Lincoln Middle School Teacher Receives National PLTW Recognition
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Patricia Hester-Fearon, an automation and robotics instructor, has been honored with the 2025–26 Outstanding Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Teacher recognition, a prestigious award given to a select group of educators nationwide.
Lincoln Middle School (LMS) is celebrating a significant achievement as Patricia Hester-Fearon has been named a 2025–26 Outstanding Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Teacher. The national honor, presented by PLTW, acknowledges educators who cultivate transformative learning experiences for students across the United States.
According to organizers, Hester-Fearon embodies the core values of the recognition through her dedication to innovative teaching, service-driven leadership, and a profound commitment to student success. At LMS, she equips students with essential skills—including critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical reasoning—through immersive, real-world PLTW projects designed to ignite curiosity and foster confidence.
Extending Impact Beyond the Classroom
Hester-Fearon’s influence extends far beyond the traditional classroom setting. She actively engages with the community through leadership roles in initiatives such as 4-H, the Robotics Club, and the STEM Club. These programs connect students with STEM professionals, facilitating career exploration and the development of crucial leadership and communication skills.
As an EcoSchools leader, Hester-Fearon has transformed the school’s garden into a dynamic “living lab,” where students can seamlessly integrate STEM principles with concepts of sustainability and climate action. This hands-on approach provides a unique learning environment that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Fostering Community and STEM Engagement
Recognizing the importance of strong school-community ties, Hester-Fearon organizes monthly Family Engagement nights. These events serve to strengthen connections between the school and local families while showcasing student accomplishments in PLTW and other academic areas. Her leadership has also been instrumental in guiding students to participate in a variety of high-profile STEM events, including the NJIT Elementary eSTEM Challenge, the Princeton Young Women’s Conference in STEM, the Hudson County STEM Showcase, the Rutgers Climate Change Summit, and the NJ State Middle School TSA Conference.
A Leader Among Educators
Hester-Fearon is also a respected leader within the educational community. She actively mentors colleagues, integrating PLTW principles across diverse subject areas and contributing to regional STEM networks. As a Wipro Science Education Fellow, she remains committed to continuous professional development, while simultaneously supporting the growth of other educators.
