“The part that I love about being a teacher is the connections that I get to make from the real world of work to the curriculum. It’s the “aha” moment when a student connects the dots for the first time and fully understands what is being talked about. That moment is humbling and inspiring for me to continue to be patient, understanding, and firm with expectations. That connection has an impact on our student’s lives and their futures.”
Anthony Christian teaches manufacturing and metal fabrication at Arrowhead Union High School in Hartland, Wisconsin. He credits three events for his becoming a skilled trades teacher—1) he found success and real life connection in his high school skilled trades program, 2) his skilled trades and English teachers encouraged his educational pursuits, and 3) his Intro to Education course in his sophomore year of college crystallized his desire help others in the same way. In 2012, Christian was brought on to revitalize the manufacturing and fabrication program at Arrowhead Union, where he revitalized the marketing and fundraising of the program, and was immediately named Teacher of the Year in 2012, and then again in 2023. As a lifelong learner, Christian earned his Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2020.
Housed in a bright, clean lab with modern equipment, Christian’s program and classroom culture challenge any outdated stigmas and misconceptions around skilled trades education. Students have daily opportunities to be expressive and creative in their learning, including competing in a contest where students fabricate a working lamp with four lap joints and four T joints and other academic teachers come in and vote for their favorite. Christian emphasizes the importance of developing relationships with industry partners, citing a key investment from local businesses in 2014 as a catalyst for the program becoming a model for 11 other local school districts. Christian ultimately believes that being able to have tough conversations, bring people together for a common purpose, and provide action steps to make change happen have allowed him to grow as a leader and provide for the program’s vitality and future.
Notes of Excellence
- Christian’s program was awarded Program of the Year by the Wisconsin Technology Education Association in 2024.
- The number of students requesting to join his manufacturing program is up 31 percent from 2018.
- In 2021, after showcasing his students and their skills, Christian secured $385,000 from local business partners, as well as a five-year commitment to partnering with the program to create “High Tech High”.
- Christian has his students drive their program’s social media. One six-second reel they posted earned 2,284 views in three days by 1,200 viewers.