’ lives every day is an honor. Obviously this recognition is amazing, but in the end, if it wasn’t for my students, I would have never been able to achieve this — so I give a big ‘thank you’ to them.”