Monroe School District is proud to share that Brad Beyer, our dedicated Monroe High School Aerospace Manufacturing/Robotics Teacher and Robotics Club Advisor, has received the esteemed 2023 Teacher of the Year award from the local Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Ward Roney Jr. Post 7511.

The VFW Citizenship Education Teacher Award honors educators for their outstanding contributions to citizenship education. Each year, local VFW posts accept nominations and carefully select a teacher who exemplifies excellence in citizenship, passion, resources, and innovation, designating them as the Teacher of the Year. These local awardees then advance to the state level for further recognition.

A Marine Veteran himself, Mr. Beyer has made significant enhancements to the Aerospace Manufacturing and Robotics program at Monroe High School. Through his proactive efforts in securing grants, he has provided the students with cutting-edge equipment such as CNC machines, 3D printers, and GlowForge, along with technology that ensures hands-on experiences aligning with future career paths beyond high school. Additionally, Mr. Beyer has revamped the curriculum to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in the dynamic manufacturing industry.

Mr. Beyer's unwavering passion for teaching is evident in his commitment to his students' success. He goes above and beyond to offer work-based learning opportunities, organizing field trips for students to visit industry partners, such as local sheet metal shops and the Everett Community College Advanced Manufacturing Technology Education Center. Furthermore, he facilitates classroom visits from industry leaders like Boeing, offering students valuable insights directly from professionals in the field.

As a testament to his dedication, six students under Mr. Beyer's guidance earned their CorePlus certification (Aerospace Manufacturing) and secured employment at Boeing upon graduation, setting them apart in the workforce. Mr. Beyer's impact extends beyond the classroom, as he also leads the MHS Robotics team. Under his guidance, the team achieved historic success, earning a spot in the District Championship competition at Eastern Washington University last year, a first in Monroe High School's history. This year, they have garnered two finalist trophies, finishing as 3rd and 5th Alliance Captains. Additionally, they were recognized as the 4th most improved team globally by Statbotics, highlighting their remarkable progress.

Monroe School District thanks Mr. Brad Beyer for his phenomenal contributions to education and celebrates his well-deserved recognition as the 2023 VFW Teacher of the Year. His dedication and leadership continue to inspire students and contribute to the school's success in the fields of manufacturing and robotics.