Meet our 2026-27 National PLTW Teachers and PLTW Administrator of the Year Awards Winners!  

Robert & Patricia Kern PLTW Teacher of the Year

Cheryl Tamayo

Arlington High School | Riverside, CA

A 20-year veteran educator, Cheryl Tamayo serves as the Biomedical Science Program Coordinator at Arlington High School, specializing in Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum. Raised in an underserved community, Cheryl’s personal journey drives a deep commitment to expanding equity and access in advanced STEM education. Over the past decade, she has taught all four PLTW Biomedical Science courses, established community college articulation agreements for three of them, and successfully championed Principles of Biomedical Science to fulfill core high school graduation requirements. By moving away from traditional classroom lectures in favor of student-led, inquiry-based discovery, Cheryl empowers students to become independent critical thinkers prepared for postsecondary success.

In addition to classroom innovation, Cheryl actively cultivates partnerships with regional industry leaders and collaborates with district personnel. “This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our district’s CTE department, whose dedication to Career Technical Education ensures our students have the tools, resources, and real-world connections they need to thrive,” she said.

This recognition reflects Cheryl’s ongoing commitment to expanding STEM opportunities, connecting classroom learning to real-world careers, and helping all students reach their full potential.

National PLTW Launch Teacher of the Year

Tameko Wilson

Liberty STEAM Charter School | Sumter, SC

Tameko Wilson serves as the Lead STEAM Enrichment Teacher for fourth- and fifth-grade students at Liberty STEAM Charter School. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has taught across elementary, middle, and high school settings and holds a Bachelor of Science from Morris College and a Master of Education in Technology in Education from Lesley University.

Tameko's PLTW journey began in 2014 when she launched PLTW Gateway programs in Automation and Robotics and Medical Detectives. Now in her fourth year teaching PLTW Launch, she creates hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to ask questions, solve real-world problems, and build confidence through the engineering design process. Her classroom emphasizes curiosity, perseverance, and the understanding that mistakes are an important part of learning.

National PLTW Gateway Teacher of the Year

Nancy Junkins

Whitesburg Middle School | Huntsville, AL

Nancy Junkins has been an educator with Huntsville City Schools since 2007 and currently leads Greenpower and Project Lead The Way programs at Whitesburg Middle School. During her career, she has taught seventh- and eighth-grade mathematics while developing a passion for hands-on STEM education.

Nancy holds degrees from Wallace Community College, Athens State University, and Grand Canyon University. She mentors multiple student STEM teams, including Greenpower and VEX Robotics, and is committed to helping students develop critical-thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Through PLTW experiences, she encourages students to explore new possibilities, build confidence, and discover future career pathways.

National PLTW Computer Science Teacher of the Year

Shawn Volk

Little Chute Career Pathways Academy | Little Chute, WI

Shawn Volk has been a mathematics teacher in Wisconsin for 34 years, including 32 years in the Little Chute Area School District. He earned degrees in mathematics, mathematics education, and educational leadership and achieved National Board Certification in Adolescent and Young Adulthood/Mathematics in 2004.

One of the most meaningful accomplishments of Shawn's career has been helping found the Little Chute Career Pathways Academy in 2011, where he has helped students connect their education to their interests, abilities, and future goals. Through PLTW computer science, Shawn encourages students to use technology to solve problems, create meaningful projects, and become lifelong learners. Outside the classroom, he serves as an assistant coach for the school's VEX Robotics team.

National PLTW Engineering Teacher of the Year

Jessica Hershey

Lyman High School | Sanford, FL

Jessica Hershey brings a unique combination of experience in architecture, engineering, design, and education to her classroom. A registered architect in Florida, she earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland at College Park and spent several years managing architectural projects in both the private sector and with the U.S. General Services Administration.

In 2021, Jessica transitioned to career and technical education at Lyman High School's Academy of Engineering, where she teaches Civil Engineering and Architecture, Environmental Sustainability, and Applied Engineering using PLTW-based curriculum. She is especially proud of creating "Shred the Shed," a collaborative project that brings together engineering and building trades students to design and construct a sustainable tiny home. Beyond the classroom, Jessica remains active in graphic design, photography, and community service.

National PLTW Biomedical Science Teacher of the Year

Candace Barton

Bozeman High School | Bozeman, MT

Candace Barton has dedicated the past 27 years to education. She is dual certified as both a Health Enhancement and CTE/Biomedical Science instructor and serves as Health Science Department Leader at Bozeman High School. Candace has taught Human Body Systems since the course was first offered at the school in 2010 and has taught Biomedical Innovations for the past three years.

Candace values the opportunity to use PLTW coursework to help students discover their passions and fuel their curiosity. She strives to create a student-centered classroom where students feel safe and valued while building confidence in challenging coursework and career-readiness skills. Outside the classroom, Candace enjoys biking, hiking, and skiing in the mountains surrounding Bozeman.