“My goal is to inspire students to take pride in their work, pursue excellence, and see the trades as a pathway to a successful, fulfilling future.”
Travis Black teaches Construction Technology at Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education (VACTE) in Cottonwood, Arizona. A U.S. Navy veteran and licensed contractor with residential and commercial construction experience, Black brings real-world expertise into the classroom. Honored as the 2024 Arizona ACTE CTE Teacher of the Year, SkillsUSA Arizona Advisor of the Year, and the VFW Northern Arizona Teacher of the Year, he successfully prepares students with the technical, leadership, and employability skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive workforce.
Black provides a professional-grade learning environment where students operate heavy equipment, hand tools, and power tools while completing projects like sheds, gazebos, and tiny homes for community partners. These projects teach craftsmanship, problem-solving, collaboration, and accountability while giving students meaningful, real-world experience. He connects students with industry professionals for mentorship and job-shadowing opportunities, bridging the gap between education and the workforce. His students can earn industry-recognized credentials and up to 16 college credits through a partnership with Yavapai College, providing a seamless pathway to college and career success. Local internships, job-shadowing opportunities, and SkillsUSA competitions connect students directly to employers, apprenticeships, and postsecondary programs.
Black helps students build confidence, technical mastery, and professional skills. He has helped students who struggled academically find their passion, earn multiple certifications, and secure full-time employment immediately after graduation. Forward-thinking in technology, he integrates AI tools for design, planning, and safety simulations, preparing students to thrive in modern construction workplaces.
Notes of Excellence
- Black’s students earn NCCER, OSHA-10, and Core 4 Forklift/Loader certifications, and up to 16 college credits available through Yavapai College.
- Since its inception, Black’s program has an over 80 percent job placement rate, with students securing positions in construction, apprenticeships, and other related fields.
- Black leads a robust SkillsUSA chapter and has been recognized nationally: SkillsUSA National Models of Excellence recipient for seven consecutive years, 2021 National Models of Excellence Championship, 2022 National SkillsUSA Hall of Champions Award winner, 2019 and 2022 SkillsUSA Arizona Advisor of the Year.