Monday, October 13, 2025
Jon Cerio, the dedicated ACE Academy Instructor at Gov. John R. Rogers High School, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools (HFTS) Prize for Teaching Excellence. Cerio, a member of the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) EDUcation network and an accredited skill evaluator, was one of 25 educators nationwide to receive the coveted honor this year.
This recognition not only highlights Cerio’s commitment to real-world trade education but also celebrates the exceptional impact of skilled trades educators across the United States. As part of the award, Cerio’s program at Rogers High School (RHS) will receive a $35,000 prize, while he personally takes home $15,000.
Cerio is the third instructor from a WCA EDUcation member school to win this award in the past four years. Previous winners include Staci Sievert of Seymour High School in Wisconsin (2021) and John Stearns of Amity High School in Oregon (2024). This achievement underscores the growing recognition of schools prioritizing hands-on, industry-relevant education in the skilled trades.
A Focus on Practical Skills and Student Empowerment
The HFTS award commended Cerio for his dedication to helping students gain confidence, critical problem-solving abilities, and a strong work ethic. His approach combines academic rigor with practical experience, preparing students for a wide array of career pathways. Whether students are heading to college or entering the workforce directly, Cerio ensures they are well-equipped with industry-recognized skills that are in high demand.
In a further testament to his impact, Cerio has maintained a comprehensive database of his former students since 2014, tracking their careers and fostering an alumni network that connects current students with mentors and job opportunities. His students are not only prepared academically but are also given valuable real-world connections that give them a head start in their professional lives.
Cerio’s program also offers significant academic advantages. Students who complete all three years of his program can earn up to 22.5 college credits through articulation agreements, positioning them for success in both postsecondary education and the workforce.
Championing Female Participation in Trades
Another remarkable initiative championed by Cerio is his “All Girls Shop” course, designed to make the trades more accessible and welcoming for young women. Under his guidance, female enrollment in his program grew from just 1% to 10%, breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of women in skilled trades.
“It’s essential to show that shop class is not just a place for men but for anyone willing to learn and work with their hands,” Cerio shared. “Winning the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize shines a spotlight on shop class, reminding our students and community that it’s thriving, relevant, and highly valuable.”
An Industry Leader in Skilled Trades Education
Scott Nelson, president of the Woodwork Career Alliance, praised Cerio’s dedication to applying WCA’s standards to connect students with the real-world needs of the wood products industry. “To have three WCA EDUcation members win this prestigious prize in just four years validates the importance of teaching verifiable, industry-recognized skills,” Nelson said.
The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools program has long been a champion for skilled trades education, emphasizing the value and importance of these fields. Since its inception, it has awarded over $10 million to more than 180 teachers and their programs, directly supporting the advancement of skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools.
About Harbor Freight Tools for Schools
Founded by Harbor Freight Tools owner Eric Smidt, the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools initiative supports high-quality skilled trades education, aiming to provide high school students with pathways to graduation, fulfilling careers, and a skilled workforce. By investing in trades education, the program supports students who may not follow the traditional college route but who can contribute significantly to the workforce.
About the Woodwork Career Alliance
The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing skill standards and assessments for the woodworking industry. With over 140 schools as members, the WCA helps students gain portable, verifiable credentials in woodworking, preparing them for careers in the thriving wood products industry.
Cerio’s recognition highlights the broader movement toward hands-on, industry-driven education that equips students with essential skills for success in a rapidly changing workforce.
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Tags: ACE Academy, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, Jon Cerio, skilled trades education, Teaching Excellence
