MARTINSVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — The SAE Foundation has named Helen Howell the 29th recipient of the SAE International Award for Teaching Excellence Honoring Gary Dickinson.

The award, presented during a ceremony on May 1 at New College Institute, recognizes Howell’s decades-long commitment to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through the SAE A World In Motion (AWIM) program.

Howell, a longtime educator in Henry County and Martinsville City public schools, was awarded for her work with the hands-on AWIM curriculum, which has inspired thousands of students across the region to explore engineering concepts and innovative thinking.

“We are honored to be here with you today to recognize and celebrate Ms. Howell’s work over the years with thousands of students throughout the region,” said Joy Lancaster, SAE Foundation Development Officer.

She was joined by Bonnie Thibodeau, Senior Education Specialist with the AWIM program, to present the award.

Howell was nominated by Rachelle Linson, who praised her as “an outstanding teacher… very creative and [one who] looks for innovation.”

Linson noted that Howell’s work has been showcased at major national education conferences and has earned her students multiple awards in local, state, and national STEM competitions.

Certificates were also awarded to Henry County Public Schools and Martinsville City Public Schools in recognition of their support of Howell’s work.

With more than 40 years in education, Howell’s career includes service as a career and technical education instructor, adjunct professor, and director of the Martinsville/Henry County Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.

Her credentials span institutions including North Carolina A&T State University, UNC Greensboro, Duke University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Virginia.

The SAE International Award for Teaching Excellence Honoring Gary Dickinson was established in 2001 to recognize exceptional educators using the AWIM program to teach math, science, and engineering to middle school students.

The award honors the legacy of Gary Dickinson, a longtime General Motors executive and advocate for STEM education.

You can watch the full presentation ceremony here.

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