Naveen Cunha, a teacher at Stephen F. Austin Middle School in Bryan, Texas, is being recognized as one of three finalists for the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) 2024 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. Cunha’s success in cultivating a robotics program for eighth graders has gained attention and interest both locally and nationally. Under his guidance, students have won awards at state and even national competitions.
Cunha’s journey into teaching started unexpectedly. After graduating with a degree in geology, he found few job opportunities in his field due to a decline in the oil market. Seeking a way to continue learning, he entered the world of education as a teacher. With 33 years of classroom experience, Cunha’s passion for teaching and fostering an interest in STEM subjects has been pivotal in his students’ success.
Cunha’s robotics program at Stephen F. Austin Middle School is a part of the Technology Student Association, a national group with over 300,000 members in middle and high school. The program has consistently qualified for the national competition and has even participated in international competitions, such as underwater robotics.
Through project-based robotics classes, Cunha emphasizes problem-solving and teamwork skills, which he believes can be applied to any career. His goal is to instill a desire for learning and to provide opportunities for students in the Bryan area.
Although Cunha is honored to be recognized as a finalist for the Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year award, he sees it as an opportunity to learn from other exceptional educators and share their insights with his own colleagues.
Whether he wins the award or not, Cunha’s impact on his students and the community is undeniable. His dedication to promoting STEM education and his success in developing a thriving robotics program are testaments to his commitment to teaching and inspiring young minds.
Sources:
– Original article: Alex Miller, The Bryan-College Station Eagle
– Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA)
– Stephen F. Austin Middle School
– Technology Student Association