John Stearns Wins Award For Teaching Excellence

John Stearns, Career Technical Education Director and woodworking instructor at Amity High School in Amity, Ore., has been honored with the 2024 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools (HFTS) Prize for Teaching Excellence. The award recognizes outstanding educators who are shaping the future of skilled trades.

Stearns will receive a $50,000 prize package, including a $35,000 grant for Amity High School and a $15,000 personal award. This funding will be used to enhance the school's CTE program and provide resources for students.

Stearns began his teaching career in cabinet making and furniture construction in Amity then served as the lead woodworking instructor at the MiLL National Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., for two years. He returned to his educator roots in 2020, becoming CTE Director and construction teacher at Amity High in 2020.

Stearns has been an active EDUcation member of the WCA for more than a decade and was certified as a WCA accredited skill evaluator in 2014. He is also a member of the WCA’s Board of Directors and Education Committee.

Established in 2017, The HFTS Prize for Teaching Excellence recognizes teacher excellence among high school skilled trades including industrial technology, welding, construction, automotive, carpentry, and more. The prize is intended to increase understanding, support and investment in skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools. Stearns’ application was one of more than 900 received for the 2024 prize.

Learn more at woodworkcareer.org.