Tim Harper graduated from Maud High School in 1987 then graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a teaching degree in 1991. Following teaching stints at Terral and Kiefer; he worked full time in construction framing houses in Tulsa for 5 years. He has been involved in remodeling and building homes all of his life. In 2006 he returned to teaching and in 2011 started teaching shop classes at Strother. He returned to Maud Schools in the 2019-2020 school year. He was assigned to teach three woodshop classes as electives. Mr. Harper’s experience and skills associated with construction were viewed as a positive addition to the curriculum at Maud School. The enrollment to get in Mr. Harper’s class has steadily increased each year. During the year students learn basic woodshop skills along with framing and new construction. During the last semester of each school year students are able to put those skills in to practice with two construction projects. Students work constructing two portable sheds 10x12x11 with gambrel roof. The sheds are framed 4x4x12 treated post with 2x6 treated floor joist and 5/8 plywood. The students frame 2x4 walls and install 4x8 sheets of Smart siding for the exterior. Students cut and assemble the roof trusses which are on 2 foot centers. The portable buildings will have two 30 inch doors for a 5 foot opening and a 4x8 loft for storage inside. Students caulk, paint, and install the metal roof. Gober Post Frame Buildings in Seminole is gracious to donate the metal and trim metal for both buildings. Mr. Harper’s shop class sells each building for $2800. All money from the sale of each building is put back into the High School Shop account. Anyone interested in purchasing one or both of the building can contact Maud High School at 405-374-2416.
The significant benefit of learning these trade skills is immeasurable for students who enroll in Mr. Harpers’ shop classes. For students who may not choose to further their academic journey; the skills and projects provide them with a valuable trade to be work ready immediately following graduation. There is opportunity to be connected to local employers needing individuals with these skills. The development of these skills fits with the purpose of Maud Schools which is to equip students with specialized skill development suitable to achieving a pathway to success. The shop classes offered at Maud are just an example of the courses offered to all students attending Maud Schools.