Las Vegas architecture instructor is Nevada Teacher of the Year
By Amelia Pak-Harvey Las Vegas Review-Journal
Richard Knoeppel, an architectural design instructor at Advanced Technologies Academy, speaks after being named the 2018 Nevada Teacher of the Year on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal @bizutesfaye
Richard Knoeppel, center, an architectural design instructor at Advanced Technologies Academy, is congratulated by Steve Canavero, superintendent of public instruction for the Nevada Department of Education, left, and Gov. Brian Sandoval after being named the 2018 Nevada Teacher of the Year on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal @bizutesfaye
Gov. Brian Sandoval speaks after a surprise visit to the Advanced Technologies Academy to name Richard Knoeppel, an architectural design instructor, the 2018 Nevada Teacher of the Year on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal @bizutesfaye
Richard Knoeppel, left, an architectural design instructor at Advanced Technologies Academy, stands with Gov. Brian Sandoval after being named the 2018 Nevada Teacher of the Year on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal @bizutesfaye
Richard Knoeppel, second right, an architectural design instructor at Advanced Technologies Academy, poses for a photo with Principal Jonathan Synold, left, his daughter Erin, second left, and his wife, Danielle after being named the 2018 Nevada Teacher of the Year on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal @bizutesfaye
Richard Knoeppel, second left, an architectural design instructor at Advanced Technologies Academy, poses for a photo with Principal Jonathan Synold, left, Gov. Brian Sandoval and Clark County School District Superintendent Jesus Jara, after being named the 2018 Nevada Teacher of the Year on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal @bizutesfaye
Richard Knoeppel, right, an architectural design instructor at Advanced Technologies Academy, is congratulated by Gov. Brian Sandoval after being named the 2018 Nevada Teacher of the Year on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal @bizutesfaye
Richard Knoeppel, an architectural design instructor at Advanced Technologies Academy in Las Vegas, received the 2019 Nevada Teacher of the Year award from Gov. Brian Sandoval on Monday.
Knoeppel, who has taught in the Clark County School District since 1995, was surprised with the award — which is given to a single teacher in all 50 states.
Knoeppel is a teacher-leader at A-Tech and serves as the career and technical education department chair. He is also a member of the Nevada STEM Advisory Council and started the computer-aided design and drafting program at the school.
“His belief that every child can succeed has helped to build a nationally recognized program of study in Architectural Design,” Superintendent Jesus Jara said in a statement. “His students consistently earn awards in local, regional and national architecture competitions for their design work.”
Knoeppel will join other Teachers of the Year in Washington, D.C., to participate in a professional development program. A National Teacher of the Year will be selected from this group.
