This fall, 12 trowel trades instructors graduated from IMI/IMTEF’s Instructor Certification Program (ICP), demonstrating their commitment to delivering the best training in the business to BAC craftworkers.

The program prepares instructors to effectively teach BAC’s crafts to apprentices and journeyworkers alike, empowering them to have fulfilling, lifelong careers in the unionized masonry and tile industry.

“Your commitment and diligence to carrying on the craft to new generations is inspiring to all of us,” said Caryn Halifax, IMI/IMTEF President, during a ceremony honoring the graduates.

In ICP, instructors learn how to develop curriculum and deliver it to diverse learners so they in turn can inspire and encourage their students to succeed.

“Training is the lifeline of the BAC,” said Anthony DiPerna, IMTEF National Director of Apprenticeship and Training, in his congratulatory remarks. “You are on the front lines teaching and mentoring the next generation.”

This year’s graduates reflect on what it means to them to become certified instructors, the value of lifelong learning and mentoring, and the importance of having a network of qualified instructors to carry out the Union’s training programs.

ICP INSTRUCTORS SHARE A PASSION FOR TEACHING

“All of us truly love what we do – teaching, educating, mentoring, building lifelong relationships with students and fellow coworkers. Meeting and training people from all over the country, I am truly humbled and blessed to be a member of BAC.”

-Kay Whigan, BAC Local 5 PA

“There is so much talent, passion, drive, intelligence, strength, wisdom, and diversity in my ICP cohort. I’ve gained a vast amount of skills through these classes that I feel will make me a better instructor, union member, and person.”

-Al Villalpando, BAC ADC 1 IL

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL BUILDING FOR A STRONGER UNION

“As certified instructors, we spearhead training initiatives, contribute to curriculum, and provide world-class instruction. We bear an extraordinary responsibility to mold, shape, and empower BAC members. At the core of this monumental task lies our training, a foundation upon which their success is built. The accomplishments of well-trained members are paramount to our Union’s future, ensuring growth, innovation, and stability amidst evolving challenges and opportunities.”

-Dave Adams, BAC ADC 1 IL

EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES

“The courses and teaching techniques in ICP have made a major difference in the instructor I was to the instructor I am now. Having an open mindset and getting my students to engage and find value in what I teach is the most effective way to communicate with them. I learned the importance of open communication, open-ended questions, allowing students time to think and respond, and encouraging them to do so to help them master the material.”

-John Werley, BAC Local 9 PA

“ICP taught me how to translate what I know – bricklaying – effectively to others. I also learned how to deliver instruction to different types of learners, and the importance of setting standards and expectations in the classroom. Not only that, but ICP has built my confidence in the classroom.”

-Shane Garrisson, BAC Local 8 IL

“In ICP, we learn advanced instructional design so that we can create our own lesson plans. It gives us the foundation to prepare learners to receive instruction, explains how to present content, how to help students practice and apply the content of the instruction, and finally, how to evaluate students on what they’ve learned. Breaking down information in this way really brings the material into focus and gives direction to building lesson plans and creating meaningful content.”

-Jack Eick, BAC District Council of WI 

THE IMPACT OF MENTORING

“When I started running work as a foreman, I realized I was often mentoring and managing coworkers more than I was installing tile. This gave me great satisfaction since my own skills were influenced by my mentors. Becoming a journeyman tile setter and having the opportunity to mentor others has been a highlight of my career. The guidance, mentoring, and instruction I received in the ICP training program, in addition to the continued support of my local union, has prepared me to be a better instructor.”

-Jason Norris, BAC Local 2 MI

“The impact I’m able to have as a mentor is one of the reasons why I love instructing and engaging with our members, and especially our apprentices. Being a mentor is more than just trying to pass on the knowledge of our trade that someone has passed along to you. It’s also about passing along knowledge and life lessons outside of work. The impact of mentoring is what keeps ICP, IMI, and our Union going for past and future generations.”

-Justin Summerfield, Local 3 NY

BUILDING A NETWORK OF SKILLED INSTRUCTORS

“Connecting with instructors from across the country has enriched my perspective and broadened my professional network, enhancing my ability to support and engage my students. Establishing strong connections with fellow educators opens valuable opportunities to learn and share diverse teaching techniques, since each instructor brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. Having a support network to share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and gain different perspectives creates a collaborative environment that makes it easier to address issues and develop effective strategies. Together, these elements contribute to a more effective and fulfilling educational experience for instructors and students alike.”

-Robert Kelichner, Local 3 NY

“I’ve learned so much in ICP, including from fellow instructors and coordinators. One of them taught me that when you get an opportunity, take it. No one is going to put you in a position to fail. Take the ball and run with it. If you do the job to the best of your ability, you'll be fine. With his encouragement, I accepted a position as apprenticeship and training coordinator at my local. I love working with the apprentices and ICP helped prepared me for the job.”

-Kaydane Grant, Local 3 NY

ON BECOMING A CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR

“On my first day of ICP, when I walked into the dining hall for breakfast, I saw 50 BAC craftworkers having conversations with one another and laughing like they knew each other. That’s when it hit me: this place is special. When entering the training center, I said to myself, ‘I’ve made it to the big leagues.’ The opportunity I’ve been praying for is now right in front of my eyes – I just had to grab it. From communicating with adult learners, to public speaking and mentoring, all the courses I took made a difference in my approach to teaching. The resources and encouragement I received in ICP will impact me forever.”

-Alfred Melendez, BAC Local 1 NY

“ICP has truly allowed me to grow professionally. It helps break you out of your comfort zone, challenges you, and encourages you to become the best you can be in this trade. From putting the portfolio together, to going through the classes and curriculum, I feel a great deal of pride in what I was able to accomplish. I consider it an honor to graduate from this program.”

-Luke Jecker, Local 4 IN/KY

Congratulations to this year’s graduates and thank you for your commitment to lifelong learning and education.