When students walk into Carlos Cruz’s biology classroom at McCaskey East High School, they know they’re not in for a typical lecture. Instead, they might find themselves choreographing a cell organelle fashion show, designing biology-themed board games, or filming science news segments complete with costumes and sound effects. For over a decade, Mr. Cruz has brought his full creativity and humor into the classroom to transform science from a set of facts into a living, breathing exploration.
Now, that passion and innovation are being recognized on a broader stage.
We are proud to share that Mr. Cruz has been selected as a 2025 STEM Ambassador by the Lancaster County STEM Alliance (LCSA). This honor is awarded to a select group of educators and leaders who are committed to advancing STEM education across Lancaster County. Ambassadors are tasked with leading community engagement efforts, creating original content, presenting at events, and designing capstone projects that tackle real-world issues, all while championing LCSA’s four core pillars: Career Exploration, In-School Project-Based Learning (PBL), Out-of-School STEM Opportunities, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in STEM.
Mr. Cruz brings a deep commitment to all four pillars, especially PBL and DEIB. In his classroom, students don’t just learn biology, they experience it. They take ownership of their learning, explore scientific ideas through creative expression, and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. His instructional approach is student-centered, hands-on, and responsive to the wide range of learners he teaches including gifted students, English learners, and students receiving learning support. With every lesson, he makes space for curiosity, collaboration, and a little bit of chaos, the good kind, where students feel safe to take risks and explore new ideas.
But Mr. Cruz’s work doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Outside the classroom, he’s a husband, a dad to two teenagers, and a dog-lover who enjoys fantasy novels, horror stories, and board games. These personal passions often sneak their way into his lessons, making science even more relatable to his students. His ability to connect content with culture, identity, and lived experience is part of what makes him such a powerful educator and a perfect fit for this ambassador role.
As a STEM Ambassador, Mr. Cruz will collaborate with other leaders across the county to share best practices, reimagine what STEM education can look like, and help ensure that all students, regardless of background, see themselves as scientists, creators, and problem-solvers. His capstone project will reflect the same energy and vision he brings to his classroom, aiming to make STEM more inclusive and accessible for every learner in our community.
At SDoL, we believe in jobs that matter and few jobs matter more than the kind of teaching that changes how students see themselves and their futures. Carlos Cruz is a shining example of what it means to empower students through education. We’re proud to have him on our team and even prouder to see his leadership recognized across Lancaster County.
Congratulations, Mr. Cruz your work inspires us all!