Exceptional RCHS teacher named Teacher of the Year

MARK SMITH (left), the industrial arts teacher at Reed-Custer High School, accepts the Wooden Globe Educator of the Year award during the Wood Industry Association annual conference. Smith earned the award for developing a curriculum that builds on student interest in the industry and exposes them to the tools and methods used in modern woodworking. The curriculum at RCHS offers coursework in Orientation to Technology; CAD 1, 2 and 3; STEM 1 and 2; CAD/CAM 1 and 2; and Production 1 and 2. These courses provide students credit toward their high school diploma, college credits and Woodwork Career Alliance of North America credentials. In addition to the curriculum, Smith works to expose his students to the industry through career days, manufacturing days and attendance at industry events. He also has a broad network of supporters and contacts to connect students to future career opportunities.