Teacher appreciation craft and gift idea

Nearly three decades ago, a young high school student set his sights on a career in masonry and enrolled in a vocational program at Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater, Okla. Little did Bret Pickens suspect that his choice of a career would circle him back to the same school, where he has instructed new generations of aspiring masons for 22 years.

After completing his vocational training, Pickens spent six years in the field, first serving as a union apprentice and then as a journeyman bricklayer. "During that period, Meridian called several times asking if I was interested in teaching there," remembered Pickens. "I turned the offers down, but the school's continual efforts paid off and in 1982 I finally decided to give teaching a try."

The persistent school officials were not the only ones to recognize Pickens' innate gift for teaching. The educator received a pleasant surprise last year when his son, Chad, then a high school junior, enrolled in Meridian's two-year masonry program. Working summers together in the field, Chad had learned to appreciate his dad's guidance and was eager to take the formal training. "He's a great teacher and I enjoy being his student," said Chad. "He's really patient. You can keep on messing up, but he keeps right on teaching."

"As a mason, I am production oriented, but I am enthusiastic about quality work and I try to teach that," said Bret Pickens. "I enjoy dealing with young people daily and helping them develop their skills."

Winning techniques

Over the years, Pickens has nurtured six national masonry contestants, and last year experienced the pride of both teacher and father when Chad won the state masonry contest. The student went on to represent Oklahoma in the seondary division of the national masonry contest. held in conjunction with the 40th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference in Kansas City. Mo. Young Pickens also claimed the Oklahoma AGC scholarship and placed third in the statewide Fastest Trowel Contest.

Pickens' high school is one of 11 in the area feeding into the masonry program. The students attend one of two daily three-hour sessions taught by Bret Pickens. Each session accomodates up to 16 students, who gain experience in both residential and commercial work.

"In addition to hands-on classroom training, we actually go out and brick a house off campus," stated Bret Pickens. These residential projects typically use 12,000-15,000 brick. Pickens encourages the students to pursue commercial work, however, because of the potential for greater pay and benefits.

One of Pickens' most important responsibilities is not written in his job description: advocating the craft. "Many students have no idea what construction work is like," he said. "A huge part of my job is to build interest and enthusiasm for the masonry craft and to get them to understand the benefits and challenges of working in construction."

Building support

The teacher's need for advocacy extends beyond the classroom by convincing local masonry contractors to support the program and hire Meridian graduates. "Contractors can reap the benefits if they get behind the program," said Pickens. "They get young workers who have experience and the right attitude."

Pickens keeps his own skills honed by doing masonry work during the summer. "I'll often learn new procedures and different ways to teach something during those months," he explained. "The experience brings more value into my classroom."

His father's example and tutelage have given Chad an appreciation of the craft and pride in workmanship. "I like to work on a project and then stand back and say, 'I built that'.'"

As for the future, Chad Pickens is keeping his options open, and plans to attend college next year. Having participated on two mission trips to Honduras through his church where he assisted with the construction of a school, he would like to do more of that rewarding work. Beyond that, he can see himself working as a mason and eventually, perhaps, following in his dad's footsteps as a masonry instructor.