The D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter proudly supports the Air & Space Forces Association’s mission of Education, recognizing that the future strength of our Air and Space Forces begins in America’s classrooms. Nowhere is this commitment more visible than in our Chapter’s participation in the AFA Teacher of the Year (TOY) Program, which honors outstanding STEM educators who inspire the next generation of innovators, aviators, and problem-solvers.
Over the past four years, our Chapter has had the privilege of recognizing exceptional educators, each of whom embodies the spirit of the AFA mission and makes a lasting impact on students across Northern Virginia and the National Capital Region.
Strengthening the Future—One Classroom at a Time
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These four exceptional educators represent the very best of the teaching profession. Their dedication, creativity, and leadership directly support AFA’s mission to promote aerospace education and inspire the next generation of Air and Space Force leaders.
The Steele Chapter remains committed to celebrating and supporting outstanding teachers like Tony Frazier, Nathan Sekinger, Beth Favor, and Melissa Pore—educators who not only teach STEM, but ignite passion, unlock potential, and shape the future of our nation’s defense.
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NOMINATE A TEACHER OF THE YEAR
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2025 Chapter & Virginia State Teacher of the Year
Tony Frazier
Arlington Career Center – Aviation Technology
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Tony Frazier leads one of the region’s most unique and impactful
high-school aviation programs. From aircraft powerplant systems to avionics,
his students learn industry-level skills through hands-on technical training
that prepares them for FAA certifications, advanced studies, and aerospace careers.
Tony’s program has become a launchpad for students seeking paths as aircraft maintainers,
engineers, pilots, and Space Force technicians. His selection as both the Steele Chapter
Teacher of the Year and the Virginia State AFA Teacher of the Year reflects his extraordinary
dedication to workforce development and his commitment to inspiring the next generation of
aerospace professionals.
Tony is currently serving as the Steele Chapter’s Vice President for Aerospace Education.
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2024 Teacher of the Year
Nathan Sekinger
Stafford County Public Schools – Project Lead the Way Engineering
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Nathan Sekinger brings engineering and problem-solving to life through Project Lead the Way (PLTW), where students design, build, test, and refine real-world prototypes. His students regularly explore aerospace concepts such as structural design, robotics, and energy systems using modern engineering tools and methods.
Nathan’s classroom emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and creativity—qualities essential to future Airmen and Guardians. His commitment to STEM education ensures that students from all backgrounds have access to engineering pathways that can lead to technical careers, higher education, and military service in the Air & Space Forces.
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2023 Teacher of the Year
Beth Favor
Fredericksburg, VA – Elementary STEM Educator & Former Chapter VP for Aerospace Education
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The Chapter’s 2023 Teacher of the Year was Ms. Beth Favor, a dedicated STEM educator serving the Fredericksburg, VA elementary schools. A seasoned professional with more than 18 years of experience, Beth spent most of her career teaching in Department of Defense Schools (DODDS) in Turkey and Italy before teaching in North Carolina and later joining the Fredericksburg school system.
An innovative educator, Beth brings global experience into her classroom, helping young learners connect science, engineering, and problem-solving to the world around them. She also shared her expertise and enthusiasm with the Steele Chapter by serving as the Vice President for Aerospace Education, strengthening our outreach, partnerships, and STEM programming.
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2022 Teacher of the Year
Melissa Pore
Bishop O’Connell High School – Engineering & Technology
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In 2022, the Teacher of the Year was Ms. Melissa Pore, an engineering and technology teacher at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, VA. Ms. Pore encourages her students to explore new frontiers well beyond the classroom, leading a multitude of student clubs, including the Engineering Club, Seaperch Underwater Robotics Club, Amateur Radio Club, Aviation Club, and Astrobotany Club.
Her mentorship has created a vibrant ecosystem of experimentation and discovery, where students learn to think boldly, work collaboratively, and pursue their curiosity in science and engineering. Melissa’s leadership reflects the very best of AFA’s Education mission: empowering students to reach farther, aim higher, and see themselves as future contributors to aerospace and national defense. Melissa is a past Vice President for Aerospace Education for the Steele Chapter.
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