AMITY, Ore. — John Stearns, Career Technical Education Director and woodworking instructor at Amity High School, 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.

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

“The experience has been overwhelming,” Stearns said. “My phone and email immediately blew up with well-wishes and more importantly, industry professionals wanting to get involved in my program. I'm looking forward to the expanded opportunities my students will have.”

Stearns was one of 25 teachers awarded Oct. 8 with the HFTS prize. In all, $1.5 million in cash prizes were awarded to the teachers and their programs operating in U.S. public high schools. Five grand prize winners received $100,000, with $30,000 awarded to the teacher and $70,000 awarded to their program. An additional 20 winners, including Stearns, receive $50,000, with $15,000 awarded to the teacher and $35,000 awarded to the program.

He began his teaching career in cabinetmaking and furniture construction in Amity then served as the lead woodworking instructor at the MiLL National Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 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 Woodwork Career Alliance of North America 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.

According to the WCA, Stearns' dedication to his students is evident in his innovative teaching methods and his focus on practical, hands-on learning experiences. He emphasizes the importance of problem-solving, communication, and teamwork, skills that are essential for success in any career.

“I can teach transferable skills to students who, no matter what career path they ultimately choose, can use those skills to be successful,” Stearns said. “I can show a young man or young woman how to look someone in the eye and shake their hand on a job site, and that skill is transferable to any life path. I can teach a student how to solve a problem while looking ahead and anticipating the next issue, and that skill is transferable to any life path that student chooses. What a cool blessing that is for a teacher.”

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.

"On behalf of the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to John for winning this prestigious prize,” said Scott Nelson, president of the WCA. “John's dedication to inspiring the next generation of woodworkers is truly commendable. His passion, expertise, and commitment to fostering a love of woodworking are an invaluable asset to our industry. We are honored to have him as a part of the WCA community."

This year's winners included:

Grand Prize winners:
Alex Bechtler
Manufacturing
Southeast Career Technical Academy, NV

Mike Degitis
Construction
Cherry Creek Innovation Campus, CO

Jordan Engelhardt
Automotive
Lyons Township High School, IL

Donna Newell
Welding
Erie High School, PA

Jeff Winn
Carpentry, Construction
South Kitsap High School, WA

Prize winners:
John Stearns
Construction
Amity High School, OR

Andrew Bias
Manufacturing
Folsom High School, CA

Anthony Christian
Manufacturing
Arrowhead Union High School, WI

David Darden
Automotive
Cedar Shoals High School, GA

Quint Dunlap
Automotive
Pinecrest High School, NC

Michael Fleming
Automotive
Monte Vista High School, CA

Laurie Hilderbrand
Welding
Soquel High School, CA

Rob Hunter
Automotive
Flathead High School, MT

John Kim
Manufacturing
Ypsilanti Community High School, MI

Jared Massic
Welding
Maple Mountain High School, UT

Chris Nielsen
Automotive
Olympus High School, UT

Robert Pease
Welding
Fleming County High School, KY

Christopher Pilling
Construction
Burrillville High School, RI

Bryan Silver
Manufacturing
Kalani High School, HI

Chris Small
Automotive
Warren Tech, CO

Brian Sneed
Automotive
Cordova High School, TN

Andrew Rice
Automotive
J. Everett Light Career Center, IN

Austin Thorson
Automotive
Elkhorn Area High School, WI

Oakley Van Oss
Construction, Welding
Summit High School, CO

Carol Wright
Agricultural Mechanics
Hugh C. Williams High School, NY