“I just work for the kids. I view teaching through a customer service lens. Help the kids find a goal, then help them build the skills to achieve that goal. If they want to TIG weld energy drink cans into a sculpture, why not let them? They just might discover a skill they didn’t realize they had. The two years of COVID restrictions put a lot of strain on these kids during their critical formative years. They are trying to develop an identity and find their place in this world. Many need their confidence back, so a comfortable environment where they have a say in the learning is needed.”
Andrew Bias teaches manufacturing at Folsom High School in Folsom, California. In his first shop class in ninth grade, he developed a growing interest in sheet metal. In his senior year, he worked in the same machine shop as his father. Upon graduating, feeling finished with school, Bias enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He then worked in the HVAC field for nine years, where he trained dozens of mechanics, and even wrote the training manual for the company. In 2011, Bias went back to school to become a teacher and obtained credentials in both social science and industrial technology. Since starting the CTE manufacturing program in 2018, he has grown the program from two sections to seven sections in a three-course pathway that includes Honors Manufacturing.
His curriculum begins with “Ten Things that Require Zero Talent” and he emphasizes work ethic and professional skills all year long, alongside project-based learning and teaching real-world scenarios. Students in the introductory class learn the importance of time management as they choose and work on their own projects in carpentry, sheet metal, welding, and machining. Students in the advanced and honors programs pursue their own passions, including HVAC and plumbing, and Bias makes tailor-made academic and career plans for each senior. In the last five years, he set up agreements with two local community colleges where his advanced manufacturing program articulates with Sierra College and the welding program articulates with Cosumnes River College. Bias strives to be a collaborative leader in his school and community by fostering a culture of inclusivity, continuous learning, and excellence in the skilled trades. He creates opportunities for faculty to work on curriculum development and pedagogy to lift up all teachers and students.
Notes of Excellence
- From 2023-2024, Bias’s program has seen a 20 percent increase in student sign-ups. The number of female students has grown to 30 percent overall, the highest in his region.
- Bias’ first success story was a young woman who joined his manufacturing class as a senior after taking his world history class as a sophomore. She joined the Harbor Freight Fellows program and gained 160 hours of welding experience with a construction company. She now works at Siemens in their railcar production facility.
- Three of Bias’ students won gold at the SkillsUSA California state conference in CNC categories.
- In May 2023, Bias earned his Masters in Educational Leadership/Administration, which includes an administration credential.