Westosha Central teacher receives Project Lead the Way outstanding teacher award

Westosha Central High School teacher Kan Pai has been ecognized as one of only 103 teachers nationally to earn a 2024-25 Outstanding Project Lead the Way Teacher Award.

It recognizes educators who demonstrate a strong record of delivering an inspiring and empowering student experience while expanding access to Project Lead The Way programs and transforming teaching. PLTW recognized Pai for his work in the program’s engineering pathway.

Pai has been a teacher at Westosha Central High School since 2005 and teaches Project Lead the Way’s Engineering Essentials, Principles of Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture, PLTW Aerospace Engineering for students in grades nine through 12.

Pai said he felt “honored” to be recognized with the award.

“Westosha Central administrators were fully supportive of the program and I want to thank them. I had a lot of help from the technology and engineering department,” he said. “I especially (would) like to recognize the department head, Garrett Pongratz, whose expertise and knowledge helped me develop and grow.”

“I have a lot to live up to,” Pai said in receiving the award. “I will continuously try to improve the engineering experience that’s taught here so that it’s available and accessible to all students who are interested in the power of engineering. One does not have to be an engineer to appreciate it and to engineer things.”

Amy Koszarek, director of learning and innovation, said Pai has gone above and beyond to bring a strong and engaging Engineering program to the students of Westosha Central.

“Pai has a passion for engineering, and in three short years, he has grown a full engineering pathway for our students,” she said. “Our students are lucky to have him and his expertise.”

Students who enter the PLTW Engineering courses with Pai often find success based on their end-of-course assessments which, similar to the AP program, can translate to college credit for students. Several of the courses are transcribed with Gateway Technical College which allows students to earn college credit by passing the class in high school.

“One of the most important things we do at Project Lead The Way is recognize and celebrate impactful teaching and learning. Educators across our network are helping students become engaged in their learning while preparing them for careers and their future,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW president and CEO. “We recognize their exceptional leadership and congratulate them for making an impact, not only on their students, but within their school communities.”

Outside of the classroom, Pai advises the district’s SkillsUSA team and assists with the aviation program. Both clubs support engineering, creative thinking and problem-solving.

“Like all the teachers and staff here, the most rewarding part of my job is the day to day interactions with the students,” Pai said. “I’m a science teacher at heart and enjoy teaching them the applications of natural phenomena.”