This past Friday, Meeker Middle School science and robotics teacher Neeraj Agnihotri received the Washington Education Association (WEA) Human and Civil Rights Award for Student Involvement. “Your dedication and innovation as an educator at Meeker are truly inspiring and we want to recognize your consistent work in cultivating a culturally responsive learning environment that directly impacts your students, building and the broader Kent community,” the WEA said.
Neeraj has taught at Meeker for the past seven years, and in her time has either implemented or presented a myriad of inclusive STEM based opportunities for her students. At Meeker, Neeraj runs the Unified Robotics program, which pairs neurodiverse students with typically developing students in ongoing Lego robotics competitions throughout the year. Some of her students participate in the Michael P. Anderson Aerospace Program at the Museum of Flight, which is a free program for middle school students designed to inspire and engage them in STEM and celebrates the contributions of the BIPOC community to aviation and space. With Neeraj’s help, some students also participated in the STEM track program at Pacific Lutheran University, aimed at empowering girls to discover and pursue STEM careers. Neeraj also has plans to start a coding club for girls at Meeker next year to get them more interested in STEM as well. “As much as possible, I want them to apply what they learn in class to outside the classroom,” Neeraj said.
Neeraj’s commitment to her students is unwavering. “I’ve invested lots of my time in learning and I use that to enrich my students,” she said. “Kids need a lot of motivation, and we need to be a part of that motivation. When I see them succeed, I feel really happy.” The relationships she has built with her students are reflected in their comments. “You helped me build up confidence and you accepted me for who I am. Thank you so much,” wrote one student. For Neeraj, the work never stops. “It feels good (to be honored by the WEA) but I feel like I can do so much more. If the kids can see that an immigrant from India can make a difference in their lives, they can do so many things.”