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Wednesday's Internet Edition, January 07, 2009.
Feuerbach named state’s top industrial teacher
GHS Ag Mechanics master named best in state by CITEA
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First named Galt High teacher of the year, Ag Mechanics teacher Mark Feuerbach followed up that honor by being named California Industrial Technology and Education Association teacher of the year for the state. Pictured is Feuerbach leading instruction in the GHS welding shop with welding students Joseph Nottagel and Raymond Kelley.
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By Rachael Ackerman
Herald Editor
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Known as a humble man who makes a big impression, Galt High School Ag Mechanics teacher Mark Feuerbach made a big impression on the industrial teachers association in Sacramento, being named that organization’s teacher of the year for 2008.
Honored last month at the annual California Industrial Technology and Education Association Conference, Feuerbach joined a variety of elite legislators, teachers and administrators who all earned a nod of approval from CITEA for their commitment to supporting and teaching industrial technology to today’s high school population.
Feuerbach was selected as teacher of the year from a pool of applicants whose names were submitted from all over the state. Evidence of competence in the profession is required to be submitted along with the application, as well as onsite visits to the classroom.
“We visited Mark many times over the past three years. We were impressed with his program organization and the technical and academic work performed in his welding classroom and shop application program,” said CITEA liaison John Chocholak. “He appears to us to be a master teacher with welding industry certifications and on-the-job experience. He loves what he is teaching and is very motivated to encourage and help students be successful in his program.”
On board at GHS for the past 14 years, Feuerbach is described as a “highly effective” teacher who works well with students at risk of dropping out. He provides students with hands-on exposure to developing skills that will land them a good paying job or a career they can begin straight out of high school.
“Only 20 percent of students who attend high school in California ever go on to a four-year college or university,” said Chocholak. “That means 80 percent of the students in high school need some type of non-college training for some type of occupation after high school.”According to Chocholak, industrial education is the key to filling many of those needs.
“The American Welding Society has stated that there is a shortage of 50,000 welders in this country,” said Chocholak. “Good, high paying, technical welding jobs are waiting for qualified students who take welding classes in high school and go to community college to prepare for the AWS national welding certification test. Mark is preparing students for such employment in the welding field.”
Shortages of qualified professionals in auto, machining, construction and drafting trades are also suffering similar shortages said Chocholak, creating an open field for employment at high paying jobs for many.
As winner of the CITEA teacher of the year award, Feuerbach was honored at center court of a Sacramento Kings basketball game along with other teachers of the year. During that ceremony each received a glass sculpture of an apple symbolizing their commitment to teaching.
Sacramento Kings player Kevin Martin thanked all of the teachers for their dedication to kids, as did Kings coach Rex Kalamian and State Superintendent of Schools Jack O’Connell.
Feuerbach’s friends and family have shared in his honor, saying there could be no better choice for this honor.
“Our family is very proud of mark and the honor he has received,” said Jan Feuerbach, Mark’s wife. “For 20 years he has dedicated himself to teaching students welding skills that provide these students a career after leaving high school. He truly is the type of teacher who gives 100 percent to his students.”
With 15 girls in his welding program this year, up from zero when he first started teaching, Feuerbach said the industry is changing, but his reasons for teaching have not.
“I figured out I really enjoy working with kids,” said Feuerbach when he was named GHS teacher of the year. “The reason I teach is because I enjoy the students. My goal for students is that, if they want to be welders, we get them a job when they get out of here. If they have the skills to get a job and they’re doing well out there, then I’m happy.”
Paving the path for students to make informed choices about their futures, Feuerbach fit the bill for a CITEA teacher of the year to a tee.
“At this time, in most high schools, the only choice a student has is to go to college, but the everyone going to college plan is not good for about 80 percent of them,” said Chocholak. “In this situation, students cannot make an informed choice about their future. We are working to provide these non-university students an option which will provide them with high wages and job satisfaction.”
CITEA takes pride in selecting its winners by placing technology teachers on the platform it feels is deserved.
“The governor of this state has recognized this problem and is fully supportive of providing all students with the industrial technology option and the ability to make an informed choice about a future occupation,” said Chocholak. “We honor industrial technology teachers to recognize them for the fine work they do in the classroom and shop. We only choose one teacher each year for this award, and Mark was our choice.”
CITEAF at a glance
The California Industrial and Technology Education Association Foundation is recognized by the California Department of Education and the professional organization that represents industrial technology teachers in California. CITEAF advocates for the strengthening and support of industrial technology classes in middle schools, high schools, community colleges and universities in California.
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