Welding lab hosts K-12 teacher-training program

Published 05.11.2023

Photos by Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer

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Teachers became students May 9-10, when Penn College’s welding faculty hosted its second Welding Teacher Training program, a seminar that provided educators in high schools and career and technical education centers with an opportunity to immerse in hands-on learning in the college’s Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center.

 

Ryan P. Good (right), assistant professor of welding, talks with welding educators outside a row of welding booths in the college’s 55,000-square-foot Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center.
Ryan P. Good (right), assistant professor of welding, talks with welding educators outside a row of welding booths in the college’s 55,000-square-foot Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center.

“It’s a way for them to encourage students about what is out their beyond high school,” said James N. Colton II, assistant professor of welding. “It’s a good opportunity for them to collaborate with our faculty, other high school teachers and industry to see what others are doing.”

Twenty-three educators attended the event, which aimed to help them develop new curricula, course content and methods of welding instruction; integrate learning theories into the classroom; apply classroom management practices; implement evaluation and assessment techniques; and explore the value of certification.

The seminar was sponsored by Miller Electric, a longtime Penn College partner that is a member of the college’s Millionaires Society ($1 million-plus in giving).

Good offers hands-on instruction in the very topic of hands-on instruction.
Good offers hands-on instruction in the very topic of hands-on instruction.
Jacob B. Holland (right), instructor of welding, demonstrates a CNC press brake.
Jacob B. Holland (right), instructor of welding, demonstrates a CNC press brake.
A teacher observes a piece of sheet metal coming off the brake.
A teacher observes a piece of sheet metal coming off the brake.
Joanna McKelvey, an ag educator at Wilmington Area High School (which serves Lawrence and Mercer counties), sets the controls.
Joanna McKelvey, an ag educator at Wilmington Area High School (which serves Lawrence and Mercer counties), sets the controls.