Anastasia Croft Named Georgia STEM Teacher of the Year
The Air & Space Forces Association recognized the Lowndes High School educator for her innovative classroom instruction.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Awards
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The Air & Space Forces Association has named Anastasia Croft the Georgia STEM Teacher of the Year. Croft, a science instructor at Lowndes High School, received the state-level honor following her earlier selection as the Moody Air Force Base Chapter Teacher of the Year.
Why it matters
The program celebrates K-12 educators who demonstrate exceptional ability in inspiring students through innovative STEM instruction. As the state winner, Croft has now advanced to consideration for the AFA National Teacher of the Year award.
The award package granted to Croft includes a commemorative pin, a certificate, an AFA jacket, and one year of membership in the Civil Air Patrol.
The players
Anastasia Croft
She is a science teacher at Lowndes High School who was recently named the Georgia STEM Teacher of the Year.
Air & Space Forces Association
This is a non-profit organization that promotes aerospace power and supports education through its teacher recognition programs.
Matthew Newman
He is a U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant who presented the state-level award to Croft.
The details
U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Matthew Newman presented the state-level recognition to Croft at Lowndes High School. The program is currently sponsored by Rolls-Royce to support excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Timeline
October 5, 2026: Award presentation took place at Lowndes High School.
Culture Shift
This award highlights a broader push to prioritize STEM literacy in secondary education by incentivizing teachers through the AFA National Teacher of the Year award program. It marks a transition toward recognizing innovative educators as key pillars in national aerospace and technology development.
This recognition brings increased visibility and potential resources to the science department at Lowndes High School. Students may benefit from the expanded network and opportunities associated with the teacher's involvement in the Civil Air Patrol.
The takeaway
Recognizing excellence in the classroom helps foster a supportive environment for students pursuing technical fields. Educators can leverage these award platforms to secure additional professional development and networking opportunities for their school districts.
Further reading
Discover more about local achievements in our Georgia Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Valdosta Today.
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