Technology and engineering are among the most important fields in today’s high-tech world, so good education in these fields is critical.

It’s critical not just in the undergraduate years and beyond — it starts while students are in the K-12 years.

Leading the way in Suffolk is none other than Dawn Rountree, who teaches engineering in the Project Lead the Way program at Nansemond River High School. She recently was awarded the Virginia Technology and Engineering Education Association’s 2019 Teacher of the Year award.

In an interview, Rountree talked about how humbled she was to receive the award, in part because of the sheer number of other great teachers of technology and engineering throughout the state — any one of whom could have been chosen.

But she also talked about how her classes prepare students not only for careers but also for life. Even those who don’t become engineers will be — indeed, already are — consumers, and a background knowledge of engineering is helpful in any number of pursuits.

Her students learn not only engineering concepts but also life, family bonds and friendship. “I try to help my students find their place, and I do my best to create a positive environment,” she said. “We’re a family, and the family bond is huge with me … I have them for so long that it’s hard not to see them as family.”

That kind of environment is important in education these days, no matter the subject being taught. Students who feel safe and accepted will learn more readily, whether it’s about engineering, business, literature or geography.

Also honored by the VTEEA were two other Suffolk Public Schools employees. Debra Shapiro received the John Monroe Outstanding Service Award, and King’s Fork High School teacher San Antonio Crosby was named to serve as the Tidewater Region president of the organization.

We give a hearty round of applause to these three educators, who clearly are excelling at their craft and in leadership in their field.