In Muskogee, Oklahoma, at Hilldale High School, an exceptional educator is making waves in STEM education. Danielle Hambrick has been awarded the 2024 Instructor of the Year by Tormach, a testament to her innovative teaching methods and dedication to hands-on learning. This prestigious recognition was presented at the Annual Leadership Summit for the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, highlighting Hambrick’s transformative approach to education.
Danielle Hambrick's path to becoming a leading STEM educator was not a conventional one. “My first career choice was to be a pediatric nurse,” Hambrick shares. “However, the college I attended to play softball did not offer that option. My advisor suggested enrolling in the teacher classes, and once I had my first observation in a classroom, I knew that was where I wanted to be.” This shift in career plans set Hambrick on a journey that would impact countless students' lives.
Danielle Hambrick accepts the 2024 Instructor of the Year award.
Her enthusiasm for STEM was sparked by her love for hands-on activities and a desire to bring innovative opportunities to her students. “I loved tinkering with things and any lesson involving hands-on work,” she recalls. Since joining Hilldale in 2011, Hambrick has pioneered the introduction of robotics, beginning with VEX V5 in 2015 and expanding to eight competing teams. Her leadership extended to the STEM Lab, where she spearheaded projects ranging from designing 3D-printed animals to crafting miniature putt-putt courses and laser-engraved items. “My class is a computer science course required for graduation, and students take it without knowing what to expect,” she says. “The students love watching their ideas come to life.”
Danielle Hambrick shares a few words with attendees after winning Tormach's 2024 Instructor of the Year.
The xsTECH desktop router is a vital part of Danielle's classroom curriculum
Hambrick’s success is closely linked with her integration of Tormach’s xsTECH tabletop CNC routers into the curriculum, offering students real-world, hands-on experience. “We currently have four xsTECH routers in our high school lab,” she explains. “Every nine weeks, my students rotate through different curricula, including the xsTECH and Dremel 3D45 printers, earning certifications that prepare them for future careers.”
The partnership between Tormach and NC3 has been instrumental in Hambrick’s success. Through this collaboration, students access cutting-edge curricula, such as the xsTECH or 24R CNC router certification, which equips them with vital job skills. NC3’s comprehensive certification curriculum includes classroom presentations, labs, and exams, ensuring students are well-prepared for careers in local manufacturing businesses and beyond. Hambrick notes, “The program’s biggest impact on students in Muskogee is their success in securing jobs in local manufacturing businesses after graduation. Additionally, some students have pursued engineering degrees at local universities and received scholarships for completing the STEM course.”
Add the xsTECH CNC Router for your classroom
The xsTECH router is an excellent entry-level machine for teaching students about CNC. This easy-to-use desktop router is safe for beginners interested in exploring CNC technology. The xsTECH includes our free and open-source control software, PathPilot®. Tormach's PathPilot HUB platform transforms CNC operations by enabling machine simulation, program creation, and seamless file synchronization. With the PathPilot HUB, students can test their code without needing direct machine access, providing more opportunities for hands-on learning.
The Tormach xsTECH desktop router.
tormach Education bundles are designed to fit the needs of educators
We've created tailored packages to meet educators' needs. Our education packages include all the necessary tooling, workholding, measurement equipment, and other essentials to help students start machining quickly and safely.
Danielle's Vision for an Inclusive and Inspiring Future in STEM
For Hambrick, receiving this award is deeply meaningful. “It is quite an honor to be selected for this prestigious award. I hope to be a role model for other women as we have more females taking the STEM course now than in previous years. If you had told me 22 years ago this is where I would be today, I would have laughed. This award is proof that you can achieve great things if you challenge yourself and are never afraid to try.”
Domenic Giunta, Education Sales Advisor with Tormach, remarks, “It was great to sit down with Danielle and hear about her experiences teaching in a STEM lab. Her unique approach and targeted hands-on applications significantly impact her students. We are proud to honor her as our 2024 Instructor of the Year.”
Tormach's Domenic Giunta introduces Danielle Hambrick.
Looking to the future, Hambrick envisions a more inclusive STEM landscape. “I envision the barriers for women in STEM to keep decreasing. Females empowering other females is important and I hope I can continue to do that. The message I want to share with educators and students is to invest in STEM education. Students, never underestimate what you can do. STEM is fun, exciting, creative, and hands-on. If you can imagine it, you can make it happen!”
Danielle Hambrick’s story is a powerful reminder of education's transformative power and one dedicated teacher's impact. As she continues to inspire future STEM leaders, her influence will resonate far beyond Hilldale High School.
How to add Career & technical education (CTE) certifications to your school
To learn more about Tormach and how to add its NC3 STEM curriculum and CNC certification programs to your school, click the button below.
