“Building a home gives students tangible proof of what they are capable of. It transforms learning into purpose and helps students see themselves as skilled professionals with a future in the trades.“
Grant Engel teaches construction at Central Lyon Community School District in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Inspired by his father’s craftsmanship and problem-solving, he earned an Associate of Applied Sciences in Building Construction and spent years on job sites, ultimately serving as a foreman leading crews on large-scale residential projects. Recognizing a critical shortage of young people entering the skilled trades, he earned a university teaching degree while working full-time in construction, bringing his foreman training skills into the classroom. A veteran trades educator, Engel brings extensive job-site leadership and hands-on expertise to the classroom, instilling pride in craftsmanship, strong accountability, and core employability skills.
Through a comprehensive curriculum including Building Trades, Residential Wiring, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Small Engines, and Applied Woods, Engel immerses students in industry-standard practices. The cornerstone of his program is a full-scale build where students construct a 1,600-square-foot home from the ground up on a local community lot. Working with professional-grade tools, students execute every phase of construction, from concrete work, framing, and roofing to interior finishes, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Grounded in daily character-building routines, the program empowers students to master complex technical tasks while gaining the confidence and leadership needed for high-demand trade careers.
Engel previously was a finalist for the 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.
Notes of Excellence
- Business & Industry Alignment: Partnered with Meyer Electric to co-develop a semester-long Residential Wiring course, culminating in students working directly alongside licensed electricians to wire the program’s full-scale 1,600-square-foot community home.
- Key Program Impact: Expanded the program from 14 students to approximately 80 per semester, increasing post-graduation trade pathway participation from 0% to 40% while maintaining a 98% graduation and completion rate.
- Meaningful Classroom Practice: A foundational element of the program is a practice called “Stand Up” where each day begins with a thought-provoking question. Students stand together in a circle and individually share their responses and meaningful discussion. It builds confidence, public speaking, respectful listening, empathy and trust.