WHO is the instructor?

Although Mr. Bruce Isotalo has spent many years teaching students in the Saginaw Puplic Schools and was the Saginaw Valley League Teacher of the Year in 2002, he still brings a refreshing sense of excitement and anticipation to the learning enrvionment in his classroom and lab each day.  Teaching in the Engineering/Project Lead the Way program is an assignment that Mr. Isotalo eagerly sought and accepted.

"We need to do everything we can do to make connections between what is being learned and real life," say Mr. Isotalo.  To be true to his words, in addition to being involved with students in his program, he is actively engaged with students in both the F.I.R.S.T.  Robotics Team and Team DaVinci (attention is on a solar powered vehicle).  Both groups meet after school hours to create projects that compete with the top teams in the nation.

Mr. Isotalo believe that, "If you do your best and you put your heart into it, you will make a difference."  Guess what . . . . ."Mr. I" does make a difference!

WHAT special clubs or student organizations is the program involved with?

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)-The FIRST Robotics Competition is a national engineering contest which immerses high school students in the exciting world of engineering. Teaming up with engineers from businesses and universities, students get a hands-on, inside look at the engineering profession. In six intense weeks, students and engineers work together to brainstorm, design, construct and test their "champion robot". With only six weeks, all jobs are critical. The teams then compete in a spirited, no-holds-barred tournament complete with referees, cheerleaders and time clocks. Each year the competition is different, so returning teams have a new challenge to look forward to.

WHAT certifications can I achieve or work toward in the Engineering/ Project Lead The Way program?

Marketable Skills Certificate-Students may earn a marketable skills certificate.  This certification process provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate, document, and defend their achievement of employer validated standards and competencies. Achievement of the marketable skills certification should improve the likelihood of success in future employment and/or a continuing educational program.

Project Lead the Way Certificate of Completion

WHAT college credits can I earn in the Engineering/Project Lead the Way program?