When Geoffary Estes first went to college, he wanted to work for NASA, designing planetary science missions for the inner planets. But the more experience he gained working with students in the planetarium, and making friends with education majors, he knew he wanted to become a teacher.
“Now I can’t imagine myself ever being anything other than an educator for however long I’m on this Earth,” Estes said.
The technology and education teacher at Harrisonburg High School was recognized for his passion for teaching — winning teacher of the year for Harrisonburg City Public Schools.
Estes taught in Harrisonburg for 16 years but started in Athens, Ga. This fall will mark his 28th year in teaching.
Estes teaches technology and engineering courses, including many STEM Governor’s Academy engineering and robotics courses. He also helps run the Technology Student Association, the Electric Vehicle Grand Prix program and the robotics team.
“My favorite part of being a teacher is really the relationships that I build with the students I interact with every day,” Estes said. “Getting to know that drives them for success and helping them reach their goals, that’s what really drives me.”
This year, Estes traveled to Abu Dhabi with the HHS EV Grand Prix Team and helped his students present capstone projects to the James Madison University engineering department. But all his students, he said, performed above and beyond what was expected of them.
Estes said he was honored to be chosen as teacher of the year, especially when “every single one of us in the teaching profession … should be recognized.”
He was honored at the June 4 Harrisonburg City School Board meeting, where Director of Human Resources Jeremy Weaver read statements from submissions for the teacher of the year nominations.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mr. Estes for five years, and in that time, I’ve witnessed his unwavering commitment to excellence in education,” HHS Principal Melissa Hensley wrote. “He’s not just a dynamic teacher who inspires his students to achieve their full potential, but also a beacon of passion for teaching. His dedication to his craft is evident in the way he engages students in the learning process and creates a positive and inclusive classroom environment.”
Erich Sneller, assistant director of the HHS STEM Academy, wrote that Estes loves to learn, and has taught 40 courses throughout his career. Sneller said teaching alongside Estes is a “special professional privilege” he doesn’t take for granted.
Myron Blosser, director of the HHS STEM Academy, wrote that Estes is “a master at his craft.”
“He’s blended the art of compassion and caring while holding students to high standards in a way that is endearing and motivational,” Blosser wrote. “He’s loved by his students and deeply respected by his peers. We are all better people and educators because of Geoff’s influence.”
Estes said he approaches learning to help his students dream big and be successful in everything they do — regardless of their path in life.
“Everything we do in life is a process, and learning is an incredible process and we never stop it,” Estes said. “I hope that I can deliver to them a love for life-long learning through problem-solving.”