Submitted photo
Mifflin County High School technology education teacher Rebecca ConnerMiller received an award for innovation on Monday.

LEWISTOWN — Rebecca ConnerMiller has long been known for the energy and innovation she brings to her technology education classroom at Mifflin County High School.

Her students learn to design, build, troubleshoot and imagine with confidence through hands-on projects, real-world problem-solving and a classroom culture rooted in curiosity.

That work earned statewide recognition this winter when ConnerMiller was named the 2026 Dr. Laura Hummell Technology Innovator of the Year, one of Pennsylvania’s most respected honors in educational technology. The award, presented annually by the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference, recognizes educators whose work advances technology integration and meaningful student engagement.

Her recognition continues a notable run for the district. In recent years, Mifflin County High School English teacher Ashlie Crosson earned both Pennsylvania and National Teacher of the Year honors, making ConnerMiller the second MCHS educator to receive major statewide acclaim.

ConnerMiller received the award during the PETE&C general session Monday at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.

“To be selected for this award is a great honor,” ConnerMiller said. “I am humbled by the kindness of my colleagues who took the time to go through the nomination process. It means the world to me.”

In her classroom, students explore engineering design, digital fabrication, robotics and manufacturing challenges that mirror real-world industry. Her lessons emphasize problem-solving, iteration and creativity, encouraging students to take risks, test ideas and refine their thinking.

“The success I have had has primarily been found through listening to student needs, developing a plan of action and implementing a solution,” she said. “It’s also been found through dreaming, reimagining and proposing a plan of action that takes the dream world to reality.”

ConnerMiller’s influence extends beyond her classroom. She has helped strengthen the district’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics pathways, supported colleagues as they integrate new tools into their instruction and contributed to districtwide efforts to expand hands-on and career-connected learning opportunities.

“She is a true innovative teacher,” Mifflin County School District Superintendent of Schools Vance Varner said. “She is able to connect with her students and have them excel in and out of the classroom.

“Her students have had great success at the TSA (Technology Student Association) competitions, underwater robotics competitions, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) interns teaching elementary students, etc.,” Varner added. “When she is involved the sky is the limit for her students.”

ConnerMiller’s nominator, Mifflin County educator Nathan King, highlighted her leadership, creativity and commitment to student success in materials submitted to PETE&C, noting that ConnerMiller consistently challenges students to think critically and solve problems in ways that prepare them for college and the workforce.

“I have been very fortunate to have a large group of the most STEM-minded colleagues I could hope for by my side,” ConnerMiller said. “We dream together, we collaborate and we build experiences for kids that we hope they never forget.”

The Dr. Laura Hummell Technology Innovator of the Year Award recognizes educators who elevate technology into a tool for exploration, equity and empowerment.

“Recipients of this award are often known for monumental changes they have made in their districts, communities or within the general education sector,” she said. “Every year I am wowed by their stories, but for myself it feels different, and maybe that’s just my perspective.”

She also thanked the educators who inspired her career.

“To the Technology Education teachers who ignited my passion for education, thank you for the inspiration and showcase of what it means to be an exceptional educator,” she said. “It’s the best when I can also call you family.”

ConnerMiller reserved her final thanks for her students.

“To my students past, present and future, thank you for all you do to inspire, to amaze and to grow each and every day,” she said. “You are the reason I keep pushing, keep imagining and keep building new opportunities.”