Capital Region BOCES Welding and Metal Fabrication teacher Donald Mattoon has been named American Welding Society (AWS) District 6 Educator of the Year.

The district encompasses virtually all of Upstate New York, from Dutchess County to the Canadian border and west to Buffalo and the Ohio border.

The honor was presented in early May at the society’s New York State Thruway Cup competition at the Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus.

“It is an honor to receive this award from the American Welding Society and District 6. Welding education is a huge part of what keeps our trade strong, so to be recognized at this level really means a lot to me,” Mattoon said.

The AWS award is presented annually to instructors at high schools, trade schools, technical institutes or community colleges whose teaching activities are considered exceptional in advancing welding knowledge and skills. The awardee is nominated by a peer and decided upon at the annual district conference meeting.

“The American Welding Society is an incredible community with people who all share the same goal, promoting welding and pushing the industry forward. I’m proud to be part of that,” Mattoon said.

Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle praised the educator.

“Don’s passion for welding extends far beyond the classroom. His dedication to teaching and mentoring has not only strengthened the CTE Welding program but has truly shaped the growth and success of his students,” she said.

Mattoon became a Capital Region BOCES faculty member in 2017—a decade after graduating from the very same program.

“I enjoy working with students and exposing them to the opportunities within the welding industry,” Mattoon said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see students come into the program with no prior knowledge of welding and, by the end, develop the confidence and skills to produce respectable welds. Watching their growth and transformation over time is truly the best part of what I do.”

When not teaching high school and adult students, Mattoon is also involved in AWS activities and led the effort for Capital Region BOCES to host the Thruway Cup this year.

Mattoon has pretty much worked nonstop in the welding industry since learning the trade at Capital Region BOCES. After a brief hiatus upon graduation, Mattoon furthered his welding knowledge at Modern Welding School and entered the industry at Philips Medical Systems, where he welded medical equipment such as MRI machines. After working at various other operations around the region, he ultimately decided to share his knowledge and experience.

Mattoon also remains active outside the classroom in the industry.

“During the summer, I run my own business, Electric City Metal Works, which focuses on metal signage, welding and fabrication,” he said.