Three High Point technology teachers receive awards

High Point — Two High Point Regional High School teachers received $10,000 awards from the Martinson Family Foundation for outstanding dedication and innovation in the field of technology education. Ben Kappler and Stephen Peltier, who teach technology at High Point, won the Innovative Technology Educator Award. The foundation aims to advance professional activity in the field of technology education. Benefits of this program are an increased recognition for the area of technology education and the education profession. Peltier was selected because of his work with architectural design and computer animation, and for his participation in the Systems and Global Engineering Project (SAGE) sponsored by Stevens Institute of Technology. Both he and Kappler have demonstrated leadership and innovative practice in the area of technology education. A selection committee of five representatives of the field of technology education in New Jersey, selected Peltier and Kappler as two of five winners this year. The awards were presented at the Technology Educators Association Conference and Expo Awards Banquet. “Both teachers are highly regarded in New Jersey for their contribution to High Point’s award-winning program,” said Mark Wallace, supervisor of technology studies at the school. “Mr. Martinson recognizes that technological studies programs will assist President Obama’s efforts to increase innovation in the United States. As a venture capitalist he supports technological innovation. Once the Business community understands the benefit of Technology Education, they will want every district to offer Technology Education programs.” Muller recognized for dedication The NJ Technology Education Association recently awarded High Point teacher Dan Muller with the High School Technology Teacher Excellence Award for dedication to students, curriculum development and teaching style. “Mr. Muller has been instrumental in improving the curriculum in the Technological Studies Department at High Point,” said Wallace. “Muller has designed and implemented our biotechnology course offering. Enrollment has doubled and the students are designing and building solutions to problems related to bio fuels, hydroponics, and environmental technology.” Muller also teaches material processing courses and construction and manufacturing. “He knows how to design situations relevant for today’s students so they are technologically literate,” said Wallace.