Michael Piccione
National Science Foundation
Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate, Division of Computer and Network Systems, Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers Program
Virginia, High School Technology and Engineering
Michael Piccione has been teaching for 9 years. He spent 3 years at Manassas Park High School teaching TV Production, Computer Controls, and Technical Drawing. The last 6 years he has worked in Prince William County Virginia at Battlefield High School, one of the largest high schools in Virginia, teaching Construction, Engineering, Technical Drawing, Architecture and Information Technology. Piccione has served as department head for Career and Technical Education for the past 3 years. He also helped start the Battlefield Robotics program and coaches the FIRST Robotics Team, which won the All-Star Rookie award at the US FIRST Robotics World Championship.
Piccione earned a B.A. in Technology Education and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in Instructional Technology from Virginia Tech. He is also certified in AutoCAD, Mastercam, and IC3 computer literacy. In 2009, Piccione began a Ph.D. program in Career and Technical Education at Old Dominion University.
Piccione received the Prince William County Schools Achievement Award 2008 for his efforts developing robotics curriculum for his school division. The Virginia Technology Education Association presented Piccione with the John Monroe Service Award in 2006 for his work during his regional presidency and in planning the Technology Student Association regional competition. Piccione sits on the Virginia Praxis II Technology Review Committee for Technology Education and initiated the Prince William Country SEAPerch Project and competition.
“I believe in a hands-on approach with lots of problem solving activities. I try to run an open-minded classroom and include activities that the students can relate to; the use of robotics has really helped with that. I want to teach my students that technology and society are dependent upon each other and that while many of the world’s problems can be solved by the correct application of technology, but many more can be created by its incorrect application. My goal is to get my students to understand how to use technology responsibly to make life better.”
Piccione is serving his fellowship at the National Science Foundation, Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate, Division of Computer and Network Systems, Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers Program.