Tag Archive for: Bobby Miller

Richard Christianson

Woodworking Network Honors Two WCA EDU Instructors

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Two woodworking instructors affiliated with the Woodwork Career Alliance were recognized in Woodworking Network’s annual 40 Under 40 awards program.

Avery Pipkin, woodworking teacher at Cedar Ridge High School in North Carolina, and Bobby Miller, woodshop teacher Coon Rapids High School in Minnesota, were honored for making an impact at their respective schools to teach students skills to prepare them for potential woodworking careers. Both instructors accepted their awards in an August 25 ceremony held during the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta.

Avery Pipkin Bobby Miller

Pipkin, 27, is an accredited skill evaluator of the WCA and helps his students earn industry-recognized credentials based on the WCA Skill Standards. He also leads the schools’ SkillsUSA chapter. One of his students earned the right to compete in the national SkillsUSA Cabinetmaking competition this year after winning the state championship. The person who nominated Pipkin said, “Dedicated and forward-thinking, Pipkin’s teaching style opens doors, inspires confidence and prepares career-ready leaders for the skilled trades.”

Miller, 34, is also a WCA accredited skill evaluator. He was recognized by his nominator for blending fundamental technical skills with creativity and craftsmanship to equip his students with woodworking proficiency while inspiring their interest in the skilled trades. Miller is a Board of Directors member of the National Woods Board, a non-profit organization focused on developing a national solution for workforce training, education and job placement. “He’s in touch with the trades as far as setting up curriculum for what to focus on in the classroom,” said his nominator, adding, “Kis enjoy learning from him.”

This year marked Woodworking Network’s 11th annual awarding of the 40 Under 40.

Watch a slideshow featuring each of this year’s honorees. 

Bobby Miller, Coon Rapids High School woodworking instructor
Richard Christianson

Bobby Miller Joins National Woods Board

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The National Woods Board (NWB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bobby Miller to its Board of Directors. Miller, a dedicated woodshop teacher with a decade of experience in woodworking education, brings a strong focus on student-centric, project-based learning to the NWB’s leadership.

Miller, a woodshop teacher at Coon Rapids High School of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, has spent the last 10 years inspiring the next generation of woodworkers and craftspeople. An EDUcation member of the Woodwork Career Alliance, Miller’s teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing students to learn essential skills by creating tangible projects.

“I am honored to join the National Woods Board and contribute to an organization that shares my passion for the craft,” said Miller. “I look forward to joining in to the NWB’s work in promoting and preserving the art of woodworking.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Bobby Miller to our Board of Directors,” said John LeTorneau, chairman of the NWB. “His extensive experience in the classroom aligns perfectly with our mission to support and advance the woodworking community.”
The NWB is a non-profit organization tackling the workforce challenge head-on with a groundbreaking initiative to transform woodworking education and connect skilled workers with industry employers.

The NWB is developing a national solution for workforce training, education, and job placement in the woodworking industry. The organization’s key initiative is a scalable curriculum model designed for high schools and post-secondary institutions across North America. This curriculum, developed in partnership with the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA), provides students with standardized training, industry-recognized credentials and awareness of woodworking career opportunities.

About the National Woods Board
The National Woods Board (NWB) was inspired by the MiLL National Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which teaches woodworking students everything from fundamentals to advanced production using high-tech machinery. Ultimately, the vision of the NWB is to bridge the gap between education and the trades by creating advanced career opportunities that fulfill the industry’s massive workforce needs. Learn more about the NWB’s program and how to get involved with supporting its vital mission at NationalWoodsBoard.org.