A Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) technology education teacher has been named Educator of the Year by the Wisconsin Technology Education Association (WTEA).
Tom Andreska, who teaches tech ed at Merrill High School, was nominated by his colleagues for the award. He has served as a tech ed teacher for 29 years, all of them in Merrill.
“I am honored to receive this award from WTEA, and want to thank my friends and colleagues for their nominations and support,” said Andreska. “I consider this award a true team effort, and it would not have been possible without the terrific staff members we have in the tech ed department at Merrill High School, as well as at Prairie River Middle School.”
The WTEA is made up of educators who want to improve technology education at all grade levels throughout Wisconsin. Consisting of many different agencies, including public and private schools and correctional institutions, the association provides professional development opportunities, promotes relevant curriculum, communicates important information and fosters connections between schools and industry.
Andreska will receive his award at the WTEA annual convention in Wisconsin Dells on March 8. He was selected by the organization’s Awards Committee after being nominated by several of his fellow educators.
“This is an outstanding award not only for myself, but for our school district as a whole,” Andreska said. “It serves as validation that we have so many positive things happening in Merrill, and the community should be proud of its local schools. We have an excellent technology education program here, which helps prepare students for life beyond graduation.”