(Sirena Mankins, Hub City Times) In the glow of welding torches and the hum of machinery, Ben Will has spent more than two decades shaping more than just metal, he’s shaping futures.
According to Sirena Mankins with the Hub City Times, the Wisconsin Technology Education Association (WTEA) has named Will, the metal technology instructor at Marshfield High School, its 2025 Technology Education Educator of the Year.
“I am both honored and humbled,” Will said. “With hundreds of hardworking and deserving tech ed teachers in the state, I am truly thankful. Nobody earns this award by themselves.” Will’s Marshfield Metal Tech program has grown from around 60 students to more than 300, now accounting for 25% of the high school’s population.
Five of his courses are offered for dual credit through Mid-State Technical College, and many students graduate with industry certifications and job-ready skills. “He’s transformed the program into what many of our partners describe as the best manufacturing program in the state,” said Marshfield Superintendent Ryan Christianson in a letter of recommendation. “His students consistently earn top honors in regional and national competitions.”
For Will, technical education is more than instruction, it’s a community effort. He’s embedded Marshfield Metal Tech into the fabric of local life. From offering free community welding classes and fundraisers with the local fire department to launching mentorship programs and youth apprenticeships, his efforts stretch beyond the classroom.
“He brings real-world experiences into the classroom through partnerships with local businesses,” said Jordan Reynolds, the human resources manager at Felker Bros. Corp. “His students graduate ready for the workforce. … I’ve personally hired many of them.”
Will credits much of his success to collaboration, with industry partners, fellow educators, and family. “I learned to weld from my dad,” he said. “My mom gave me the confidence to try new things. My wife, Samantha, and our kids, Ryan and Grace, are my source of strength. They’ve supported every late night, weekend and summer event I’ve poured into this program.”
Will’s teaching philosophy centers on adaptability and empowerment. In addition to metal fabrication, students in his Innovative Fabrication course blend art and technology. Creativity is key, and failure is embraced as part of learning.
“I want students to know there isn’t just one way to solve a problem,” he said. “I want them to think critically and feel confident trying new things.” As the state honors Will with one of its top teaching awards, he is quick to deflect the spotlight.
“This isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about the students. The community. The team around me. My job is to keep pushing forward and keep preparing young people to succeed.”
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