top of page
Weld Backround.jpeg

Estancia

Engineering

Design

About

ABOUT ME

I was born in Wels, Austria and grew up in Italy and Germany until I graduated from high school.  I learned English during 3rd grade and I had an early  fascination with science and math.  In my junior year of high school I was awarded a National Science Foundation scholarship to study organic chemistry at UMass-Lowell during that summer.  While I was there I found out that the university was building a nuclear center and that they had a Bachelor’s of Nuclear Engineering program. I had planned to study chemistry after high school but when I found out about the nuclear program I thought that would be even more interesting. I enrolled in their nuclear engineering program after I graduated from high school and then went to University of Arizona to earn my Master’s in Nuclear Engineering.

I worked in the nuclear energy field on space reactors and large commercial power plants as an engineer and then as a project manager and project director for 25 years. I also went back to school to get my teaching credential in physics, chemistry and math and later obtained my administrator’s license.  I taught math and physics at high school and in adult education and also worked as a vice principal at a school we re-structured into four learning academies to promote student engagement and learning.  Most recently I work as a Career Technical Instructor at Estancia HS with certifications in Engineering, Architecture, Utilities, Power and Alternative Energy pathways.

I love to learn and my goal is to transfer that love of learning to the students in my engineering classes. My philosophy of instruction is to have students build a foundation based on physics and math fundamentals and then to have them apply those concepts using the engineering design process to solve real-world problems.  Engineers are problem solvers who harness their intellectual curiosity to create technical solutions which will improve our standard of living and which will safeguard our environment.  I truly enjoy working on these challenges with my students.

-Gerald Rizza   

IMG_20210315_101521.jpg
3D Printing

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

Through our programs, students develop in-demand, transportable skills – such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and communication – that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

 

As EED students progress through grades, they are empowered to explore career paths, engage in problem solving and process thinking, develop technical knowledge and skills, and build communication skills.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students. Through EED professional development, teachers learn to facilitate and coach and become comfortable in these roles as their students guide their own learning.

Contact
bottom of page