Rustin Teacher Awarded for Excellence in Teaching

Rustin Teacher Awarded for Excellence in Teaching

Theodore Harrison

Rustin High School technology education teacher Theodore Harrison was recently selected to receive Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union's (FMFCU) Delaware County Excellence in Teaching Award. FMCU bestows the award on educators they deem to be outstanding and innovative, who have made a positive impact through their work, dedication, and disposition.

Mr. Harrison has been with the West Chester Area School District (WCASD) for the past 11 years. He received his bachelor's degree in technology education from Millersville University.  When the district first hired Mr. Harrison, he split his time between Fugett Middle School and Rustin High School.

Harrison, a graduate of East High School, says his middle school technology education teachers at Fugett and East, inspired him to become a teacher. He has also served the Goshen Fire Company for the last 20 years as a volunteer firefighter and runs the Goshen County Fair.

"Ted Harrison is a consummate professional who is dedicated foremost to his students," says Dr. Paul Joyce, WCASD supervisor of science, health and physical education, family and consumer Science, and technology education.

"He provides students with an atmosphere of professionalism as they engage in skill development in the areas of literacy, numeracy, and STEM. He is innovative and creative, always moving education forward into the future. WCASD is very fortunate to have such a well established and respected teacher providing leadership for our technology education department."

Recipients of the award will receive a $500 cash grant, commemorative plaque, and $1,000 grant for their school.

"After discussing it with my students and Rustin principal, Dr. Marano, we are going to use the grant money to purchase a drum sander," says Mr. Harrison. "This machine will cut down on the time students spend sanding large flat parts, especially ones that can be used in our CNC Router and or Laser Engraver."

Mr. Harrison, along with the other 17 outstanding educators from across the area, will be honored at FMFCU's annual Partners in Education Celebration at the Drexelbrook Catering & Special Events Center in Drexel Hill on May 2.