I’ve found that living and learning through failures and triumphs alongside my students has been the greatest unexpected reward. Having my efforts and passion as a teacher recognized with this award is an honor that I am humbled to share with those who have supported my journey: the students I am privileged to serve, educators who challenge and inspire me, and loved ones who have cheered me onward. I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition as I continue to learn and grow as a teacher.

Joel Crowley Hershey, PA | K-6, Science, 2018

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Joel Crowley has been an educator at Milton Hershey School for 11 years. He currently serves as the first through fourth grade innovation lab instructor. As the innovation lab instructor, Joel developed new curriculum encompassing coding, robotics, computer science, digital citizenship, career and technical education, engineering, and design thinking. His projects include collaborating with NASA's student spaceflight experiments program that sends experiments to the International Space Station; building a 3D printed aquaponic greenhouse; growing and harvesting kale to create a kid friendly green smoothie; and learning about various career paths. Another of his project’s has engaged second graders in a design thinking project for improving baby goat enclosures for local farmers. Joel’s love of teaching extends beyond the classroom. He is a founding member of EdCamp Hersey, a teacher-led technology conference, and has served as an adjunct professor for Eduspire Solutions, teaching classes on EdTech tools and integrations. Joel has presented sessions on constructionist learning theory and design thinking at several conferences and published an article on design thinking in Educational Leadership. Joel earned a B.S. in education from Shippensburg University and a M.S. in education from Wilkes University. He is certified in kindergarten through sixth grade elementary education.

Know a great teacher like Joel Crowley?