2009 Innovation in Education Award Finalist

Charlotte Zaremba

Finalist: High Impact Teacher of the Year
Orange Coast Middle College High School
Newport-Mesa Unified School District

“As a teacher, my vision of  innovation in education involves taking advantage of opportunities to learn new skills and acquire new technologies and programs for my students.  There are so many opportunities for teachers to learn new technologies and bring them back to the classroom.” —Charlotte Zaremba, teacher

Program Description

Orange Coast Middle College High School science students study hydrogen fuel cell technologies, compose science songs using a pod casting channel, welcome guest speakers from local technical industries, and participate in the Orange County Robotics League.  Charlotte Zaremba not only participates in this nonprofit organization but coordinated a contest for Orange County students to create its new kid-friendly logo.    The OCRL gives students the opportunity for hands-on experience in solving technical problems and the ability to work well in teams.  Participating companies volunteer their time to support the development of robotics teams in an effort to promote the growth of future technical experts.

This year, the team has been giving back to the Orange County community as a demonstration of their commitment to promote community service in Orange County’s future workforce.  They have given robotics demonstrations to many local organizations as well as volunteering to assist an elementary school robotics team weekly in computer programming.

Ms. Zaremba’s team has been recognized at the San Diego Competition Regional, Vex Robotics World Finals, and the Small Manufacturer’s Institute, to name a few.  Students use mathematics calculations, computer programming, and communication skills in preparing for these competitions. They learn how to compete against teams from around the world, expanding their awareness of the importance of the global economy to Orange County’s business community.

What is the role of K-12 education in driving Orange County’s economic competitiveness?

”I think the role of educators in driving economic competitiveness in Orange County is to provide opportunities, such as robotics teams, for students to learn to work together to solve technical problems to meet a goal.”