A Cascadia Technical Academy teacher from Vancouver has been named the grand prize winner of the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.
Lance Landis, a high school construction technology teacher, was one of five teachers across the United States who were surprised Tuesday with the news of the grand prize. Landis won $70,000 to go toward his school’s program, and $30,000 for himself. There were 20 other teachers nationally who also earned money prizes.
“While we emphasize technical skills, safety practices, and productivity, our responsibility also includes recognizing and responding to the social and emotional needs of our students,” Landis wrote in his prize application. “Trust, relationships, and small acts of genuine concern, can have life-changing impact.”
Landis was noted for his excellence in three areas:
● Business & Industry Alignment: Landis partnered with the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Clark County to secure building lots and industry connections, sustaining a model where students construct a complete home each year.
● Key Program Impact: Achieved a 100-percent post-graduation placement rate in the workforce or continuing education pathways, with a recent class of second-year students earning 203 industry credentials in a single year.
● Community Connection: Addresses local affordable housing needs by engaging students in volunteer builds with Habitat for Humanity and community service projects. Students gained confidence to teach and guide other volunteers with less or little construction experience, strengthening their leadership and communication skills.
Landis is one of three Washington prize winners this year. The other two Washington winners are: Eric Matson of the Southeast Area Technical Skills Center in Walla Walla, and Matt Johnon of Snohomish High School.
The prize was created to recognize excellent high school skilled trades teachers, a group of educators who are frequently overlooked and underappreciated. As of today, more than $12 million has been awarded to 208 teachers and their programs through the prize. The mission of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is to increase understanding, support, and investment in skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools.
The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was started in 2017 by Eric Smidt, owner and founder of Harbor Freight Tools.
“When we started the prize a decade ago, our goal was to recognize and celebrate the best skilled trades teachers and programs across America,” Smidt said. “Today, we have a nation-wide shortage of skilled trades workers and the need for high school classes to prepare students for that work has never been higher. That’s why we’re excited to increase the prize to bring attention to these inspiring teachers and invest even more in their important work.”
It should be noted that in some cases, due to school, district or state policy, the schools’ skilled trades programs will receive the entire prize winnings.
