BHS teacher Pilling wins $50,000 national teaching award

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Students, educators and family gather on Tuesday to congratulate Christopher Pilling.

BURRILLVILLE – A construction management teacher at Burrillville High School was one of just 25 educators from across the country to be recognized this week with a national award for excellence in skilled trades education, winning a $50,000 prize for the school’s program.

Christopher Pilling received the 2024 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence in a surprise ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Pilling, who was previously named Outstanding Career and Technical Educator by SkillsUSA in 2023, was among 906 teachers across the country to apply for the award.

“Knowing the labor force, the retirement statistics, and the employment gaps in the trade industries, there is satisfaction in knowing that I am helping to address the needs of our society through education and helping students find their paths in life,” Pilling noted in the application.

“Winning the prize is no small achievement,” said Kelly Culhane, presenter for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. “The prize is very competitive.”

Pilling with wife Elise and children Jameson, 9; Kennedy, 5; and Ben, 7.

Among those gathered to celebrate the achievement this week was Charles Boucher, a former BHS teacher who Pilling noted inspired him during his time as a student at the school.

“What makes a teacher great? Passion,” said Boucher. “This guy brings his ‘A’ game every time.

District officials thanked Pilling for his hard work, noting in a release that 20 students a year graduate from the school’s Construction Management pathway, and 98 percent earn certifications such as OSHA 10 and the Home Builders Institute carpentry pre-apprenticeship certification.

Pilling and School Committee member Terri Lacey exchange a hug.

“This really is a testament to all of the work that these kids do under his leadership,” said Supt. Michael Sollitto. “It’s appreciated as, you can see.”

Students also testified to Pilling’s commitment to edication.

“I have been lucky enough to have Mr. Pilling for four years,” said Senior Joshua Cookson. “I think this award is definitely deserved and he has earned it.”

It was an emotional moment on Tuesday as Pilling’s family joined the caravan of well wishers and students in his construction II and III classes. With tears in his eyes the teacher, who holds a bachelor’s degree in technology education from Rhode Island College and Masters of Education from Southern New Hampshire University, also accepted large toolbox with a plaque noting the honor from the organization.

“I’m not a man of many words, but thank you,” said Pilling. “This means a lot.”

With a mission of increasing understanding, support and investment in skilled trades education in U.S., Harbor Freight Tools for Schools handed out $1.5 million in prizes nationally on Tuesday through the annual program. Since 2017, the program has awarded more than $8.9 million to more than 150 teachers.

Pilling, the first-ever Rhode Island recipient, was among 20 teachers to win $50,000 for their programs, with five grand prize winners securing $100,000 each.

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