Colleagues,
Good News for Blackstone Valley Tech! Known for its remarkable Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program, Blackstone Valley Tech instructor Mr. Brian Rhodes, was named a 2024–25 National PLTW Engineering Teacher of the Year. He serves as Engineering & Robotics program team leader and the PLTW site coordinator We are pleased to share more information from Mr. Rhodes and our colleagues at BVT.
David
Instructor Brian Rhodes, from Blackstone Valley Tech, named a 2024–25 National
PLTW Engineering Teacher of the Year
Instructor Brian Rhodes, from Blackstone Valley Tech, named a 2024–25 National PLTW Engineering Teacher of the Year.
Our students and staff’s continuous and collective effort has earned consistent national recognition from Project Lead The Way (PLTW). The nonprofit organization has recognized BVT as a PLTW Distinguished School for seven consecutive years.
We’re proud to announce a new accomplishment earned by instructor Mr. Brian Rhodes, who was recently named a 2024–25 National PLTW Engineering Teacher of the Year.
This award recognizes educators from a nationwide pool of nominees who exhibit exemplary leadership and are committed to expanding STEM access while empowering students to develop key transportable and technical skills. Mr. Rhodes has earned this distinction for his work in the PLTW Engineering pathway.
Mr. Rhodes is the Engineering & Robotics program team leader and the PLTW site coordinator. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, he has made significant educational contributions, particularly in coaching students through VEX Robotics, FIRST Robotics, ARC Drone, and Skills USA competitions. His professional experience includes notable service in the United States Navy’s nuclear power program and works within the semiconductor industry, which complements his academic credentials. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering, an accelerated post-baccalaureate in mathematics, and a Master of Education in curriculum and teaching.
"We proudly join PLTW in celebrating and recognizing impactful teaching and learning that prepares students for their future careers," said BVT’s Superintendent-Director, Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick. "On behalf of our school community, we acknowledge Mr. Rhodes’ exceptional contributions and congratulate him for making an impact, not only with his students in the classroom but within our larger school communities.”
Surprise Recognition!
Mr. Rhodes was honored at a surprise PLTW award ceremony on October 22nd during Massachusetts STEM Week. Mr. Rhodes entered his classroom and was stunned to see students, staff, administrators, PLTW representatives, family, and special guests.
The event began with welcoming remarks from Vocational Director Dr. Matthew Connors. Gabrielle Gannon, a junior in the Engineering & Robotics program, and Carolyn Gallant, a 2020 graduate, also spoke highly about having Mr. Rhodes as a teacher. Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of PLTW, presented Mr. Rhodes with the Teacher of the Year award. Special guests included a citation of recognition presented by State legislators Aidan Doherty, District Director of the Office of Senator Rausch, Senator Ryan Fattman, and Representative Michael J. Soter. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from the Assistant Superintendent-Director/Principal, Mr. Anthony Steele.
Mr. Rhodes is proud to have earned the award and the recognition. He is incredibly pleased to see his students use their vocational training in their professional careers. BVT currently offers ten PLTW courses: six from the Engineering Pathway and four from the Computer Science Pathway.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira
It is an honor to be part of the PLTW community, which is united around a passion for providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities through its course offerings. We currently offer ten PLTW courses: five from the Engineering Pathway, three from the Computer Science Pathway, and two from the Biomedical Science Pathway.
instructor Mr. Brian Rhodes, who was recently named a 2024–25 National PLTW Engineering Teacher of the Year.
National PLTW Engineering Teacher of the Year
Oct 21 2024
Congratulations, Mr. Brian Rhodes!
Our students and staff’s continuous and collective effort has earned consistent national recognition from Project Lead The Way (PLTW). The nonprofit organization has recognized BVT as a PLTW Distinguished School for seven consecutive years. We’re proud to announce a new accomplishment earned by instructor Mr. Brian Rhodes, who was recently named a 2024–25 National PLTW Engineering Teacher of the Year.
This award recognizes educators from a nationwide pool of nominees who exhibit exemplary leadership and are committed to expanding STEM access while empowering students to develop key transportable and technical skills. Mr. Rhodes has earned this distinction for his work in the PLTW Engineering pathway.
Mr. Rhodes is the Engineering & Robotics program team leader and the PLTW site coordinator. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, he has made significant educational contributions, particularly in coaching students through VEX Robotics, FIRST Robotics, ARC Drone, and Skills USA competitions. His professional experience includes notable service in the United States Navy’s nuclear power program and works within the semiconductor industry, which complements his academic credentials. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering, an accelerated post-baccalaureate in mathematics, and a Master of Education in curriculum and teaching.
"We proudly join PLTW in celebrating and recognizing impactful teaching and learning that prepares students for their future careers," said BVT’s Superintendent-Director, Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick. "On behalf of our school community, we acknowledge Mr. Rhodes’ exceptional contributions and congratulate him for making an impact, not only with his students in the classroom but within our larger school communities.”
Surprise Recognition!
Mr. Rhodes was honored at a surprise PLTW award ceremony on October 22nd during Massachusetts STEM Week. Mr. Rhodes entered his classroom and was stunned to see students, staff, administrators, PLTW representatives, family, and special guests.
The event began with welcoming remarks from Vocational Director Dr. Matthew Connors. Gabrielle Gannon, a junior in the Engineering & Robotics program, and Carolyn Gallant, a 2020 graduate, also spoke highly about having Mr. Rhodes as a teacher. Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of PLTW, presented Mr. Rhodes with the Teacher of the Year award. Special guests included a citation of recognition presented by State legislators Aidan Doherty, District Director of the Office of Senator Rausch, Senator Ryan Fattman, and Representative Michael J. Soter. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from the Assistant Superintendent-Director/Principal, Mr. Anthony Steele.
Mr. Rhodes is proud to have earned the award and the recognition. He is incredibly pleased to see his students use their vocational training in their professional careers. BVT currently offers ten PLTW courses: six from the Engineering Pathway and four from the Computer Science Pathway.