Daniel Grater

Award - November 2021 E2

School: Manhattan High School
Position: Industrial Arts Teacher

Mr. Grater excels in meeting the educational needs of his students. He has continued to build the Architecture and Construction pathway the last 3 yrs. MHS students have the ability to take concurrent credit through Wood Tech class and the brand new Carpentry 1 class. Students are also earning the OSHA 30 safety certificate and can become a couple hours short of a Certificate A from MATC. Students are gaining real world construction experience that can equate to high wage employment in the construction field. He has also partnered with McCown Gordon to begin the first Construction Club at MHS. This is a great opportunity to give more exposure to students thinking of a career in construction. He is also working on plans of building some school based work experiences with his classes building sheds for sale and helping to design materials for the laser printer. He keeps his curriculum fresh with monthly visits from industry partners. The advisory committee he maintains is energetic and active in helping whether they can. For example, Industry partners have recently donated tools for all of his Carpentry 1 students. He keeps students engaged with fun and exciting projects while learning real world skills. I believe he communicates well with parents as he utilizes technology and other tools to make sure they are up to date with grades and class projects. He coaches football and wrestling and has great relationships with his athletes. He is a very good role model to connect athletics, education, and future employment as he shows it's ok to go into a skilled trade and many students appreciate the environment he has created in the wood shop. Lastly, he is a team player. As long as it doesn't distract from curriculum, he seems to always be creating or making items for staff or school. Whether it is plaque or more recently testing boards, Mr. Grater excels with his relationships with his colleague and improves the education environment for students and staff at MHS.