Claire Meschkat wins TxDOT award

Science teacher Claire Meschkat was named the 2024 Aviation Educator of the Year by the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division at a gathering of the state’s aviation industry last month.

Mrs. Meschkat, who teaches at Open Door Christian Acad- emy in Graham, received the honor at an awards banquet at the 42nd Annual Aviation Conference in Galveston from April 24-26.

“We are so proud of our amazing STEM teacher, Claire Meschkat!” Open Door Academy said in a statement on Facebook. “Congratulations, Mrs. Meschkat! You are such a blessing to our school and to all of the teachers in your field that glean knowledge and wisdom from you!”

Mrs. Meschkat also appeared as a panelist

speaking about Aviation Education earlier in the conference. She and other STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) experts spoke about the challenges of preparing “the workforce of tomorrow.”

STEM educators shared insights on various aviation educational and outreach programs as well as initiatives designed to cultivate interest and talent in aviation and aerospace, TxDOT said.