“I want our students to know they can travel anywhere in the world using these skills and make a great living for themselves and their families… The possibilities for opportunity and growth are endless.”
Donna Newell teaches Welding Technology at Erie High School in Erie, Pennsylvania. Newell’s father trained her and sparked her interest in welding when she was young. While she did not initially pursue welding professionally, after college, she decided to attend a night school welding program to see if her skills were competitive, and was immediately offered a job in the high-demand local industry. Newell became a Certified Welding Inspector and Certified Welding Instructor and does inspection and training in addition to teaching.
Newell teaches by example, working alongside her students on advanced welding and integrating inclusive, cross-curriculum projects and student interests. For example, during Black History Month, students studied renowned architect and bridge builder Horace King and then designed and built their own bridge models. Newell emphasizes independence, teamwork, and self-reflection, empowering students to design projects and work iteratively through challenges. Her students often work with their peers in programs like digital media and landscaping on collaborative and complex projects. Through an industry partnership training program, students build parts in a real shop and practice professional and responsible conduct. Newell is passionate about improvement and growth, helping students and teachers access industry resources, technology, and professional development. She is excited to continue growing involvement and passion for the trades in her school and community.
Notes of Excellence
- Each senior in Newell’s program graduates with at least two industry-recognized credentials and 90-100 percent are placed in industry before graduation.
- Newell serves as a Board member of the American Welding Society (AWS) and her students participate in AWS and SkillsUSA events.
- Driven by her belief in the trades as a valuable career path, Newell is pursuing her Master’s degree in Career and Technical Administration, with a goal of someday becoming a director of a CTE Center.