Montgomery Public Schools is proud to announce that Steve Ballard, Engineering Academy teacher at BrewTech, has been honored with the prestigious Terry Marbut Excellence in Robotics Teaching Award.
This award recognizes outstanding educators who have made significant contributions to the advancement of robotics in K-12 education. The Terry Marbut Excellence in Robotics Teaching Award is presented to educators who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in integrating robotics into their classrooms, providing students with hands-on learning experiences that foster curiosity, innovation, and problem-solving.
Steve Ballard has been a dedicated educator in Montgomery Public Schools for over 22 years. As the Engineering Academy teacher at BrewTech, he has consistently been at the forefront of robotics education in the district. Mr. Ballard was one of the first educators in Montgomery Public Schools to introduce VEX Robotics, a hands-on platform that engages students in real-world engineering challenges. By incorporating VEX Robotics into his curriculum, Mr. Ballard transformed traditional lessons into interactive experiences, inspiring students to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
In addition to his classroom instruction, Mr. Ballard serves as the mentor for BrewTech’s VEX Robotics competition team. Under his guidance, students learn to navigate the engineering design process, preparing for regional, state, and national competitions. Through this experience, students gain not only technical skills but also essential soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication—preparing them for success in both their academic and professional futures.
Jennifer Spencer, Assistant Director of SCORE, presented the award to Mr. Ballard in recognition of his dedication and pioneering work in robotics education. SCORE, an outreach center at Auburn University, focuses on expanding robotics education across the Southeast, providing resources and training to K-12 teachers and students.
Mr. Ballard’s leadership has led the VEX Robotics team to earn recognition at local, state, and national levels. His commitment to fostering a love for robotics and STEM in his students continues to inspire and motivate the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers.
Montgomery Public Schools is incredibly proud of Mr. Ballard’s achievements and is grateful for his dedication to shaping the future of our students through robotics and STEM education. His work exemplifies the district’s mission to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.