“In my welding classroom, I model professionalism, consistency, and a strong work ethic every day. I believe students perform best when they see their instructor actively engaged, invested in their success, and treating the trade with the respect it deserves. I foster a team-oriented environment where students support one another, take pride in their work, and develop leadership skills themselves through peer mentoring and group projects.”
As a proud Wyoming native and raised with deep roots in Sheridan, Clayton Christensen teaches welding at Sheridan High School in Sheridan, WY. Christensen grew up heavily involved in the school’s agriculture program, was a dedicated member of the Future Farmers of America, and worked in a local mechanic’s shop. Having learned the value of hard work and being influenced by his mentors, Christensen earned two degrees from the University of Wyoming – one in Agricultural Education and the other in Agricultural Business. He completed his student teaching at his alma mater and taught for two years in Colorado, until a teaching position opened up at Sheridan for him to return to the community that shaped him. After each term, Christensen reflects and evaluates what worked well and where students struggled, and encourages open dialogue from students on how they perceived their learning experience. This reflective teaching and student feedback enhances his program and he routinely revises his curriculum based on student need.
In Christensen’s program, students learn and master a range of welding processes, including SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW, while also developing technical skills in metallurgy and CNC plasma cutters, as well as professional skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Christensen values and emphasizes the personalized instruction for each individual student that welding allows for as students progress at different paces. As he spends time in the booth with each student to demonstrate, guide, and encourage them through each challenge, he builds strong relationships based on respect and trust. Students work on repairs for community projects and buildings, while also competing in SkillsUSA. He is actively involved with the American Welding Society (AWS) to ensure that he maintains an up-to-date and effective teaching practice. As a second-generation member of the Sheridan community, Christensen is a proud leader who lifts up his school, community, and the skilled trades.
Notes of Excellence:
- Christensen challenges his students to take on and collaborate on projects outside of the box, including a lifesize metallic bull on display in their shop.
- Students at Sheridan who are concentrators in a CTE program boast a 98.3 percent graduation rate–approximately 18% higher than the overall school graduation rate.
- In 2024-2025, 26 of Christensen’s students earned their OSHA-10 and/or their AWS Level 1 SENSE certifications.
- Christensen earned his Certified Welding Inspector credential from the Hobart Institute of Welding and holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.