Waterloo, IA – The Technology Association of Iowa released their list of this year’s Prometheus Awards finalists, including Waterloo Career Center Computer Science Teacher, Kyle Kuhlers, who is a finalist for Computer Science Teacher of the Year. There are five finalists in the category, who represent the best of the best in today’s computer science educators across the state of Iowa.
“It is to no one’s surprise that Kyle has been named as a finalist for the Computer Science Educator of the Year award,” said Dr. Jared Smith, Waterloo Community School District Superintendent. “Kyle has been an amazing teacher and advocate for students and would be a very worthy choice for this award.”
Kuhlers has been teaching with Waterloo Schools for the past four years at the Waterloo Career Center, and has nearly two decades of experience in education. He was awarded the Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teacher earlier this year by the McElroy Trust.
“Teaching in Waterloo has changed my teaching and my perspective, kind of my whole thought process about education to be a lot more collaborative and a lot more business-engaged in the classroom,” Kuhlers said. “My students interact with the graphic design students and the marketing students on projects, so it’s not just computer science – they’re getting to see and work with other students through cross curricular opportunities.”
Amy Miehe, the Lead Administrator for the Waterloo Career Center says that Kuhlers is a dedicated teacher who puts in many hours to go above and beyond for his students, providing them with a competitive advantage in the technology industry. “He works hard to build and strengthen business partnerships to provide students with real-world, hands-on experiences,” said Miehe. “Kyle has a gift of building relationships and it is reflected in the many achievements of his students. We are so proud of him!”
According to Kuhlers, a large part of his role in education is encouraging students to try things, and make mistakes while they’re learning in a safe environment. “For students interested in tech, I would tell you to just do it,” said Kuhlers. “Too many times I hear, ‘I’m not smart enough,’ or ‘I don’t know if I can do it or not,’ just try it. You find your passion, you dig in, and then you’re never going to leave it. My biggest advice is to just do it. Jump in and see if you like it, and if you don’t like it, try something else.”
The Prometheus Award Ceremony will be held on November 3, 2022, at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, at 833 5th Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The reception will commence at 5:00 PM with a cocktail hour, followed by the awards ceremony at 6:00 PM.
About the Waterloo Career Center
The Waterloo Career Center is an opportunity for Waterloo, Iowa high school students and some surrounding schools, to explore 14 different career programs. Students experience a competitive advantage where passions meet professions.
About Waterloo Community School District
The Waterloo Schools community commits to a comprehensive system of education and support to assure that each and every student will graduate prepared for college, career, and citizenship as evidenced by continuing education, pursuing a career path, and contributing to a community.
