“I’m proud to be a shop teacher—standing where my mentors stood, helping students build their confidence, work identity, and future.”
Jon Cerio teaches construction at his alma mater, Gov. John R. Rogers High School in Puyallup, WA. His love for craftsmanship started early on, sweeping floors at age 13 in the cabinet shop where his brother worked. While Cerio was in high school, an internship at Boeing showed him how math, reading and problem-solving came alive in the real world. That spark for learning pushed him to study Elementary Education at Washington State University. Cerio believes that shop classes help older students reconnect to learning by addressing real-world problems and having pride in their skills. This belief brought him to teaching the shop class he credits for keeping him in school.
Cerio’s focus when teaching his program is real-world application of hands-on trades skills. Whether students are college-bound, non-traditional, AP kids seeking diversification, or struggling with core classes, Cerio aims to build their confidence, problem-solving abilities, and work ethic. Students develop foundational hand tool skills before progressing to stationary machines and digital fabrication tools, like CNC routers and laser engravers. Through a partnership with the AGC Education Foundation, Cerio’s students have direct access to industry leaders, job site tours, and a clear path from classroom to career. Every month, they welcome speakers from organizations like UTI, Wyotech, Boeing, Sheet Metal JATC, and Boone Electric, with many students going on to earn internships and apprenticeships with the companies. Graduates from the program thrive in fields like electrical work, carpentry, and heavy equipment operation. Others pursue degrees in construction management and engineering. Many others have bought homes, started businesses, and found lasting fulfillment thanks to their skilled trades education.
Notes of Excellence
- Cerio has maintained a database of his former students since 2014, keeping track of their employers, job titles, and contact info so he can connect current students with alumni for mentorship, advice, and real-world opportunities.
- Students completing all three years of Cerio’s program can earn 22.5 college credits through articulation agreements, giving them a major advantage after graduation.
- Cerio piloted an “All Girls Shop” course, introducing the trades to young women in a comfortable, empowering space – this resulted in female enrollment in Cerio’s program increasing from one percent to 10 percent.