North Montco Technical Career Center's Carpentry program has become a popular choice for high school students who want to prepare for a great career path after school. Through the past few years, Malcolm Roach, North Montco's Carpentry teacher, has garnered a reputation as an inspiring teacher and mentor with his students.
Roach's interest in carpentry grew at Bucks County Technical High School under the tutelage of his well-respected Building Trades and Maintenance teacher, Robert Miller. He took advantage of the co-op program, which landed him a position at Nelson Brothers in Langhorne, where he learned how to install windows, doors, roofing and awnings. Having the chance to gain even more experience, he worked for his father's company on weekends, installing resilient floor covering.
Roach's technical training gave him the foundation he needed to build his career and further his training. After graduation, he was hired at a commercial construction company, and during this time, he began building his own handyman business on evenings and weekends. In a short time, calls for home repairs gave way to remodeling family rooms. As his references grew, he added bathroom and kitchen remodels to his offerings.
Despite his impressive skill set and entrepreneurial spirit, his greatest asset may be his ability to connect with his 42 students. Roach frequently explains to his students the importance of a positive mental attitude (PMA).
"I stress production, pride and positivity as keys to learning and success,” said Roach. “The outcome is always better.
Roach's instructional abilities have not gone unnoticed by the administration, either.
"Mr. Roach has been able to turn the program into a robust CTE program incorporating academics throughout the curriculum,” said Stephen Monastra, North Montco’s principal. “Students also earn a plethora of industry-recognized certifications. He uses literacy and numeracy instructional strategies, including videos and interactive assessments, to support the students' learning and encourages them to grow into highly skilled workers. "
To help his students build the skill set required for employment and success, Roach spends considerable time teaching math skills. Roach said students should “learn to estimate like a boss,” and he also created a couple of popular YouTube videos — "Blueprint Madness" and "Estimate like a Boss” — to help demonstrate relevance.
Roach enjoys teaching the basics of carpentry; however, it is also apparent how much he values soft skills. He says, "Students need to grow socially and emotionally." And as part of his preparation of students for their careers, he regularly reminds them that "no one holds your hand out in the field, and there isn't always a lot of praise for what you've accomplished."
Whether through virtual instruction or in the classroom, Roach likes to create an area where there is room to engage freely with a real-world balance. This year, several students are gaining some valuable experience working in residential construction with local employers.
"There are so many career pathways to explore with carpentry skills,” Roach said. “For example, I have a couple of students this year building furniture. Once students complete this program, they are ready to begin an apprenticeship that does residential or commercial construction work. Others may continue to college to pursue construction management or other areas of study."
Regardless of the pathway his students choose, Mr. Roach says that teaching has been a rewarding part of his career. Although he acknowledges his career is in a great place — especially with the growing student interest and enrollment in carpentry — Roach likes to think of ways he could take more students in the future.
"I envision a grassed-in area outside where students can learn to work in an outside environment, similar to the building trades," said Roach.
While he continues to expand learning opportunities and set new classroom goals, Roach's students are making meaningful strides towards a fulfilling and valuable career.
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