Bartlett High teacher lauded as state's top technology educator

Bartlett High School teacher Gary Cotie has been named the 2016 High School Teacher of the Year by the Technology Education Association of Illinois.

Cotie, a Project Lead the Way teacher, was recognized Monday night by Elgin Area School District U-46 school board.

Cotie has been teaching at Bartlett for 15 years and was co-initiator of the high school's Project Lead The Way implementation in 2007-08. It led to one of the state's largest districtwide implementations of Project Lead The Way science, technology, engineering and math curriculum at the high school and middle school levels.

"It's important to listen," he said. "You've got to listen to your students, other staff members ... there's always something you can learn everyday."

Cotie thanked everyone who supported him over the years and said he will be retiring at the end of this school year.

Project Lead The Way provides pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science while engaging students in hands-on activities, projects and problems.

"Mr. Cotie creates relationships with his students that maximize their abilities and is a leader in his field," Bartlett High Principal Mike Demovsky said. "Not only is he a dynamic teacher of students, he is also a teacher of teachers. He continually seeks out new opportunities to better himself in order to stay at the top of his craft in the classroom. Bartlett High School could not be prouder."

The TEAI 2016 High School Teacher of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding technology teacher with at least five years of experience, who keeps current with developments in technology education to upgrade classroom curriculum or activities. The recipient must be active in professional organizations and maintain a positive rapport with students, faculty, administration and the industrial community.

"Gary's drive to help students succeed is very evident, and students value the way he treats them professionally and encourages them to meet high standards of academic rigor, career preparation and professional demonstration of their efforts," said Brenda Pacey, Illinois Project Lead The Way affiliate director, who nominated Cotie. "He is also friendly, down-to-earth and always shining the spotlight on his students and colleagues."

Cotie also has been involved with business partners, VEX Robotics team advising, and other community outreach programs, she said.