“My leadership style is grounded in service, consistency, and leading by example. I try to create a learning environment where students know what’s expected of them and feel supported every step of the way. I hold high standards, but I’m also the first to step in, get my hands dirty, and help when students hit a wall. I’m not the loudest voice in the building, but I lead by building trust—through patience, follow-through, and treating students with respect.”
Chris Rushing teaches machining technology at Lebanon Career and Technology Center in Lebanon, MO. His journey to becoming a skilled trades teacher began with a deep appreciation for hands-on work and a belief that students need more than just theory and need real-world skills. Rushing has years of practical experience in both manual and CNC machining, manufacturing systems, and CAD/CAM integration. After working in industry, Rushing earned his teaching certification through Missouri’s CTE educator pathway and continues to learn through workshops, industry partnerships, and coaching robotics. He is most passionate about teaching students to think critically, solve problems with their hands, and develop pride in precision and not just know how to use machines, but having a mindset of craftsmanship and continuous improvement. In his years teaching, Rushing has become deeply committed to the importance of what skilled trades educators and students do and wants to be part of a movement that shows the skilled trades are not a fallback, but a first-choice future.
Rushing’s curriculum is aligned with advanced manufacturing and precision machining career pathways and has created an active, personalized, and motivated learning culture. From Day one, students are engaged in hands-on, project based learning where they get to create, take ownership, and learn through mistakes and successes. He has developed a dual-level machining program where juniors start with manual machining and seniors move into more advanced CNC and CAD/CAM opportunities. Each student builds a portfolio of work that includes physical parts, digital files, and credentials and seniors complete capstone projects that combine machining and automation components. He has incorporated the latest advances in software and 3D printing to ensure students experience the spectrum of modern manufacturing. He utilizes a Gamerscore-style incentive system where students earn XP for mastering skills, being team players, or going the extra mile. Rushing annually tracks data points such as OSHA-10 certification rates (90+ percent), industry certifications, and post-graduation outcomes and has been honored with various student-voted awards at school.
Notes of Excellence:
- From 2023-2025, over 75 percent of seniors have gone directly into the skilled trades through employment, apprenticeships, or technical college
- Rushing’s students make and repair parts for machines and local companies, including manual mills, which helps them see the relevance of their education and find a purpose in what they learn and do.
- Rushing serves as a resource for his district on CTE strategy and program development, mentoring new teachers, and advocating for expanding equipment and programming
- Rushing is the school’s SkillsUSA advisor and coach of a regional FIRST Robotics Team. Students on the robotics team designed and machined custom parts for their FRC robot by using SolidWorks, programmed them with Mastercam, and produced components with Haas CNC equipment.