The Gazette uses Instaread to provide audio versions of its articles. Some words might not be spoken correctly.
CEDAR RAPIDS Barry Wilson has been teaching industrial technology at Kennedy High School for 53 years, and he has no intention of retiring.
It’s strange. The only person who does it is me. Wilson, 81, stated, “I believe I have more years than anyone in Iowa.” Since 1972, I have sat at the same desk in the same laboratory.
Students call Wilson by his first name, Barry, in his classroom. As their boss and foreman, he holds them to high professional standards.
For two reasons, Wilson does not intend to retire. First of all, I am unable to imagine what I would do in retirement. In the summer, I grow bored. I would much rather be in school building an electric automobile than sitting here at home with my feet up.
Two: I’m reluctant to leave my classroom since we’re having problems even finding teachers who can teach the things I do. There won’t be anyone left to teach welding if I leave my welding shop.
Wilson provides classes in welding, woodworking, automechanics, and electric cars. Every semester, he instructs roughly 120 students in six classes.
According to him, I teach alternatives to attending college.
If students attend Wilson’s welding course, gain college credit at the Linn County Regional Center, and receive a welding certificate, they can start working in a very high-paying job the day they graduate from high school.
Cougar Electric Car
Wilson is particularly proud of Kennedy’s Cougar Electric Car electric vehicle initiative. In 1997, he and two students started it.
Students are challenged to construct an electric car that can be driven by one person as part of the program. Students compete against other schools, develop their problem-solving abilities, and build and engineer the vehicle to roll safely and effectively.
Students’ knowledge of math, science, and language arts is used in this class, which also fosters self-sufficiency, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility.
In Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, students compete with their three automobiles, winning state titles and medals in the process.
As a student, Jamie Vorhees, who graduated from Kennedy in 2018, claimed to have fallen in love with the electric car and shop environment. She works as a plumber in the Corridor these days.
Working on an electric car through the night to get it ready for competition the following day is one of her favorite memories.
I’ve experienced situations when you have to fix a broken car in a day because you’re racing. You gave up time. However, he claimed that our triumphs were entirely our own, Vorhees stated.
According to Vorhees, Wilson urged students to think independently. He never intended to reveal the solution to you. If you have an issue, consider how to resolve it.
According to Vorhees, Wilson’s class allowed her to investigate professions that did not necessitate a four-year degree, as she had never been interested in attending college.
Vorhees claimed that because she was one of the few girls in Wilson’s classroom, Wilson always made sure she was supported and treated fairly.
Stumbling into a teaching career
Wilson accidentally became a teacher.
He started out in steel and over the years worked in design and drafting for a number of Midwest industries. He even contributed to the 1968 completion of St. Louis, Missouri’s Gateway Arch.
He started teaching after a company he was employed by started going bankrupt, and in 1972 he was hired at Kennedy High School.
Wilson claimed that his undergraduate adviser at Iowa State University compelled him to obtain a teaching certificate. He learnt a lot on the job, though.
Later, he graduated from Coe College with a master’s degree in teaching.
Resurgence of industrial technology
Wilson has seen the reduction in industrial technology classes throughout his tenure. Due to the need for labor in these industries and the prospect of high pay, he is currently seeing a renaissance.
In order to encourage students to investigate professional options and graduate with an internship, apprenticeship, or community project accomplished, the Cedar Rapids Community School District is getting ready to introduce a new program called College and professional Pathways in the fall of 2027.
Increasing the percentage of students who graduate with college credit and industry-recognized certifications, bolstering the community talent pipeline, and raising students’ earning potential in the future are some of the program’s objectives.
Kennedy High School offers pathways in construction and engineering as well as automotive technology.
They are, in a sense, headed in the right direction. Wilson remarked, “I’m just kind of watching to see what goes on.”
Students not as prepared
Wilson claimed that compared to previous generations, the students in his classes now are less knowledgeable about industrial technology.
Students are now taught how to measure using a ruler and how to tighten or loosen bolts with a wrench during the first week of Wilson’s class.
Compared to what we did when I was growing up, it has changed. I mowed people’s lawns and made motors in my garage. Wilson remarked, “I don’t know what the hell kids are doing these days.”
Powerboat racing
In his private life, Wilson is a passionate hydroboat racer, a pastime he discovered in his late teens.
According to Wilson, the boats are barely 12 feet long and can reach speeds of over 100 mph. Lying down on your stomach is how they are motivated.
Wilson stated that although he still owns a hydroboat today, he plans to start having someone else operate it starting the following season.
Personal life
Wilson and his spouse, Linda, reside in Cedar Rapids. His grandchildren reside two blocks away, and his son lives next door. He claims that all of us spoil his one-year-old great-grandson quite a bit.
Comments can be sent to [email protected] or (319) 398-8411.
