The Importance of Instructor Support Words: Curtis HooverPhotos:Curtis HooverWhether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday protocols we must follow. You don’t have to do this alone; we are all here to support each other regardless of what part of the country you are teaching from. This is especially true for newer instructors in their first couple of years in the classroom.There will be many days when you first start your teaching career that you will second-guess yourself. You might ask, "What am I doing here?" or "Did I make the right decision?". However, we need competent masonry instructors in the classroom just as much as masonry contractors need young apprentices and masons. Masonry instructors have something unique: an instructor association that maintains partnerships with contractor associations to create "farm systems". This helps fill the manpower shortage, replaces our aging workforce, and keeps our industry strong.Instructor AssociationsBeing part of these associations can help you and your program in many ways. Typically, state instructors meet during their state SkillsUSA competition; this is usually the first association you will belong to. These are informal meetings to discuss students and changes to curriculum, grading policies, or requirements imposed by district or state education departments. It is also a time to discuss situations instructors have encountered during the year. Brainstorming with peers is an effective way to handle these situations.Regional masonry associations exist across the entire country. Two notable examples are:PCMA (Pennsylvania Concrete Masonry Association): This group includes instructors from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. MAMA (Mid-Atlantic Masonry Association) covers instructors from Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia.42 instructors from these areas are members of the Masonry Instructors Association That meet twice a year with one meeting a full day Instructors Workshop. Last hour of the meeting is touring the school classroom/shop area or plant facility. Meetings are held at one of the instructor’s school or an PCMA members facility. Last hour of the meeting is touring the school masonry classroom/shop area or plant facility. Last fall it was held at Bon Tool Company in Pittsburg, Pa. Instructors that have to travel any distance to the location show up the afternoon before and we meet for a casual dinner that evening. Hotel accommodations are paid for by PCMA and MAMA for instructors.NCMCA (North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association): This group hosts monthly activities with at least 10 plus competitions throughout the year and a significant summer meeting during the school break at one of the contractor facilities. There are 80 instructors that belong to the association throughout the state. These are all-day events with full agendas that include tours of shop areas or plants. NCMCA also hosts a recognition night in November for top students where awards are given. "Masonry Day" is held in October at the Stalite plant in Gold Hill, North Carolina. This event features competitions like the Bricklayer 500 and Jr. Bricklayer, Jr Block Layer, which is attended by over 400 high school students.National Involvement and Industry SupportThe MCAA is our national association and holds two conferences a year. The first is held every January at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas. This is a must-see for every instructor. Take your time to walk the entire show and introduce yourself to relevant vendors. Explain that you are a masonry instructor looking to improve your program; you will find incredible support in the form of product samples, literature, and equipment discounts. You can also witness "Masonry Madness Day," which includes the Masonry Skills Challenge, Fastest Trowel on the Block, Toughest Tender, and the Bricklayer 500.Attending these conferences can also satisfy state-required technical updating.Building Local PartnershipsIf your program does not have a business partner/craft advisory committee, it is up to you to introduce yourself to local contractors, suppliers, and equipment sales representatives. Ask them to be partners, explaining that you are training their future workforce and customers. This is a win-win for everyone involved.To build these relationships:Host a Business Luncheon: Invite local contractors, material suppliers, association directors local and national, and school board officials.Provide Data: Share the school's history, student enrollment numbers, and competency profile sheets showing what tasks students are proficient in (e.g., laying brick and block to the line, safety, blueprint reading and estimating). Have your syllabus of your curriculum available with text books. Show accomplishments from your program, whether it be competition medals, projects that were done for the community or students that have their own successful company’s Request Donations: State your needs for materials, tools, or equipment. Ask for leftover materials from job sites. Often, it is cheaper for a contractor to donate materials than to store them. Suppliers may also donate "seconds" that do not meet exact specifications. It is much easier to get what your program needs with the backing of business partners.Utilize Specific Resources: Organizations like Spec Mix offer practice mortar, and Mortar Net Solutions provides flashing materials and scholarships. Companies like Marshalltown and Bon Tool also have student award programs.CompetitionsSkillsUSA is the largest organization for secondary and post-secondary schools, with over 440,000 members. If you are not a member you need to join. Your school should cover your dues for this. If you not involved in local, state, and national masonry skills competitions, you need to get involved.Hosting a regional competition is a great way to show off your program to fellow instructors, district personnel and meet potential contractors for your business partner list. State competitions require a lot more planning. This requires many volunteers; this is a great time to get involved. National Masonry Competition is like no other. planning for this starts months in advance. Students from across the country Secondary and Post-Secondary with approximately 50 competitors have six hours to complete their project. Judged by veteran masons and instructors from across the country. National medalists receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals, they also receive an extra medal to give to their instructor. This is very humbling for the instructor. These medals usually get displayed in the school for everyone to see.Get InvolvedThere is no better way to support your program than to join these organizations. Go to conferences, join a committee, and take an official role. Soon, MCAA will roll out a resource page on their website specifically for instructors through the Director of Youth Outreach and Education. This has been a long time coming, but it will be one of our main resources for us all. GET INVOLVED! We are stronger together.About: Resources
