St. Joseph High School alumnus returns to teach robotics
A technologist. A visual artist. A videographer. A devout volunteer. A photographer. A theater lighting and sound designer. A volunteer firefighter. And now this 1996 alumnus of St. Joseph High School in Natrona Heights, Jonathan Woytek, is an engineering robotics and web design teacher at his high school alma mater.
After graduating from Duquesne with a computer science degree in 2001, Woytek went on to work in the National Robotics Engineering Center at Carnegie Mellon University. He eventually moved into Internet security, where he joined CMU’s well-known CERT group in CMU’s Software Engineering Institute and worked on high-profile projects with domestic and foreign government agencies.
While working at CMU Jonathan began delivering training to his clients and he discovered he really enjoyed teaching. In Woytek’s free time, he was becoming active in training and mentoring local high school students in technical theater arts as part of their theater groups. Woytek knew his next calling had to involve teaching and technology. What happened next? Naturally, he came back to his alma mater to teach.
“Teaching at SJHS is a privilege and an honor. I remember my time here well, and how I was constantly encouraged and coached along my educational journey. I remember discovering more about who I was and what I wanted to do. If I can help even one student the way I was helped when I was here, I will be happy,” Woytek said.
In addition to classroom teaching, and serving as head of the growing robotics program, Woytek is the technology director for the school. The robotics lab was built as part of the new Science and Technology Center at SJHS in 2009. Since its inception it has been a hit with current students and a major attraction to prospective students.
Woytek’s goal is to pass on what he knows so that others can learn and use technology, and that is precisely what he has been doing so far at SJHS. As technology director, Woytek has updated and developed the SJHS technology plan to include iPads for student use beginning this semester with ninth-grade students.
SJHS students are able to earn college credits for the classes Woytek teaches as well. His website design class can earn students four University of Pittsburgh credits. In fact, students at St. Joseph can earn up to 35 college credits at local colleges and universities which, in some cases, has been known to save some students one full year of college tuition.
When Woytek isn’t in his robotics lab he is busy with one of his many community service activities. He tries to volunteer where he can and where his skills can be of use. He began volunteering in local community theater in sound and technical design in high school and still continues that passion today.
He also began developing photography skills in college where he volunteered for the Duquesne Red Masquers theater group. Woytek is often seen carrying his photography equipment in and out of school to document the students’ robotics work.
In addition, just a few years ago Woytek became an active member of the New Kensington Volunteer Fire Department as well as the Parnassus Civic League. Woytek remarked, “What matters to me is that I am able to help other people when they most need help.”