Debbie Short, an instructor in Meridian Technology Center’s STEM Academy, was recently named an Outstanding Teacher by Project Lead the Way (PLTW).

PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science.

Short was among the more than 70 educators from across the nation recognized for their commitment to empowering students in PLTW programs. She will be recognized for her achievement at the PLTW Summit in Indianapolis, Indiana, on February 8-19, 2020.

“We are grateful to our teachers for their commitment to inspiring and empowering their students with the knowledge and transportable skills needed to thrive in our ever-changing world,” said PLTW Senior Vice President and Chief Programs Officer David Greer. “The PLTW Outstanding Teachers and PLTW Outstanding Educational Leaders are exceptional examples for inspiring the next generation of innovators.”

Instructors who receive this award have demonstrated a strong record of delivering an inspiring and empowering student experience in the classroom, engaging students in project- and problem-based learning, and expanding access to career learning.

Short has nearly 30 years as an educator. Her career began at Drumright Public Schools and has included teaching at Ponca City High School and Stillwater High School. In 2012, she became a PLTW teacher in Meridian’s Pre-Engineering Academy. She is a National Board Certified teacher and is qualified to teach Pre-AP Chemistry, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, Introduction to Engineering Design, Environmental Sustainability, Engineering Design and Development, and Computer Applications. In 2016, she was named a PLTW Master Teacher.

Meridian’s Pre-Engineering program engages high school students in collaborative, real-life activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms or exploring algae as a biofuel source. As students work together to imagine and design solutions to local and global challenges, they test their limits and question what’s possible.