Roy Rosnik, Project Lead the Way Teacher, Applications and Research Laboratory

November 9th, 2016

Veteran technology education and engineering teacher Roy Rosnik is widely recognized for his teaching and leadership in the field. His many achievements, however, boil down to following a simple mission: “I want my kids, when they leave school, to make life better for people, no matter the path they choose.” Now at the Applications and Research Laboratory (ARL), Rosnik helps students from around the county discover their engineering interests and potential through the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Aerospace Academy.

Aerospace Academy projects and lessons cover a wide variety of topics, including modern electronic device circuit design; robotic programming; virtual design problem-solving with a partnering Frederick County high school; airplane and rocket design; and calculations of satellite orbits. Their work is supported by advanced equipment like laser cutters, 3D printers and more.

“Project Lead the Way is neat because to complete the job, students need to develop a series of skills first,” Rosnik said. “There’s always a project that gives students a reason why they’re learning the information.”

Rosnik enjoys helping students discover engineering’s many possibilities. In his words, “The students who come to the Aerospace Academy are so engaged. They’re here to figure out their favorite parts of engineering.” Some of his students meet weekly to build small rockets through a rocket club Rosnik created and advises. He also played a major role in developing the Women in Engineering Day event at ARL last school year to encourage young women to pursue an interest in engineering.

Throughout the years, Rosnik has overseen the modernization and launch of several programs: the wood shop to technology education transition at Hammond Middle School; the opening of Marriotts Ridge High School’s technology education program; and last year, the introduction of the new Aerospace Academy. And after helping to develop curriculum at the state level, he also implemented the Foundations of Technology class systemwide as the main technology education graduation requirement.

Rosnik’s technology education leadership extends to the state and national level. He is a master teacher of the Introduction to Engineering Design course to new PLTW teachers across the country, has written curriculum at the national level, and served as president of the Technology and Engineering Educators Association of Maryland. His national and state awards include Middle School Technology Education Teacher of the Year, High School Technology Education Teacher of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement in Teaching.

“Roy is a highly respected teacher at national, state and local levels,” Coordinator of Career and Technology Education Sharon Kramer said. “He’s pushed us forward in the area of engineering and technology education, and has a very powerful impact on his students.”