USCHS teacher named 2025 Educator of the Year

Tracy Smith, who heads the district’s robotics program, will be honored at the organization’s annual banquet on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Westin Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh.

The Educator of the Year award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, community outreach and STEM education.

“Tracy’s impact goes beyond her classroom, the school and the entire school district,” Candi Chen, USC Robotics volunteer coach for the ROGO team, said. “Her reach inspires and influences not only students but also educators and colleagues across the industry.”

During the 2020-21 school year, Ms. Smith launched USC Robotics at the high school before expanding to the district’s two middle schools and, new this year, to the district’s three elementary schools. The after-school activity helps spread robotics education through extracurricular activities that include FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) competitions, FIRST LEGO League Challenge (FLL) competitions, FIRST LEGO League Explore program, high school mentors for various outreach initiatives, guest speakers, field trips, and more. More than 400 students participate in USC Robotics teams and programs.

Ms. Smith joined the high school faculty in 2003 with certifications in physics, math and technology education. She holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University and two graduate degrees in automotive systems engineering and education from the University of Michigan.

Ms. Smith resides in Upper St. Clair Township with husband, Adam, and their four school-aged children.

The ESWP is chartered to advance the professions of engineering, architecture, and applied sciences through technical activities, public service participation and social organizations. It also supports the needs of industries, communities and government in Western Pennsylvania.