Kirt Lawson was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year within the La Porte Community School Corporation. He works closely with students going into trades to learn skills hands-on through the Building Trades program.
Lawson is the head of the Building Trades program, which has built 24 houses and has worked on many other projects within the community. Lawson explained that these projects help students learn skills that they can implement in union or non-union construction work in many different specialty fields.
“If it's a house or any type of small structure, kids can always drive by and say, ‘I helped build that as part of my school experience,’” Lawson said. “They can show their families or kids what they have done. It gives them a little bit of pride to do stuff in the community and helps the community, the kid, and the school. It's a win-win situation.”
Lawson explained the four main fields his students go into include construction, military, police, and steel mills. He emphasized needing a strong work ethic and passion for what students do to succeed.
“I like helping the kids that are not going to go to college. I like trying to boost their confidence, but you’ve got to work for it. You’ve got to have a passion for it,” Lawson said.
Many La Porte High School students that are not attending college spend the final part of their education career learning from Lawson. The bonds that are created while working on these projects and learning in class are extremely strong.
“Being with some of these kids for two years, three or four hours a day, they become like family because I spend more time with them than I do with my own family sometimes,” Lawson said. “It’s pretty rewarding to see what those kids can do and how they grow up. The saddest part of my job is when they graduate and go live and do their own thing.”
Apart from teaching, Lawson has a passion for fishing. He began the fishing club at La Porte High School, and after a few year break due to COVID-19, he will be continuing that in the fall. He has also worked to create NWI Fishing Fundamentals which is a 503C organization that encourages underprivileged children to spend time outdoors and learn the sport of fishing.
“It was something that we felt there was a calling for in that area. I've always liked helping other people. There's a sense of pride in doing that,” Lawson said.
Lawson's dedication to teaching and bettering the lives of his students and the community members around him earned him the title of Secondary Teacher of the Year. He was emotional, floored and humbled when he was awarded the title because of how many other great teachers are out there.
“I don't think it's really sunk in yet. It is the best thing that's ever happened to me in my teaching career. When you love what you do, it shows,” Lawson said. “I was very emotional and very appreciative that they will recognize some of the work that I've done with the community, the kids, and the school.”