“In my classroom, every kid understands that they are valuable and that their contributions are appreciated. I act as a facilitator for most of the teaching that takes place so that the students may think for themselves.”
Jason Blackwell taught Industrial Maintenance at Escambia Career Readiness Center in Brewton, Alabama. His experience in the skilled trades began when his father, a tradesman, told him, “if you listen to me, I’ll teach you everything I know.” Blackwell did just that, learning and following in his father’s footsteps. But in 2012, Blackwell was in a wreck that changed his life – he could no longer do much of his trade work that required intense physical labor. However, he was soon approached with an opportunity to teach, and he decided he wanted to share with others the knowledge his father had shared with him. With 20 years of experience and certifications across multiple trades, Blackwell has taught several different courses in his decade in the classroom – all with the same goal to empower and support his students.
Blackwell encouraged his students to take ownership of their learning and work collaboratively to solve problems. First-year students partnered with more experienced students, and all take on leadership roles throughout the year. There were group competitions within their student-run company, and Blackwell taught financial and project management, with students in charge of estimating costs, procuring materials, planning the schedule, and performing and evaluating the work. Blackwell also worked to ensure his students have opportunities beyond his program. He partnered with community colleges to provide pathways for dual enrollment and in 2021, established a career route into a nationally-recognized, certified apprenticeship program in industrial maintenance. His class also helped create the first competency-based apprenticeship for commercial drivers in Alabama. His program was an example throughout the state, with a 100 percent pass rate for the class and an 80 percent pass rate for National Center for Construction Education and Research and Manufacturing Skill Standards Council certifications. His students also had a 70 percent completion rate from 2-year college. His classes won the SkillsUSA Chapter of Distinction Gold and Silver in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Beyond teaching them technical skills, Blackwell strived to support his students in all their endeavors. In his rural area, many students come from challenging backgrounds. Blackwell attended their sports games and took them to meet industry partners for breakfast. He connected with each student individually and mentored them across all aspects of life. In Blackwell’s program, they had an opportunity to complete school improvement projects and participate in various community service events after school and on the weekends. He and his students work together to make a positive impact in and out of the classroom.
Blackwell has a bachelor’s degree in Career and Technical Education from Athens State and is currently pursuing a master’s in Education from the University of Alabama. He won the SkillsUSA Alabama High School Advisor of the Year in 2020 and 2021.
“I show my students that as a teacher I do not even have all the answers, but through careful observation and an understanding of our equipment, we can take apart and fix anything. Nothing is unconquerable if critically analyzed with intentional effort, and this is how I coach my students.”