Vocational Center's Mark Anderson is Teacher of the Month

Collinsville Area Vocational Center’s Mark Anderson is CUSD 10 Teacher of the Month for November 2017. Anderson is the department chair for the Industrial Arts Department and has taught vocational welding for more than 15 years

“Mr. Anderson is one of the most caring and supportive teachers I have ever met,” says CAVC Director Dr. Tricia Blackard. “He works tirelessly to help his students not only develop skills in welding, but also to become better human beings. He listens to them and can always be counted on to offer advice for their professional as well as personal lives.”

In addition to his classes at CAVC, Anderson also teaches at Southwestern Illinois College where his influence continues to impact the lives of former CHS students, as well as those from surrounding communities.

Dr. Blackard says, “In his time here at CAVC, Mr. Anderson has continually encouraged his students to practice their welding skills, but just as importantly to help others. Last year, Mr. Anderson and his students designed and fabricated street signs for Valley View Cemetery. In addition, he helped one of his students master a welding technique needed to repair a number of tables at the local KC Hall. This year the Collinsville Historical Society has asked Mr. Anderson to help save and restructure an historic sign from local business Bruno’s Bakery. These are just a few examples of what he done for our community.”

When Dr. Blackard surprised Anderson with the award during one of his classes, she told his students he “is an incredible human being and an outstanding teacher. He is well deserving of this award.”

The CUSD 10 Teacher of the Month Award is sponsored by Jason Rehg of Edward Jones. Each month, Rehg visits a different Unit 10 school to surprise a deserving recipient with recognition and a special apple-shaped award.