Brunswick teacher named one of nation's top biomedical science educators

BRUNSWICK, Ohio - Brunswick High School alumnus and teacher, Andrew Zenczak, has been recognized as one of only 23 teachers nationwide to earn the prestigious Project Lead The Way Outstanding Biomedical Science Teacher award for the 2024-2025 school year.

This distinguished honor celebrates educators who demonstrate excellence in delivering inspiring, hands-on STEM education while expanding access to career learning opportunities. Recipients must show exceptional leadership within their school community and maintain a strong record of empowering student experiences in the classroom.

"I was so excited to hear the news of the award," Zenczak said. "It really is an award for my family because my wife Sarah also works at the school and she is so supportive and understands the long hours teachers have to put in outside of school to be successful."

He harkens back to his own school days as his inspiration.

"I've been teaching for 11 years. I can't believe it's been that long," Zenczak said. "I have always wanted to be a teacher, knew it from the time I was at Willetts Middle school in Brunswick. I had the best teachers and loved the environment of learning; I wanted to help people in that way. I played baseball and majored in education at Heidelberg University, where I had wonderful mentoring and exposure during my student teaching."

"Mr. Zenczak exemplifies the high caliber of educators we have in Brunswick Schools," said Jason Niedermeyer, Superintendent of Brunswick City Schools. "His selection for this national award reflects his incredible impact in the classroom, where his passion for science inspires students to become active learners and problem solvers. Through the generous support of the Medina County Career Center, our PLTW program continues a proud tradition of preparing students for future success. There's no better way to fulfill our mission than through project-based learning that challenges students to think critically and solve real-world problems. Mr. Zenczak's dedication to fostering this environment of discovery and innovation makes him truly deserving of this recognition."

PLTW provides transformative PreK-12 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. PLTW courses are offered at Brunswick Middle School and Brunswick High School through financial support from the Medina County Career Center. The program stands apart from traditional education by emphasizing active, project-based learning that connects students with real-world applications.