“I tell my students about the things I design, build, and use in real life, and they see what’s possible for themselves.”

Sheila Stalberger teaches Intro to Woodcrafting, Intermediate Wood Custom Design, and Capstone Advanced Wood Crafting in the Technology Education Program at Eden Prairie High School in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Stalberger’s journey into skilled trades education began with lessons learned alongside her father, who encouraged her curiosity and treated her as a capable partner in every project. That early mentorship inspired a belief in hands-on learning and a passion for empowering others, especially students who don’t thrive in traditional classrooms. Over her 28-year career, she has taught more than 30 courses in metals, welding, machining, web design, engineering, construction, photography, and woodcrafting. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts from Bemidji State University, where she began teaching by guiding students to build homes for Habitat for Humanity, connecting technical skills with real-world impact.

Now teaching in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Stalberger runs her classroom like a production floor, blending safety, precision, and professionalism with creativity and problem-solving. She draws on strong industry connections, including five brothers in the trades, to keep her curriculum current and aligned with workforce needs. Her leadership has increased female enrollment in wood courses, expanded community partnerships, and connected students to apprenticeships, certifications, and careers. Above all, she measures success by the confidence, skills, and readiness her students carry into their futures.

Notes of Excellence

  • Stalberger has coached her students in VICA and Society of Automotive Engineers Supermileage competitions, highlighting innovation and engineering skills, and leading to state and national recognition for her students.
  • In Stalberger’s Wood Crafting Capstone class, students design and build projects for real-world community partners; in 2024, they built multiple pieces of custom furniture for a local nonprofit helping young people experiencing homelessness.
  • In her time at Eden Prairie High School, enrollment in her courses and graduates of her program entering the trades have both increased by 20 percent.  Enrollment of female students has increased by a third since she began teaching the course.