Teacher feature: Caleb Ferring, Kennedy High School

CEDAR RAPIDS — Caleb Ferring's classroom at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids buzzes with the sounds of power tools, scraping sand paper and saws.

About 120 students at the school, 4545 Wenig Road NE, take the industrial technology teacher's classes in construction, engineering and woodworking. Ferring, 25, who lives in Swisher, said he grew up building houses with his father near his childhood home in Waukon. Starting at about age 12, he was doing carpentry and construction — now, he teaches teenagers similar skills.

Although Ferring earned a degree from Coe College in 2014, he said not all students need to enroll in four-year colleges to have successful careers.

'There's going to be a shortage of people with those types of skills,' said Ferring, who is in his second year of teaching. 'We've always — when I was in high school, too — pushed that to be successful you've got to go to college. There's no promotion for those middle-skills jobs.'

As baby boomers with industrial jobs retire, more and more new workers will be needed, he said.

'There will be a lot of openings and not a lot of people to fill those jobs, so there's a big push to get that skills training in high school,' he said. 'A lot of kids aren't meant to go to college, and why force them? I think these classes are an excellent deal.'

The Gazette is featuring Ferring as part of an ongoing series of stories spotlighting educators in the Corridor. To nominate someone to be featured, send an email to Molly Duffy, K-12 education reporter, at molly.duffy@thegazette.com.

Q: Name a few things you always have on your desk.

A: Tape measure, 3D prints, ruler, calculator, stapler, can of tomato soup (inside joke with the kids).

Q: Name a few of your favorite lessons to teach?

A: My favorite lesson I do for all of my classes would be my application and interview lessons.

Q: What's the funniest thing a student has ever said to you?

A: I had a student make a T-shirt button in class with my college football picture from Coe. That was hilarious.

Q: What's one of the harder conversations you've had at school?

A: I previously coached girls track at Cedar Rapids Prairie High School. My students would often give me a hard time about that.

Q: What would you be doing if you weren't a teacher?

A: Building houses with my dad.

Q: What do you like about your school?

A: Positive atmosphere for learning.

Q: What's the latest you've stayed at school?

A: 12:30 a.m. to tear down the set for the school musical.

Q: What's something your students probably don't know about you?

A: Tough question — I share stories with my students all the time.

Q: Best trick to get students to pay attention?

A: Give them a meaningful task that applies to real life.

Q: Who was your favorite teacher when you were a kid? Why?

A: Mr. Snikter was my football coach and math teacher. He always made me feel welcome when I walked into his room.

[naviga:h3 style="padding-left: 30px;"]NOMINATE A TEACHER

The Gazette is continuing a series to spotlight educators in the Corridor. To nominate someone to be featured, send an email to Molly Duffy, K-12 education reporter, at molly.duffy@thegazette.com. Please include information about the educator and why you think they stand out in their profession.

l Comments: (319) 398-8330; molly.duffy@thegazette.com