Reggie Duncan is an education program specialist in the Office of Education at the United States Patent and Trademark Office where he plans, develops, implements, and evaluates major national educational projects. He is also an alumnus of the USPTO’s National Summer Teacher Institute (NSTI) on innovation, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and intellectual property. A former 5th grade math and science teacher with 14 years of experience, Reggie has been recognized for his expertise in STEM education. In 2016, he received the prestigious Presidential Award for Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest honors bestowed by the United States government for K-12 STEM teaching. During his time as a classroom teacher, Reggie was an Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Excellence in Elementary Teaching recipient and later served on the ICTM Board of Directors. He played a significant role in STEM professional development, collaborating with engineers from the Illinois Department of Transportation and The Boeing Company as an Area Teacher Leader for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). He has served as a Global STEM Trainer and a consultant on various STEM projects for including the I-STEM state project. Reggie is currently the Illinois PAEMST Alumni Representative and a former Teach Plus Affinity Group Facilitator, where he championed the recruitment, support, and retention of educators of color. He earned his Master of Education in elementary education degree from McKendree University.

What are you most proud of in your work or life?

Receiving the PAEMST award was one of the greatest honors of my professional career to date.

What are your passions and hobbies?

NFL Football; reading

Do you have a personal motto or other words to live by?

“If you don’t plan ahead, you plan to fail.”

Favorite snack food?

Fruit smoothies