“I strive to create a learning culture in which students become more independent in completing tasks, and less dependent on me as the instructor, as they advance through the program. An important part of this environment is that students can make mistakes and have the opportunity to examine how to develop a better outcome for the task. At the center of this is an earned trust between the students and myself.”
Hugh Roberts teaches carpentry at Cabell County Career Technology Center in Huntington, WV. After earning a BA in Social Studies Education from Marshall University in 1993, Roberts went to work in the construction industry in positions ranging from laborer to salesman to project manager. Inspired by both of his grandfathers and father, he operated a small business in custom kitchen installation and light commercial work, specializing in finish carpentry and detail work, and gave back to the local Habitat for Humanity Chapter. After 13 years in the industry, he felt the call to teach, and began as a carpentry instructor in 2007. From 2014-2018, Roberts was an assistant principal for Career and Technical Education at a comprehensive high school, but wanted to return to the classroom, where he has been since 2019. Additionally, Roberts holds a Masters degree in Adult and Technical Education and a certificate in Leadership Studies from Marshall University and has been awarded the U.S. Navy Educators Award (2009), Excellence in Action Award from the Career Clusters Institute (2014), Distinguished Scholar in the Principal’s Leadership Academy (2016), and Cabell County Schools Teacher of the Year (2023).
In Roberts’ carpentry program, students live out the West Virginia Simulated Workplace Initiative where they apply for and carry out leadership roles including crew leader, safety manager, and facilities manager. Roberts guides them through each stage of the project from beginning to completion in their classroom, but students immediately get to work with tools once class starts. Students who complete Roberts’ carpentry program have a 100% graduation rate and move onto joining labor unions, working for local builders, or building interstate bridge projects as apprentices or contractors. To stay up-to-date with the latest technological trends, best practices, and the job market, Roberts learns from a diverse range of sources, including engineers, labor leaders, contractors, companies on YouTube, and the SkillsUSA West Virginia network. Additionally, community service is at the core of Roberts’ program. In 2024-2025, students worked on projects to support the Milton Volunteer Fire Department, Cabwaylingo Appalachian Mission, Beech Fork Lake State Park, St. Joseph Catholic High School and Huntington Children’s Museum. For the latter, students planned and constructed the Story Walk, which extends nearly three city blocks and has 20 stations designed to promote literacy.
Notes of Excellence:
- Roberts serves as a member of the West Virginia Region 2 Workforce Investment Board and the West Virginia Commission for Professional Teaching Standards and associated Licensure Appeal Panel.
- The West Virginia Department of Education featured one of Roberts’ students at his apprenticeship at Creative Kitchens in this 2025 video.
- In 2024-2025, 100 percent of program completers achieved above Workforce Entry level on the NOCTI exam for carpentry, as well as their OSHA-10 credential.
- Roberts previously was a finalist for the 2023 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.