depauwm@lisd.net

Michael DePauw once attended the same Lewisville ISD welding program that he now teaches. His welding classes are available to 11th and 12th-grade students at Technology Exploration and Career Center West in Lewisville, Texas.

Michael earned his teaching certificate in 2019, the same year he began working at LISD. Before teaching, he spent 12 years as a welder in the manufacturing industry. Michael received structural and pipe welding training from the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology in Troy, Ohio. He has earned over a dozen welding certifications covering various disciplines and metal applications. Mr. DePauw is also a Certified Welding Inspector and OSHA Certified Forklift Trainer. He is exceptionally proud of the ever-growing number of certifications earned by his students. His students have earned thousands of certifications in welding, forklift operation, and OSHA safety training. 

Michael DePauw believes that to prepare students to be professionals in the workforce; you must first treat them as professionals in the classroom. High expectations and diversified learning are essential. Relating the content to a student's personal and career goals will naturally instill an intrinsic motivation to learn. Mr. DePauw wishes he could tell every high school student to take a long, hard look at the trades when planning their futures. Welding provides incredible earning potential, an in-demand skill set, a low barrier to entry, and is the perfect career for them.