Life Lessons from Wood Shop

Barbara Mahoney (’67) interviewed Scott VanderWey, (’85),  MSEd  CTE, Wood Shop Teacher
Photo credit John Miyano

Only 20% of Scott VanderWey’s students request enrollment his in Wood Shop class but his focus on community and family in the shop becomes contagious and by the end of the semester almost 100% report that they loved the class.

Most students have never seen, much less operated, the power tools they will use on their first project, a cutting board. By the time they finish, they have carefully selected the wood from the many types available, cut the pieces using various saws, glued the pieces, shaped the board, and sanded and finished the final product. This process exposes them to all the tools in the shop and prepares them for their second project of their first semester, an intricate box. Those wishing to continue for a second or third semester can use their skills and imaginations to design and create their own projects under Scott’s supervision.

Learn more about Scott and take a tour of his shop !

Scott’s background as a WSU professor in outdoor activity learning programs and his love of wood working prepared him well for his move to the Franklin High School Wood Shop three years ago. He wrote numerous grants to the School District and has been able to refit most of the shop with new equipment.  For him “the priority is to create a physically and emotionally safe place for all types of learners.”  His mantra for success is: “Show up, do your best work and be nice. If you do these three things you will be successful in your job and career.” 

Scott emphasized that he won’t give a bad grade but rather discusses the students’ techniques that will make their next project more successful.  He believes “the process is more important than the product.”

When asked about the applicability of Wood Shop to future apprenticeships and jobs he explains that the three semesters available to the students are exploratory rather than preparatory experiences. Students interested in trades and technical careers are referred to the Seattle School District’s Seattle Skills Center located in Columbia City which offers a wide variety of preparatory   programs that can lead to internships and apprenticeships.

Scott, (’85) was a winning wrestler at Franklin and is the father of three current and future Quakers.  He finds great joy in having his children attend his Alma Mater and knows they will look back on their experience with great fondness. His message to them and all Quakers is “Once a Quaker always a Quaker and once a Quaker a Quaker for life!”

This video describes the process of Scott’s felling, drying, and milling a maple tree and making furniture from it, going from tree to furniture