Snohomish High School Instructor Earns $75,000 Teaching Award

A Snohomish High School manufacturing teacher has been recognized with a $75,000 award for outstanding contributions to vocational education. The honor, announced Tuesday, comes from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools and includes a significant financial boost for both the individual and the school’s trade programs.

During a surprise ceremony in the middle of the school day, district and company representatives gathered to present the award. A Harbor Freight Tools district manager delivered the main check while standing beside the recipient, with students lined up behind them, some visibly moved by the moment.

The teacher, who has spent decades immersed in hands-on creation, explained that his passion began as a child. “I’ve been making things since I was about 11 years old,” he said. “Fast forward a few decades, and it’s now my role to help students recognize the trade opportunities in our area, not only to guide them toward those paths but also to spark their confidence in building things, even if they ultimately choose a different direction.”

Half of the award, $50,000, is designated for the school’s manufacturing curriculum. The instructor intends to collaborate with the local education foundation to launch scholarship awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 apiece for graduating seniors aiming to enter skilled trades.

A Harbor Freight district manager, speaking during the event, highlighted what makes the teacher effective: “I love that aha moment,” she said, quoting from his application. “When something clicks and you can see it in their eyes, the realization that they can do this, that they can build a future doing this. I get to watch them grow from unsure beginners to confident makers.”

Of the total prize, $25,000 is left for the teacher to allocate at his discretion. He indicated that a portion may remain in savings for now. “Maybe I’ll take my family on a nice vacation,” he said, adding that he prefers not to spend the funds too quickly.

This year’s competition drew 569 applicants from across the country. Only 25 educators were selected to receive the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, sharing a collective $2 million. The district manager emphasized the significance of the honor, noting the program’s appreciation for educators who foster curiosity, engagement, and community involvement in their students.

The application process began in April and proved demanding, the teacher noted in a post-award interview. In addition to several written responses, candidates were required to submit two short video submissions, each roughly one minute long. He recalled the difficulty of his first video, which required 27 attempts before he was satisfied.

Among those present at the ceremony was Jeff Winn, a longtime friend and fellow educator. Winn praised the teacher’s dedication and impact, not only on students but also on peers like himself. The two have known each other for over two decades, and Winn himself earned Harbor Freight’s top prize of $100,000 in 2024 while teaching wood boat building and marine technology at South Kitsap High School.

“I’m so proud of this guy,” Winn said during the event. “I’m so excited. I’m so glad to welcome him into the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools family.”

Under Johnson's tenure, enrollment in the manufacturing curriculum surged from 96 to 266, while female participation also rose, according to a statement from spokesperson Michelle Lerner. The program maintains a partnership with Boeing via Core Plus Aerospace, an initiative designed to offer practical, real-world training to prepare participants for future employment opportunities.

Students are also tasked with constructing adaptive ButtOn Chairs for use in kindergarten settings. This project originated as a collaboration with a local parent-teacher association before expanding into a partnership with retired spinal surgeon Dr. Turner Osler. The specialized seating allows children to remain seated while moving, thereby burning calories and expending excess energy.

Taylor Scott Richmond: 425-339-3046; taylor.richmond@a regional outlet.com ; Bluesky: @btayokay.bsky.social