Local educator honored for excellence in skilled trades instruction
Hesperia, California (High Desert News Online) – A Career and Technical Education (CTE) construction and carpentry teacher at Sultana High School in Hesperia has been named one of the nation’s top skilled trades educators, earning a $50,000 award from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools.
A local teacher is making national headlines for his dedication to students and the skilled trades. On Tuesday morning, September 30, Sultana High School’s construction and carpentry teacher, Kurt Chapman, was surprised with a $50,000 award from the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.
Out of thousands of teachers nationwide, Chapman was selected as one of 25 honorees in 2025. The award recognizes high-quality instruction in career and technical education programs, with $35,000 going to Sultana High School’s skilled trades program and $15,000 to Chapman personally.
Hesperia Unified School District officials expressed pride in the achievement, calling Chapman a model educator who prepares students not just for jobs, but for life. “Mr. Chapman puts into action the district goal of preparing students for college and careers,” said Superintendent Dr. Michelle Smith. “He not only develops directly employable skills, he develops teamwork, dedication, and the soft skills needed for success.”
Chapman’s program has long been celebrated across the High Desert for opening doors to careers in construction. His curriculum aligns with the Building and Industrial Trades Academy (BITA) and the Carpenters Union, giving students a pathway to work directly after high school. In recent years, he has helped create a five-week internship program where students tour local job sites, gaining hands-on experience in the booming building industry.
School Board President Eric Swanson expressed his appreciation for Mr. Chapman, stating, “The school board is very pleased with the accomplishments of our Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. Mr. Chapman is helping lead the effort to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world.”
This marks the latest recognition for Chapman, who has previously earned awards such as the California Homebuilding Foundation Instructor of the Year and the Mountain Desert Career Pathways High Desert CTE Teacher of the Year.
Nationwide, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is awarding $1.5 million to outstanding trades educators. The program, funded by The Smidt Foundation, seeks to highlight the importance of vocational training and its role in strengthening the American workforce.
For the High Desert community, Chapman’s recognition underscores the critical need for skilled workers — and the teachers willing to prepare the next generation.
