When it comes to STEM, Cody Henrichsen is a star. The Canyons Technical Education Center computer science teacher inspires students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). He teaches them to create apps for Android and Apple iPhones. He encourages  girls to seek computer-coding careers. He is one of the College Board’s Advanced Placement leaders. His students this year placed 14th in the IBM “Master the Mainframe” international competition.

“(Henrichsen) is a shining star,” Deputy State Superintendent Brenda Hales said. “This is a  young man whose kids have apps that are actually in use right now on your phones.”

Hales’ comments came at the March 8, 2013 State Board of Education meeting, in which Henrichsen was honored for his outstanding service to students in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. There, the 2012 CTEC Teacher of the Year and CTEC Shining Star Award-winner was honored for his innovative practices, integrating STEM subjects in his classroom, and preparing students for the high-tech workforce of tomorrow.

Said Henrichsen, when asked what motivates him and an educator:

“When a student is able to create a computer program that at first does not perform as expected, and then is able to identify why it’s acting incorrectly and fix that problem, it shows the student has developed the resilience needed to fail — because failure is  part of learning — and to continue as well with the knowledge to correct the mistake and learn even more as they use that knowledge.”