David Mason has transformed Bacon Academy’s manufacturing program into one of the most respected in eastern Connecticut. Based in Colchester, the program is a thriving four-year pathway with 130 students enrolled—making it the region’s largest elective. Mason teaches welding, machining, plasma cutting, metal fabrication, and computer numerically controlled (CNC) operation, using state-of-the-art equipment to deliver hands-on, project-based learning.
His students create real-world projects like sheet metal flowers and CNC-cut family signs, while earning up to 11 college credits, OSHA safety certifications, pre-apprenticeship hours, internships, college credit at Connecticut State Three Rivers Community College, and a $1,000 cash award for passing an industry, hands-on assessment held in partnership with an outside educational partner at a local tech school. Female enrollment in the program has increased from 3-5% to 28-35%, and Mason’s teaching reaches students of all skill levels.
He leads the school’s Youth Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (YMPI), connecting students with internships where many return after graduation for full-time work. His work with YMPI, recognized by Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance Regional Sector Partnership (EAMA RSP) as a state model, helped Bacon Academy earn the distinction of being Connecticut’s No. 1 public school for college and career readiness, according to the state’s Dual Credit measure. Ninety-seven percent of his students passed the YMPI assessment, and 95% of advanced students passed their certification exams, signifying Bacon students’ readiness for employment after high school.
In addition to Connecticut State Three Rivers, Mason works with the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board, Connecticut Department of Labor, Electric Boat, and local industry leaders. His leadership extends to the school level through serving on the CTE Advisory Board, mentoring new CTE teachers, and teaching summer courses. He also collaborated with department leaders to spearhead a $200,000 renovation of the student lab by helping secure grants (like the Perkins Grant) and other funding.
Mason earned a Bachelor of Science in technology education and construction management from Ohio Northern University in 2011 and a Master of Arts in positive coaching and athletic leadership from the University of Missouri in 2020.
Press Release: Colchester Teacher David Mason Surprised with Milken Educator Award and $25,000
