Craig Orange

Greetings!  My name is Craig Orange, and I will be your PLTW IED, CEA teacher this year. I am really excited about being a part of this unique school. 

A little about me...Prior to teaching, I spent some 30 years in the civil engineering profession. In 1985, I started out as an entry-level drafter, and over the years worked my way up to a senior designer, then ended my career as a project manager. Over those years, I was exposed to all aspects of construction and land development including land surveying, civil design, architectural design, structural detailing, client, and project management.

I have an associate degree from Santa Fe College (Gainesville, FL) and hundreds of hours of technically related coursework from Miami Dade College (Miami, FL). I live in Black Mountain with my wife Terri. I have twin stepsons Caleb and Colter, my daughter Lydia and my son Markham. While not at school, you will find me trail running in the Montreat Wilderness or a nice run in my neighborhood. I love long-distance backpacking on the Appalachian Trail or some other long trail when time permits. Pretty much anything outside is good!

I am certified to teach PLTW - IED Introduction to Engineering, PLTW - CEA - Civil Engineering - Architecture, and Drone Technology. In all the courses I teach, it is my goal to bring real-world relevant problem-solving to the classroom. It's always good to know the WHY about what you are learning and how this knowledge is used in a professional setting.

An important thing to understand about me…I am hearing impaired…yes, I can hear, but it is very difficult if speaking behind masks and in a building with many hard surfaces. I will ask that you speak louder than you would with other teachers.  I do wear hearing aids, but they don’t always work as advertised. (This will be the only class you can yell at your teacher and get away with it!!) I will discuss more about effective verbal communication during the first day of class. Understand that you may be asked to repeat yourself if I cannot understand your questions.

As you get to know me, you will find that I am approachable, fair, considerate, and compassionate. But I am rigorous. This school demands the best from its students and teachers alike.  I will hold your learning paramount and I will do everything I can to help you succeed. In my class, do not be afraid of answering incorrectly because I can guarantee that there are others who don’t know the answer either. AND, sometimes, I don’t. But by working together, we will discover the answers through a collaborative problem-solving process.

Never be afraid to ask for help…That’s what I’m here for…

I’m looking forward to a great year!