BANGOR – Irvin Krupke of Bangor High School has been named by the International Technology Education Association as Maine’s Technology Teacher of the Year. Krupke was honored by the ITEA at a national conference held March 15 in Columbus, Ohio.

Forty-three teachers were selected to receive the teacher excellence award, one of the highest honors given to technology education classroom teachers.

Krupke, originally from Paynesville, Minn., moved to Maine after enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at age 17. He received his undergraduate degree in technology education from the University of Southern Maine in 1982. He now heads the technology education department at Bangor High School where he has taught for 33 years.

In 2000 Krupke received grant funding to build a CAD lab to enable his students to use the up-to-date architectural drawing software and tools. Now, working with 16 CAD computer stations, students are working manually at drafting tables as well as utilizing advanced technology.

Guidance Director Paula Tingley called Krupke “a consummate professional – knowledgeable, principled, innovative, well-organized, committed and highly regarded as an exemplary technology teacher and department head who exhibits enthusiasm and genuine interest in all students.”

“How can I rate the success of my program?” Krupke said to the ITEA council. “When I see an unfamiliar face coming to my room for some solitude. When I look up to see a naval officer speak proudly of the work he has preserved for a decade. When I walk out of my classroom, shut off the lights, and after 30 years look forward to returning the following day. This truly proves that success is the best teacher. For when my students succeed, I feel that I have succeeded.”