Prosser teacher recognized by state

Clark County

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May 9, 2008

By TARA HETTINGER The News and Tribune Fri May 09, 2008, 02:15 PM EDT

Frank McPhillips, who teaches Precision Machine Technology at Prosser School of Technology, sat down with a 2-inch binder, smiling ear to ear as he talked about every page.

It took him three years to put that binder together to apply for the Indiana Career and Technical Education Award for Excellence. Each page is filled with examples of student work and stories of how this program changed their lives.

In his office recently, surrounded by his students and awards hanging on the wall, McPhillips looked over at the newest one he will add to his collection — the Award for Excellence.

“This is an award for the kids in the shop,” McPhillips said, pointing to the students. “They are the ones that come out as winners. I just sit back and watch.”

In his blue polo shirt, slacks and large gold belt buckle reading “Machinist,” McPhillips walked around the shop talking about each of the machines. His eyes lit up as he spoke in detail about how the machines worked and how society uses tools made by similar machines every day.

“It doesn’t matter what you touch, whether it be electronics or plastics or whatever — it all comes back to the tool shop,” McPhillips said, patting a tool created by a student that makes can openers. “Without the tool shop, we’re back in the stone age.”

McPhillips has taught this class for 12 years. Last year, he had 19 students graduate from the program. Out of those, eight went on to jobs within the field, 10 furthered their education in the field and one found a job not involving the trade.

One of those furthering their education is Clinton Bline, of Floyds Knobs. He’s attending Vincennes University for injection molding.

“The class helped me decide what I want to do with my life,” Bline, 19, said. “Before, I didn’t have any plans. I don’t know what I’d be doing right now if I didn’t take it.”

That program helped him get his foot in the door within his field even before graduating.

“I wasn’t surprised when I heard about the award,” Bline said. “He works really hard.”

What is Precision Machine Technology?

• Precision Machine Technology at Prosser School of Technology includes a range of classroom and laboratory experiences that develop skills and knowledge in the shaping of metal parts. Students may take this class as part of a one- or two-year program. Graduates with a B average or higher can earn up to 15 hours of college credit, which is equivalent to a semester.