March 31, 2006 – Ed Wyatt, Instructor of the Welding / Blacksmithing Program at the Bernard K. McKenzie Career Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been selected for inclusion in the 10th Edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers 2005/2006.  Recommended by a former student who is pursuing a successful career, Ed is pleased to accept the honor and to know that his work has made a difference in the lives of young people.

Who's Who honors a select group of just 5% of our nation's teachers.  As indisputable testimony to the value of outstanding teachers, there is no greater reward than to be valued by former students.

At the Bernard K. McKenzie Career Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, in addition to welding classes, Ed Wyatt offers an introduction to blacksmithing for senior students in his welding classes. He also offers adult classes. It is believed to be the only high school blacksmithing program in Indiana although more than 250 people in that state practice blacksmithing as a valuable hobby.

According to Paul D. Moffett, Past President of Indiana Blacksmithing Association, Inc., there was a time in the early 1900's when nearly every large school taught blacksmithing as a vocational skill students were certain to need. Blacksmiths still believe that the skills learned are very helpful both in life and work. If you believed that blacksmithing as a craft is dead, you are would be very wrong. The Artist-Blacksmiths' Association of North America (ABANA) currently has more than 5,000 members.

Ed's program covers the health hazards and the basic skills included on the ABANA Journeyman's list of required skills. The journeymen learn advanced techniques from the masters of the craft, benefiting from their experiences. Even the masters continue learning and sharing skills with one another.  Ed also provides a listing of the minimum tools required to begin the craft and an extensive bibliography of books, magazines, and sources of supply related to the work.

While today's blacksmiths don't usually shoe horses, they do perform a wide range of artistic work making gates, railings, stairs, and other things for commercial, government, and residential customers. It is a respected skill that allows personal expression and a fascinating craft where women are treated as equals with men.  Most smiths acquire skills at conferences or meetings of local organizations. Some go to work in existing shops if the owners have a position open to them. Often they will work for room and board or even less, just to learn the craft.

Ed also works each summer with the staff at Ball State University to sponsor a professional development opportunity for teachers on a variety of welding and blacksmithing topics.  For additional information about this, contact Suzie Jones at sjones2@bsu.edu.