This year, six past winners of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence are either retiring or moving on to new opportunities. We reached out to ask what lessons they have learned over the many years that they would impart to educators just starting to teach the skilled trades:

Dave Huffman – 2017 Prizewinner, Mississippi

• 23 years serving as a Civil Engineering Structures Specialist in the U.S. Air Force
• 14 years teaching Construction Technology at Gulfport High School

“Lean into what you know and share your experiences in the trades with your students. Authenticity is the most important teaching strategy I can think of, and your students will appreciate you being real with them. Finally, never forget, we’re just planting seeds, and you may never get to enjoy the shade.”

Jonathan Schwartz – 2017 Prizewinner, California

• 31 years teaching Construction, Woodworking, Pre-Engineering, Math and Advanced Manufacturing at Colfax High School

“My own journey here has been defined by a love for math and the shop. My passion has always been to design and build, and my goal as an educator has been to inspire students to enter the fields where they can create the systems, structures, and projects that make our world a better place.”

Shawn Burns – 2020 Prizewinner, Virginia

• 25 years serving as a Machinery Repairman, Instructor, Personnel Manager and Senior Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy
• 8 years teaching Technology Education at Hampton City School District and Roanoke County Public Schools
• 11 years teaching Advanced Manufacturing at the Burton Center for Arts & Technology

“Don’t go at this all by yourselves. Look for resources to help you become an outstanding teacher. It could be other skilled trades teachers or local industry partners to build a network of advisors.”

Staci Sievert – 2021 Prizewinner, Wisconsin

• 22 years teaching Social Studies at Seymour Community High School
• 9 years teaching Woodworking, Welding and Machining at Seymour Community High School

“Build your community network. Visit local manufacturers – understanding what they do will help build relatable curriculum, as well as a network of support for your program.”

Kristie Jones – 2022 Prizewinner, Mississippi

• 22 years teaching Special Education at Lafayette Middle School and Franklin County Middle School
• 6 years teaching Construction and Carpentry at Franklin County Career and Technical Center

“Build relationships while maintaining a professional, career-focused classroom and shop. For many students, the trades classroom is where they find their place, so give them a voice, communicate openly, and lead with consistency. When you do, you’re not just teaching skills – you’re helping shape lives, guiding students toward meaningful careers and showing them how they can impact their communities.”

Rob Hunter – 2024 Prizewinner, Montana

• 5 years teaching Automotive at Farmington High School
• 25 years teaching Automotive at Flathead High School

“Stick with it and get involved in your community! This is a job that continually gets better with time. The longer you teach students the trades, the more you can see the difference it makes in your community.”