“Forty years later, I still love what I do and love sharing my knowledge with my students. I believe my program would stack up well against any skills program in the nation and I would put the students I educate up against any students in the nation.“

Brian Schneider teaches agricultural mechanics at Napoleon Public School in Napoleon, North Dakota. Growing up on a family farm, he developed a passion for agriculture and hands-on work with tools, welding, and carpentry. Encouraged by his own high school agricultural educator, he earned a degree in agricultural education from North Dakota State University. As a veteran trades educator, he has consistently updated his expertise through coursework in modern shop technology, mastering CNC equipment, laser machines, plasma cam systems, robotics, and hydraulics. Recognized across the state for instructional excellence, including being named his county’s 2026 Teacher of the Year by North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction, he has dedicated his career to empowering students with essential technical trade skills.

Built on a scaffolded curriculum from middle school through twelfth grade, Schneider’s program immerses learners in woodworking, cold and hot metal working, small engines, and structural design. Students tackle advanced structural projects, such as designing scale model homes from foundation forms to poured concrete and custom framing. Under his leadership, the school and FFA Alumni constructed a state-of-the-art agricultural education facility featuring an expanded agricultural mechanics lab with a dust collection network and four dedicated, ventilated welding bays. Through sequential coursework and cooperative placements, students develop teamwork alongside professional trade competencies.

 

Notes of Excellence

  • Business & Industry Alignment: Coordinates a comprehensive cooperative placement program with local businesses, partnering closely with the local welding shop to secure material donations, technical expertise, and student work placements.
  • Key Program Impact: Maintains a program completion rate exceeding 90%, with numerous alumni going on to work in skilled trades or own local businesses, including auto body, hardware, electrical, and service station enterprises.
  • Community Connection: Guided his Agricultural Education Community Development class in designing and constructing insulated animal shelters from repurposed chemical totes for Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue.