The Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that Jessie Butcher has been recognized with an Outstanding Industry Educator award for her dedication in the classroom. Butcher is a teacher at James Rumsey Technical Institute, where she teaches applied engineering and robotics classes. Butcher will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement. She will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia. Procter & Gamble Company, a Gold Patron, along with Technimark, a Bronze Patron, are sponsors of the 2022 awards.
“Jessie Butcher is one of the most committed educators with whom I've had the opportunity to work,” notes Donna Van Metre, Director of the James Rumsey Technical Institute. “Her philosophy of learning is clearly evident when entering her classroom. To best support her students, Mrs. Butcher continues to pursue industry certifications that she can apply to the curriculum. She has earned certifications in FANUC (industrial robotic arm) as well as FAA Part 107 (for drones). Jessie has expanded the after-school robotics teams to include not only high school teams, but also elementary school, middle school, and university teams. These teams often work together in the same classroom, where they can develop and hone their skills through collaboration, mentoring, and problem solving.”
Launched in 2020, the Emerging Elite in Manufacturing and Outstanding Industry Educator awards celebrate the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia. "Jessie Butcher has inspired countless students to discover their talents and to persist in developing them through real world, project-based learning,” said Program Director Monica Cross, who oversees the Explore the New Manufacturing Program on behalf of the West Virginia Manufacturing Association Educational Fund’s efforts to create student awareness and excitement about careers in manufacturing and the training opportunities for these positions in their local areas. “A highly respected educator in the world of robotics, Mrs. Butcher navigated multiple covid-related constraints to provide her students the opportunity to take on a Manufacturing Innovation Challenge project with Quad Graphics to much success. The Explore Team is fortunate to work with such a devoted educator and is honored to recognize her commitment with this award."
OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY EDUCATOR awardees are making positive impacts in the classroom. Student success is often the result of a dynamic teacher who inspires pupils to work harder to pursue a rewarding future. Awardees have championed students in manufacturing-related technical and STEM courses and participate in the Explore the New Manufacturing or other affiliated programs.
Butcher’s award is part of Explore’s Emerging Elite in Manufacturing and Outstanding Industry Educator awards. Profiles of all award recipients will be available on the Explore the New Manufacturing website after they have been announced. https://www.exploremfgwv.com/awards
