Rathert Chosen as Central District Industrial Arts Teacher of the year

May 01, 2012

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Jason Rathert has presided as the Industrial Technology Engineering Instructor at Odessa High School for the past 10 years.  He has been married for 14 years, his wife Angela, is also employed with the school district as a paraprofessional at McQuerry Elementary. Mr. Rathert has two daughters Kaitlyn, age 9, and Kelsie, age 5.  The family resides in Odessa.  While teaching at OHS Mr. Rathert  has instructed the following classes:

Woods I, II, III
Engineering I, II, III
Mechanical and Architectural Drafting
Materials and Processing
Power and Energy
Career Clusters
Industrial Tech Modules
Construction

In addition to teaching, Mr Rathert has implemented a Technology Student Association (TSA) Chapter, a Super Mileage Team and a Robotics Team.    During the last nine years students of the Industrial Technology Department have earned: 8 State Expo Champions, 6 State Woodworking Champions, 1 Robotics champion (KU engineering competition), and a super mileage car that averages 110-130 miles per gallon.  Mr. Rathert was chosen as the TEAM (Technology Education Association of Missouri) Central District Teacher of the Year (2011-2012) and received Program of the year (2011-2012).  Jason's students have said the following about him and his program:

"Mr. Rathert has taught me to expand my horizons and branch out from what I would usually do. Along with the "school stuff " he's taught me, I've also learned life lessons I'll carry with me forever. He's the most deserving teacher in Odessa to receive Teacher and Program of the year" -Sydney Carlyle

"Under the guidance of Mr. Rathert, I have surpassed standards set before me not only in woodworking technology but also in my academic and sports career. He has personally helped me by broadening my view on life, he encourages students to become the best person that he/she can be." -Joe Redden