Elkhorn STEM Teacher, Hank Chau, received a special surprise this morning. Surrounded by staff from the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) and colleagues from Elkhorn School, the District, and the Lodi USD Board of Education, Mr. Chau was informed that he had been named the North Central Valley STEM Center (NCVSC) Albert Brocchini Memorial STEM Teacher of the Year. This award was given to Mr. Chau to recognize his work to “engage students, including through projects using technology to find solutions to real-world problems.”
As Mr. Chau was presented with his award by SJCOE, Pat White, Elkhorn School Principal, shared that Mr. Chau has built a “really incredible program" with a great reputation and "Elkhorn students benefit from the coursework every day."
In the nomination application, Mrs. White wrote of how Mr. Chau “strives to bring the most innovative, real-life curriculum to his students each day.” Two students, Caden Cao and Haroon Abdulgader, who also nominated Mr. Chau, shared that he has “gone above and beyond with his teaching methods and truly enriched our STEM education at Elkhorn School” and “[they’ve] never had a bad day in Mr. Chau’s STEM class.”
Gary Knackstedt, Lodi USD Board Member, congratulated Mr. Chau and thanked him for setting a positive example of how effective teaching can be in person and online.
“You have your students’ complete attention. They’re busy. They may not be here [in person] but they’re here mentally,” said Mr. Knackstedt.
The North Central Valley STEM Center is a regional collaborative partnership of area leaders in education, industry, and business. This is the sixth year NCVSC issued an award. Mr. Chau received a cash award and custom-made plaque during the surprise classroom visit. Awards are sponsored by the NCVSC, Brocchini Farms, Kristine Brocchini, and the Cardenas family.