At West Valley High School, students in the Construction and Welding programs receive hands-on training and gain practical skills and confidence with a trusted mentor who prepares them for life after graduation. Stephen Matczak, now in his third full-time year with WVSD, brings a unique blend of industry experience and teaching expertise to the classroom.

A Career Shaped by Real-World Experience

Before teaching at West Valley, Mr. Matczak followed an impressive and varied path. He began teaching in 1993 at the Navy Submarine Sonar Apprenticeship School in Connecticut. He later taught at the Naval Special Warfare Detachment in Hawaii as a Pilot/Co-Pilot and worked on Electrical and Hydraulic System Maintenance for the Advanced SEAL Delivery Vehicle. After military service, he trained machinists, taught at Yakima Valley College, and spent a decade with the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee.

Mr. Matczak’s technical background is broad, but he’s the first to point out that shifting from adult learners to high school students required growth. “Teaching adults is very different from teaching high school students; so, while my technical background prepared me well, I had a lot to learn about supporting younger learners,” Mr. Matczak shared.

Helping Students Explore Their Futures

Knowing there are many paths to success, one of Mr. Matczak’s goals is to help students discover what they love. “I want students to think about what they genuinely enjoy and pursue that interest wholeheartedly.” Whether their path involves college, technical school, on-the-job training, or even military service, Mr. Matczak encourages students to embrace what fits them best.

Mr. Matczak’s programs are structured to help students thrive in the workforce. Through hands-on projects, applied math, problem-solving, and safe work practices, students gain both confidence and competence. “Safety awareness…is the most important aspect of workforce readiness that I provide,” Matczak emphasized.

A Classroom Built on Trust and Belonging

Mr. Matczak believes supporting students begins with relationship-building, and students and families appreciate his industry-based wisdom. “I’m not a traditional career educator—I come from industry,” he said. His goal is to prepare students for future success in the workplace.  Through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, students from WVHS Construction Classes have had the opportunity to assist with authentic, real-world projects.  

Looking Ahead

This year holds special significance for Mr. Matczak. “I’m looking forward to watching this year’s seniors walk across the stage,” he said. “This group represents the first classes I taught at West Valley, and seeing them reach this milestone is something I’m truly excited for.”

When asked what advice he most hopes students carry with them, Mr. Matczak answered simply: “Go to college when you know it is required for the job you want or when it becomes clear that it will genuinely support your professional growth. There are many excellent jobs available right out of high school, and there’s no single ‘right’ path.”