Eric Matson is a CTE instructor at SEATech (Southeast Area Technical Skills Center) in Walla Walla, Washington. He teaches Construction Technology to juniors and seniors from six different high schools in the Walla Walla Valley. He has been teaching for seven years now. All of which have been spent at the skills center. As a professional, Eric is enrolled in the National Board Certification Program and plans to submit his final documents within the next year. Eric is currently serving as a board member on the Habitat for Humanity committee. The Construction Technology program he teaches has partnered with them as well. The class has built four houses to date and plan on building seven more in the next few years. Eric and his students have also assisted multiple nonprofit organizations throughout the surrounding areas including the Walla Walla Valley Disability Network, Walla Walla Public Schools, and the Little League Baseball fields. Eric is an advocate for families and individuals with disabilities. He believes that inclusion should be taught in every classroom and understands the importance of teaching students with or without disabilities and how it affects everyone. Having a daughter with autism has given him a personal connection and different outlook on supporting students with challenges. He understands that everyone has a purpose and is here to teach. Along with his community connections, Eric has also developed industry partners. His partnerships include the NCCER, AGC, and CorePlus. Recently, Eric was asked to serve on one of multiple committees to develop the new strategic plan for Walla Walla Public Schools. The committee he will serve on will collaborate to develop 21st Century Skill Promise Standards from Transitional Kindergarten through twelfth grade. This process will extend over the course of the next five to seven years.
