Reviving Tech Education with 3D Printing in Schools
At Valley Jr.-Sr. High School in Pennsylvania, the shop class of the past has evolved into a dynamic center for innovation. Rick Shaner, a technology education teacher, has led this transformation since 2002. What began as a traditional drafting and woodworking program now includes 3D printing, laser engraving, and digital design.
"We were all pencil-and-paper drafting," Shaner recalled. "Now, we have 3D printers, laser engravers, and still, traditional woodworking equipment." This shift reflects a broader trend in career and technical education (CTE), where hands-on tech learning prepares students for modern workforce demands.
For over two decades, Rick Shaner has shaped Valley High’s tech education program with a focus on real-world skills, weaving 3D printing in schools into the fabric of everyday learning. After graduating from California University of Pennsylvania in 2002, he started teaching at Valley the very next day and has been there ever since, expanding the program from a traditional shop space into a modern lab that fills a converted hallway and includes a dedicated computer station. His students engage in projects like designing and 3D printing CO2-powered cars, blending engineering, creativity, and competition. These hands-on experiences, rooted in 3D printing in schools, mirror the evolution of career and technical education across the country. Shaner’s own passion was sparked by his high school teachers, Chris Heater and Dean Ridgeway, the latter of whom remembers Shaner’s relentless work ethic long before he became an educator.
A Teacher Inspired by His Own Tech Ed Roots
It started for him at Kiski Area High School, where teachers Chris Heater and Dean Ridgeway reshaped the tech curriculum to be more technology-focused. Their influence stuck. "They changed the program and made it more technology-based," he said. "They were good guys, and we related to them."
Ridgeway remembers Shaner as a dedicated student. His work ethic and effort allowed him to excel, he said. "The quality of the projects he produced showed his commitment." That same drive now fuels Shaner’s classroom, where students design CO2-powered cars, use 3D printing in schools to bring their ideas to life, and race them—merging physics, engineering, and hands-on learning.
"It’s important, first and foremost, to know how to do things with your hands, and the knowledge to do basic things." — Rick Shaner
Building a Pipeline from Middle School to High School Tech
The growth of Valley’s program isn’t accidental. Shaner credits Tim Cignetti, the middle school tech-ed teacher, for building early interest. Cignetti introduces students to high school-level activities, creating a seamless pipeline into advanced courses.
"He spends small sections related to my content area in order to boost interest," Shaner explained. The strategy works. Students from Cignetti’s classes have told Shaner they “can’t wait” to join his courses. Enrollment now averages 90 to 100 students per semester—a testament to the appeal of modern hands-on tech learning.
Expanding Opportunities Through STEM and CTE Partnerships
Valley’s tech education program extends beyond the classroom. Robotics courses partner with Penn State New Kensington’s Digital Foundry, a business development service that connects students with real-world applications.
The school has also repurposed space to support the growing interest in 3D printing in schools, turning unused areas into functional learning environments. A former hallway now houses a computer lab. Another area was converted into a video production studio. There, students broadcast morning announcements and gain experience in media and communication.
Shaner teaches a range of subjects: 3D modeling, coding, graphic arts, screen printing, wood technologies, and video production. These offerings align with emerging tech education career pathways Pennsylvania 2026 is prioritizing. The focus areas include manufacturing, digital design, and engineering.
| Then (Early 2000s) | Now (2024+) |
|---|---|
| Pencil-and-paper drafting | 3D modeling and printing |
| Basic woodworking | Wood technologies with CNC tools |
| Manual tools | Laser engravers, robotics kits |
| Isolated shop class | Integrated STEM and CTE curriculum |
How to Start a Career in Technology Education
Shaner’s journey provides a roadmap for those pursuing careers in education. After earning a degree in technical education from California University of Pennsylvania in winter 2002, he applied at several schools. A chance visit landed him at Valley the next day.
His story highlights the demand for skilled instructors in STEM teaching jobs. With CTE programs expanding nationwide, teachers who blend technical expertise with mentorship are in high demand. Shaner’s ongoing connection with Ridgeway shows how mentorship can span decades.
For those asking how to start a career in technology education, Shaner’s journey shows how important hands-on experience, adaptability, and passion really are. Programs like the one at Valley prove that transforming shop class into tech learning lab isn’t just possible—it’s already happening.
Schools like Valley are leading the way in high school robotics and coding programs. By integrating 3D printing in schools and fostering early interest, they’re preparing students for the future—one project at a time.
Sources: TribLive.
For those looking to enter the field, becoming a certified technology educator typically requires a degree in technical education or a related area, followed by state certification. Shaner’s experience at California University of Pennsylvania equipped him with the foundational skills needed to thrive in a hands-on classroom environment. Many programs now emphasize training in emerging technologies, including 3D printing in schools, to prepare future teachers for modern CTE classrooms. As Valley High’s program grew from a single classroom into a fully equipped tech lab, Shaner adapted his teaching to include 3D modeling, robotics, and digital fabrication—skills that mirror real-world industry demands. Gaining experience through student teaching and mentorship, like Shaner did under educators such as Dean Ridgeway, remains a vital step for those entering the profession.
