We are excited to present Rick Simard as our Educator of the Month for February 2025. Rick, a dedicated educator from Mount Saint Charles in Rhode Island, has made an incredible impact on his students by fostering a passion for STEM and innovation. His drive to make a difference in the lives of his students and his commitment to hands-on learning exemplify what it means to be an educator.
Simard’s Journey in STEM Education
Rick Simard’s journey in STEM education was inspired by his father, a percussion teacher who instilled in him a passion for helping others. Rick witnessed firsthand the challenges young people faced, which fueled his desire to make a lasting impact. Today, Rick is an educator, a mentor, and a leader in his school’s STEM programs. He coaches both robotics and esports teams. He guides students through hands-on STEM learning in coding, technology, and engineering. Rick helps students develop critical problem-solving skills through these programs, preparing them for successful careers in STEM fields.
“I truly look forward to each and every day to see what good I can do.,” Rick shares. My inspiration to teach was my dad. He taught percussion and always brought me along. Seeing his satisfaction gave me the desire to help others. Later in life I worked in social work, and saw so many struggles in life, that I decided I wanted to make a difference in young people’s life.“
“The customer service has been phenomenal. Any issues we had run into have been met with incredible help from everyone at Locorobo. What has been fantastic is the virtual calls with support directly with my students and myself to overcome issues we may have had.”
A Day in the Life of Rick Simard
Rick’s teaching philosophy is rooted in innovation and empowerment. A typical day includes teaching 4-5 classes, coaching the school’s robotics team, and leading the esports program—all initiatives Rick was instrumental in launching.
From teaching AP Computer Science Principles to guiding students in robotics and drone flight, Rick’s classes are designed to challenge students while making STEM education accessible and exciting. “Seeing students work together, solve complex problems, and succeed is what makes every day rewarding,” Rick says.
Challenges and Solutions
Rick’s journey in education came with its challenges. When he began at Mount Saint Charles, the school’s technology infrastructure was outdated, with old servers and a network that couldn’t support the growing demands of a modern education system. As the school’s tech director, Rick spearheaded a major upgrade, building a robust virtual server farm and expanding the wifi network to support 600 students.
Rick was tapped to build a computer science program from scratch once the infrastructure was in place. “When I started, we only had desktop publishing,” Rick recalls. “Now we offer a full range of courses aligned with the University of Rhode Island, including AP Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Drones.”
To complement the school’s technology offerings, Rick turned to LocoRobo for support in providing a more robust experience for his students. “We had offered a drone course in cooperation with Brown University but were looking for a more robust offering to include FAA regulations and the physics of flight. LocoRobo filled all these needs in one neat package.” LocoDroneX, an industry-standard programmable drone kit, was exactly what Rick needed to take his STEM program to the next level.
With its hands-on approach to building, coding, and problem-solving, LocoDroneX allows students to dive into drone technology, explore autonomous flight with Python-based coding, and engage in racing, obstacle navigation, payload challenges, and commercial drone customization, all while aligning with high school STEM and CTE curriculum standards. LocoDroneX also includes LocoFly, a complete online prep course for students to pass the FAA Part 107 drone pilot certification exam.
“The customer service has been phenomenal. Any issues we had run into have been met with incredible help from everyone at Locorobo. What has been fantastic is the virtual calls with support directly with my students and myself to overcome issues we may have had.” Rick says.
Building a Thriving STEM Program
With over 100 students now participating in the school’s computer science and STEM education programs each year, Rick’s hard work and dedication have paid off. The introduction of robotics for students, gaming concepts, and LocoDroneX has sparked a new interest in technology among students. As a result, many of them have gone on to pursue STEM degrees at top colleges and universities.
“We now have over 100 students going through the program each year,” Rick shares. “The growth has been incredible, and we’re just getting started.”
Real-World Applications and STEM Career Exploration
The impact of Rick’s program extends far beyond the classroom. His students are using the skills they’ve learned to pursue careers in technology, engineering, and computer science. “We have students now attending MIT, Cal State, Georgia Tech, and other prestigious schools, all of them pursuing STEM fields,” Rick says proudly.
The success of the program is a testament to the hands-on learning approach Rick takes with his students. “The best moments come when I see the students work together, apply what they’ve learned, and successfully launch a drone,” he explains. “The pride on their faces when they get the drone in the air is priceless, especially for the quiet students who find success in this environment.”
Outcomes: Shaping Future Innovators
Rick’s efforts in building a dynamic STEM education curriculum have had a lasting impact on his students. With support from LocoRobo, Rick has inspired countless students to continue their education in STEM fields. Many students are now pursuing careers in computer science, engineering, and beyond.
“10 years ago, there were very few students interested in computer science, now I have well over 100 come through the program each school year. While it is difficult to identify if these students moved on to STEM fields because of our LocoRobo class, I am absolutely certain it has inspired several!” Rick concludes.
Rick’s story is a testament to the transformative power of STEM education and the lasting impact an educator can have on the lives of their students.
