On January 21, local news reporter Elaine Houston visited the New Lebanon Jr/Sr High School to interview technology teacher Rick Jason, named a 2014-2015 WNYT News Channel 13 Top Teacher.
In his nomination letter, Principal Matthew Klafehn wrote:
“As a technology teacher in an ever changing technological world, Mr. Jason understands that it is imperative that his elective programming be current and relevant. He also realizes the need to assist our students in developing skills that will be marketable both in college and in the workplace.
Instructionally, Mr. Jason is outstanding. His students are engaged in meaningful activities relevant to real world issues. A visit to his Principles of Engineering class might lead one to observe students creating and maintaining a hydroponic garden, surveying a site for a swimming pool or designing and fabricating a wind turbine. Meanwhile, a visit to his University Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) classes, might find students creating video gaming controllers, highway road signs, ping pong paddles or “next generation” bicycles. In Production Systems, students may be observed designing, mass producing and marketing a product from start to finish, eventually opening the product up to public shareholders.
No matter the course, the learning that takes place is top notch – and our students keep coming back for more.”
He also added that Mr. Jason’s nanoscale science classes are currently under consideration by the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering for accreditation. If approved this provide access to University level coursework for New Lebanon students, but also to other Capital District high schools interested in joining our classroom through Distance Learning technology.
The full segment aired on News Channel 13 on Wednesday, January 28, during the 5:30 p.m. broadcast. Watch the full story below.