IMAGE ARMY:
INSPIRING STUDENTS

The incentive to learn to weld is generated in unique ways by the creativity of instructors.  In Marshall, Texas, third-year welding instructor at Texas State Technical College, Greg Wexler, has demonstrated that it is indeed possible for artists to stand alongside of technicians in his classroom.

“Initially, my teaching directive was to stabilize a program at the college to produce students who could demonstrate basic welding skills,” says Greg.  “What has evolved, due to my keen interest in the artistic side of welding, is something that demonstrates some of the qualities you’re looking for as a member of the Image Army. I’ve been able to bring the artist to stand alongside the technician in my classroom and inspire my students to view this traditional industrial skill in a variety of new ways.”

According to Greg, teaching basic welding skills begs the question by the student, “Is that all there is?”

“By asking students to tap into their artistic background and use their imagination,” Greg continues, “we’ve been able to expand on what the basic welding student thinks is possible with these skills. The creation, for example, of a working barbeque pit, creates a classroom project that engages the student to use a variety of other abilities such as reading blueprints, using measurement skills, and visualizing and producing embellishment of the product. The objective is to continue to push the student to think on their own, develop objectives, meet deadlines and finish a project that meets curricular standards and hopefully satisfies their internal desires and needs.”

The turtle accompanying this article is an artistic example of a welding project that allows students to exhibit a creativity that has helped to make this particular welding program popular.  This success in the classroom at TSTC has definitely been noticed by local industry.  A local producer of frames for the auto industry in Shreveport has toured Mr. Wexler’s classroom and has asked him to evaluate prospective welding employees; other companies have also asked for training and evaluation of their employees. TSTC’s welding program offers opportunity to anyone interested in developing skills and Greg feels that a growing need for smart, well-trained, creative thinking welders is being met by the program he has developed at TSTC.

His creative techniques and his way of inspiring students highlight Greg Wexler’s technical and artistic achievements and exhibit what he brings to the classroom to show what is possible to attain as his students.  This has earned Greg Wexler a notable place in the Image Army.  

You may contact Greg Wexler at greg.wexler@marshall.tstc.edu or (903) 935-1010 ext. 2228.