SNOHOMISH—Snohomish High School Manufacturing Teacher, Matt Johnson, was surprised with a $75,000 check for Teaching Excellence from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools on Tuesday, September 29, just in time for Manufacturing Month.
Johnson was one of 25 public school skilled trades teachers nationwide to receive the award this year, part of $2 million prizes marking the program’s 10th anniversary.
He plans to use $50,000 of the check for scholarships for students (in the amount of $1,000 to $2,500) entering the workforce in the trades. The remaining $25,000 will go to him and his family, though he hasn’t decided how he’ll spend it yet.
“Maybe I’ll take my family on a nice vacation,” he told the Lynnwood Times.
As Johnson wrote in his application: “As an educator, my greatest success was stepping back and creating a space for students to be empowered to make choices… I get to watch them grow from unsure beginners to confident makers ready for their next step wherever that takes them.”
Johnson’s program has expanded enrollment by 275%, growing from 96 to 266 students, while substantially increasing female participation. He partners closely with Boeing through the Core Plus Aerospace program, preparing students for expedited hiring pipelines and creating curriculum tools used statewide.
Students also fabricate adaptive “ButtOn Chairs” for kindergarten classrooms, a project that began with a PTA partnership and grew into a collaboration with retired spinal surgeon Dr. Turner Osler — demonstrating real-world impact and community connection.
On Tuesday, at Snohomish High School, dozens of students and faculty congregated in the high school’s manufacturing hall and surprised Mr. Johnson as he walked through the door.
Jacette Valenzuela, District Manager for Harbor Freight Tools, did the honor of presenting the check.
“We are incredibly grateful for teachers like Matt, who really invest in their students and give us the opportunity to challenge, and really help the next generation of students, and be curious, and engaged, productive members of their society,” said Valenzuela.
Winning the prize was no small feat. There were three rounds of judges Johnson’s application had to go through, consisting of experts in education, industry, philanthropy, and civic leadership.
About 569 teachers submitted applications this year and only 25 were selected.
In addition to winning $75,000, Johnson was also awarded a U.S. General full tool bank full of tools.
Johnson has been making things since he was about 11 years old. He shared that not only is it his job to teach his students about the trades, but it’s just as important to inspire them to make things – whether they decide to pursue a career in the trades or not.
“Getting these young kids inspired to make things, getting them hands-on experience, and let them know what is available is something that keeps me going every day,” said Johnson.
He was encouraged to apply for the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools prize via his friend, and fellow teacher, Jeff Winn, who won the grand prize of $100,000 back in 2024. Winn teaches woodshop at South Kitsap High School.
Winn, whose birthday was Tuesday, told students Tuesday they are “so lucky to have Mr. Johnson as a teacher because he kicks booty.”
Winn has known Johnson for over 20 years.
The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was created to elevate and invest in skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools. Since 2017, more than $12 million has been awarded to 208 teachers and their programs.
The mission of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is to increase the support, the understanding, and the investment of skilled trade schools across the U.S.
“We believe that every student across the country deserves the opportunity to have a teacher like [Johnson],” said Valenzuela.
Over the years Valenzuela has learned that skilled trades is a very important thing to have, she continued, and it can be quite life-changing.
There are over 7,200 manufacturing companies in Washington State. Additionally, 20% of Snohomish County residents work in manufacturing.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
