J.C. Booth Middle STEM and engineering teacher Jason Bingel was awarded Coach/Mentor of the Year honors at the state FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Championship that took place at Georgia Gwinnett College on February 4.
Under Bingel’s direction, the robotics program at J.C. Booth Middle has grown substantially over the last several years with the school having more FLL teams than any other middle school in Georgia. Also, his teams have been instrumental in supporting and developing FLL teams at various elementary schools in the school system.

During the award presentation, it was cited that Bingel has evolved FLL and STEM education at Booth to the point where it has become an institution.
“I have worked with Jason and I can confirm his impressive capabilities in passionately promoting the STEM vision, and creating greater outcomes than any one person could by mobilizing the community around him. Jason is a visionary who mobilizes students and passionate parent coaches to create a unique learning experience for students outside of school,” says Gerri VanZyl, parent and FLL coach at J.C. Booth Middle.
Three of Bingel’s teams advanced to the state championship this year with two of them receiving awards.