About me
Oakley Van Oss won the Harbor Freight Prize for Teaching Excellence in 2024 and teaches Welding and Construction at Summit County High School in Breckenridge, Colorado. His journey into teaching began with a degree in Spanish and International Affairs, which led him to blend language education with outdoor adventures. Transitioning into full-time teaching of trades was not his original plan, but Van Oss jumped at the chance to draw on his background in construction and teach welding. He obtained his G1 gas metal arc welding certification and discovered a way to merge his passion for building with teaching. In today’s world, trades are crucial for fostering connections among people. Recognizing the unique ability of the trades to build connections, and observing increasing numbers of Spanish-speaking tradespeople, Van Oss is dedicated to helping students learn both the language and the culture.
