Catharina Erlich Honored with IVA Teacher Prize for Innovative Technology Education

Catharina Erlich, a technology teacher at Engelbrektsskolan in Stockholm, has been awarded the inaugural IVA Teacher Prize for her outstanding contributions to technology education. With a background as a civil engineer and former lecturer in energy technology at KTH, Erlich combines deep subject knowledge with engaging pedagogy to make technology relevant and comprehensible for students in grades 7-9.

Erlich emphasizes building students' confidence by guiding them from initial ideas to finished products through long-term building projects and cohesive thematic cycles. Her teaching connects technology to students' everyday lives, society, environmental sustainability, and encourages creativity. She developed an annual cycle for technology education that is now used by all technology teachers at her school, providing clear direction for both students and colleagues.

The IVA Teacher Prize, introduced this year, highlights the essential role of technology teachers in preparing students for future challenges. The award includes 50,000 SEK for Erlich and 50,000 SEK for Engelbrektsskolan and will be presented at IVA’s Högtidssammankomst at Stockholm City Hall on October 23, 2026.

Looking forward, Erlich plans to introduce seventh graders to AI and robotics to explore their societal applications, reflecting her commitment to integrating emerging technologies into education. She also enriches learning through field trips to KTH, where students meet technology role models such as astronaut Christer Fuglesang. According to Erlich, technology education offers students valuable confidence by transforming abstract ideas into tangible, meaningful projects.