Reginald Cole, right, was recently awarded Teacher of the Year from the state Technology and Engineering Educators’ Association by Joe Fili.

Reginald Cole of Cassadaga Valley Central School has recently been awarded Teacher of the Year from the state Technology and Engineering Educators’ Association.

The formal announcement took place at the group’s 63rd annual Conference at the SUNY Poly Tech Institute in Utica. Cole’s career in education began in 2007 at Perry Middle School, where he got students involved in GLOW Tech Wars which provided a platform for them to showcase their skills and ingenuity through a variety of technology-based challenges. He also initiated the district’s first Trap Shooting Club.

Eleven years later he took on a new position at Cassadaga Valley. Cole often coordinates with other teachers in the district by creating class activities at the same time. His students for example have worked with the Forestry Class to create laser engraved signs to identify trees on the surrounding woodland paths by the school as well as working with an elementary school to mass produce items for the writing program.

As president of the Regional Tech Ed Association, Cole spends much time preparing for the annual STEM Wars competition held at Northwest Arena in Jamestown.. Cole keeps abreast of changes in this curriculum by consistently attending the fall Tech Conference held at the State University at Oswego. He also utilizes local resources such as Koike Aronson where he recently took training for CNC Plasma cutting and has worked with the nonprofit Dream It Do It to learn more about manufacturing in the area which is a major source of employment.