Make: Education Forum 2022 Presentations

Teaching the Building Trades

Teaching the Building Trades

As the first and only middle school Construction Technology Educator in my Philadelphia, PA school district, I teach masonry, electrical wiring, plumbing, carpentry and all the building trade skills. In my conference session, I will talk about my methods for teaching and managing the Building Trades program at the Mayfair School. I will also explain how I outfitted my own RV as a traveling shop so I can reach people in the neighboring communities. My students learn skills that they will use all their lives; whether they decide to pursue a career in the Building Trades or just need to repair something in their own homes. I hope to inspire other middle schools to create similar programs. The photo above shows my students building a bunny mansion at a local farm.

Evin Jarrett

Evin Jarrett

About them: After being in the trades for 20 years I decided to follow my passion to become a teacher.  I’m the Building Trades Instructor at the Mayfair School, a middle school in the Philadelphia School District.  My name is Evin Jarrett aka The Dope Teacher. The kids gave me that name a few years ago and it has stayed with me. I am the Dope Teacher and they are the Cool Kids. When I am not teaching at school I am teaching in the community. I am the owner/operator of the Dope Teacher Mobile Shop Class, an RV that I outfitted as a traveling shop. I provide free Trade classes to youth within a 50 mile radius of Philadelphia during the summer and on weekends at various locations. You can see my work on Instagram @mrjarrett_constructiontech



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