“My path to teaching began after working in the private industry in management and training. I’ve always had a love for learning, technology, and trying new things, and becoming an educator allowed me to share that passion with students,” says Katrina Riggleman, a dedicated Robotics and Drones instructor at Randolph Technical Center. “What motivates me most is seeing young people succeed and open their minds to opportunities they may not have imagined for themselves.”
“With LocoRobo, I’ve seen students’ confidence and engagement grow significantly. The structured curriculum and step-by-step approach help them grasp coding concepts and apply them immediately through autonomous drone flights. This hands-on connection between code and flight makes abstract concepts ‘click’ in a way that feels exciting and achievable.”
Katrina began her teaching career in Virginia, where she now teaches 4 drone-focused preps, including Drones Ground Operations and Drones Flight Operations. Her students prepare for the FAA Part 107 certification and progress into programming autonomous drone flights using Python with LocoRobo’s LocoDrone Voyager program. “Watching them take ownership of their learning, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate breakthroughs is the highlight of my day.”
It’s a dynamic classroom, filled with hands-on learning, real-world relevance, and technical challenges. “I especially enjoy teaching drones and robotics because they push students to think critically, solve problems, and use mechanics and programming in real-world applications,” Katrina shares. “It’s rewarding to watch students discover how math, coding, and engineering come together in ways that feel both exciting and relevant.”
Teaching in a rural community comes with its own set of hurdles. “One of the biggest challenges our students face with STEM education is limited exposure to technical opportunities in a rural community. Many of my students come into class with little to no background in robotics, drones, or programming, and at first, it can feel intimidating.” Access to resources is another hurdle, but Katrina approaches these challenges with determination and creativity. “We have to be creative in how we provide hands-on experiences with the equipment we have so that every student has the chance to learn, explore, and practice.”
“Despite these challenges, I’ve found that students are incredibly resilient and eager when given the chance to try something new. By building lessons that combine problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity, I’ve seen them gain confidence and develop skills they never thought they’d have. Watching students go from hesitant beginners to confident drone pilots and programmers is proof that even in the face of challenges, meaningful STEM education can thrive.” she says.
LocoRobo’s STEM curriculum has helped bridge those gaps. “When we first introduced drones, it was an emerging course that has continued to progress. Programming is one of the biggest challenges, and now students who had little prior exposure to STEM feel confident and capable. Many of them were intimidated by coding or unsure how drones could connect to real-world opportunities.” She adds, “LocoRobo helped us overcome those barriers by providing a structured, student-friendly platform that makes complex concepts approachable.”
“The LocoDrone Voyager program’s hands-on flying and step-by-step Python progression has been a game-changer — it meets students where they are, builds their confidence step by step, and shows them that coding and flight are not just for ‘tech experts,’ but skills they can all learn.”
At Randolph Technical Center, the integration has been seamless. ”LocoRobo has provided curriculum support, resources, and training that make it easier to bring cutting-edge STEM education into a rural community. It has allowed us to expand opportunities that might not otherwise be available and to prepare students for certifications and careers in a growing field.”
“Our school integrated the LocoRobo curriculum directly into our Drones Flight Operations course as a way to extend student learning and sit for the FAA 107 certification. Students begin by flying drones and developing basic piloting skills, and then transition into using the LocoDrone Voyager program to program autonomous flights with Python.”
This structured approach has made a visible impact. “With LocoRobo, I’ve seen students’ confidence and engagement grow significantly. The structured curriculum and step-by-step approach help them grasp coding concepts and apply them immediately through autonomous drone flights. This hands-on connection between code and flight makes abstract concepts ‘click’ in a way that feels exciting and achievable.”
Over the last two years, Katrina has used a set of 8 programmable drone kits in her classroom. “It has been an excellent tool for integrating Python programming into my classes and providing students with meaningful challenges. The curriculum also strengthens their math skills by requiring them to apply concepts in practical, hands-on ways.”
That impact goes beyond the classroom. “Over the past two years using LocoDrone, I’ve seen measurable improvements in both student skills and confidence. The curriculum has been instrumental in preparing students for the SkillsUSA Drones state competition, where they have applied Python programming, math, and critical thinking in real-world drone challenges.” She continues, “Students who began with basic flight and coding exercises are now confidently programming autonomous missions and integrating advanced problem-solving skills.”
For Katrina, the results are clear: “The LocoRobo curriculum has boosted student confidence, technical skills, and engagement by making Python programming, autonomous flight, and applied math accessible and hands-on. It has prepared students for competitions like SkillsUSA Drones and expanded STEM opportunities in our rural community, giving them meaningful, real-world experiences they might not otherwise have.”
And one moment still stands out. “A memorable ‘Aha’ moment happened when students finally corrected a small coding error in their autonomous drone mission. Seeing the drone complete the flight perfectly sparked excitement and pride, showing them how math, programming, and problem-solving come together in real time.”
Katrina’s creativity, dedication, and commitment to expanding STEM opportunities in her rural community embody the spirit of impactful teaching. We are proud to recognize Katrina Riggleman as our August 2025 Educator of the Month.
