Kentucky teacher wins national teaching award

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A Georgetown high school teacher is getting national recognition for his impact in the classroom — and a major award to go with it.

Wylie Messer, who teaches welding and advanced manufacturing at Great Crossing High School, has been named one of just 25 winners nationwide of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. The award includes $50,000 — with $35,000 going to Great Crossing’s skilled trades program and $15,000 awarded directly to Messer.

“I think it’s awesome, doesn’t really feel real. I don’t know — I’m kind of at a loss. I’m overwhelmed, I guess,” Messer said.

He teaches nearly 120 students, helping them gain hands-on skills to prepare for jobs in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades. Messer says his goal is to make a lasting difference — just like his own high school welding teacher did for him.

“Talking to my welding teacher at the time, he had a big influence on my life. He gave me the tools to go directly into the workforce. The influence he had on me made me want to do that for others too,” Messer said.

Former student Alexandria Courtney says the honor doesn’t come as a surprise. “Through the three years I was his student, the amount of development I saw personally was amazing, and I wouldn’t have had those opportunities without him,” she said.

Messer, who was also named Teacher of the Year in 2021, says he strives to create a professional training environment that prepares students not just for their careers, but for life.