Richard Embrick shares engineering experience
Richard Embrick left the business world after a successful career because he wanted to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
“I realized my greatest passion wasn’t building products — it was building people,” he said. “I wanted to create a classroom where students could discover their talents, develop confidence, and learn that failure is simply part of the journey to success.”
Embrick has always believed that the best learning happens when students are actively creating, designing, experimenting, and solving real-world problems.
“Every day, I have the privilege of helping students see themselves as engineers, innovators and future leaders. Watching a student accomplish something they never thought they could do is what inspires me to keep teaching.”
Leaving the corporate world in 2009, Embrick began his second act as a science teacher, bringing robotics and engineering programs to Houston area school districts. This year, his 18th in the classroom, he serves as the engineering and principals of manufacturing (robotics) teacher at Wright Junior High School in Lamar CISD.
“I have the opportunity to inspire students through engineering, robotics, coding, design challenges and hands-on problem solving,” he said, adding that he also serves as the CTE department head, TSA sponsor and the JHS PLC Lead Engineering teacher in the district.
He also created STEMbrick Academy in 2018 with long-time educator Daniel Doremus. The nationally recognized program connects students with science, technology, engineering and math programs to help them learn to problem solve, predict trends and think for themselves in a fun environment. The program has been adopted by several schools in the Houston area, including Lamar CISD. It also led to Embrick’s recognition as one of the top STEM teachers in the country.
“I love seeing students realize they are capable of doing things they never thought possible. Whether they’re designing a robot, building an invention, programming a drone, or collaborating to solve a difficult problem, I enjoy watching their confidence grow. I want every student to leave my classroom believing they can become an engineer, inventor, entrepreneur, or leader,” he said.
His drive to help students succeed led to Embrick’s selection as a state finalist in the Leadership Secondary category of H-E-B’s 2026 Excellence in Education awards. Calling the recognition an incredible honor, he added, “It represents not only the work I’ve done in my classroom but also the support of my students, colleagues, administrators, family, and community.”
He’ll use the prize money from H-E-B to purchase additional robotics equipment, engineering materials, coding technology and other classroom resources, adding it to the grant funding he’s received over the years.
“My goal has always been simple: inspire students to dream bigger, think creatively, and believe that they can accomplish extraordinary things no matter who they are or where they come from,” he said.
In the classroom, Embrick strives to ignite a lifelong passion for STEM. “Seeing former students succeed and hearing how something they learned in my classroom influenced their future reminds me why this work matters,” he said.
While teaching has its challenges, Embrick said it’s important to “never underestimate the impact you have on your students.”
“The lessons they remember most are often the ones that made them feel valued, challenged and inspired,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to try new ideas, take risks, and create memorable learning experiences. Your enthusiasm and belief in your students can change lives in ways you’ll never fully realize.”
Meet Richard Embrick
“I’m grateful to be recognized alongside so many outstanding educators across Texas who dedicate themselves to making a difference every day. I won the H-E-B Excellence in Education Rising Star award in 2017 and this is the second time I have been a finalist for the Leadership award. Having been on the stage multiple times is a testimony for the work I am doing for students in Lamar CISD and in the great state of Texas.”
2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Leadership Secondary state finalist
Current job: Engineering and principals of manufacturing (robotics) teacher, Wright Junior High School, Lamar CISD in Region 4
TCTA member since 2023
Education: Business degree from Central Texas College, bachelor of science from Texas A&M University, multiple engineering certifications from the University of Houston—Clear Lake and the University of Texas in Tyler, and robotics certification from the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy.
Certifications held: Science (4-8); English as a Second Language Supplemental (4-8)
You could be the next H-E-B Excellence in Education winner: The H-E-B Excellence in Education program awards cash grants to finalists, winners and their schools. It honors teachers, counselors, principals, school boards, school districts and early childhood facilities. Nominations for the 2027 Excellence in Education Awards close on Sept. 30, 2026. Go to heblovesteachers.com/nominate to learn more or to submit a nomination.
This article appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of The Classroom Teacher.
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