Gar-Field Teacher Named Virginia's Plumbing Teacher Of The Year

WOODBRIDGE, VA — From college degrees to trades, students have a number of career paths to consider when they are still in high school. A career as a plumber is one students can pursue, and a Gar-Field High School teacher was named the best in the state to help them.

The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association of Virginia named Michael Carter its first Plumbing Instructor of the Year. Carter, a plumbing teacher at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, was also nominated as teacher of the year for the national chapter of Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association. Carter will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Birmingham, Alabama in October.

"Teaching is more about than just what happens in the classroom," said Carter via a Prince William County Public Schools news release. "For me, it’s about the connections I have made with my past and present students, it’s about teaching them life skills that they can carry with them."

A former student credits Carter with helping her find success.

"If it weren’t for him, I honestly don’t know where I would be right now, but thanks to him, I have a nice job, I have good benefits like health, retirement, and schooling, and I just want to let you know that I really appreciate it," Ashley Gongora, who now works with Prince William Water.

The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association has been a trade association in Virginia for 100 years. The Plumbing Instructor of the Year award recognizes teachers "who have dedicated their careers to enriching the lives of plumbing students through outstanding instruction in their field." Nominees for the award must work at a career and technical school, community college, apprenticeship, or adult education program.