Editor's note: Monday Profiles are published on the first Monday of each month.
COAL TOWNSHIP - James E. Yurick Jr. has taught approximately 1,700 students and witnessed many changes in his profession in 34-plus years as a carpentry instructor at Northumberland County Career and Technology Center.
Many of his former pupils have become successful in the trade as a result of Yurick's tutelage. But the veteran teacher is quick to point out that he's been very fortunate to have had many skilled, hard working and respectful students over the years.
The 59-year-old Yurick, who will retire at the end of the school year, said, "I've had many good students who really wanted to be in the carpentry shop. Discipline is the most important thing to me as a teacher. In addition to discipline, safety, a strong work ethic, neatness in appearance and the ability to work with other people are keys to becoming successful in my program."
Yurick, who grades his students on theory and work experience in and out of the shop, added, "I get paid to do something I really love."
The instructor and his students have been involved in numerous community projects over the years with the most extensive being the remodeling of six homes through the Northumberland County Housing Authority. His class also has done carpentry work for municipalities, schools and churches.
Through the years
He said the most significant change in his profession has been technology. He said computers have changed the way people learn and instruct, although hands-on experience remains the best teaching method. Yurick said advancements in hand and power tools have made the carpentry trade easier.
Yurick, who has worked under nine vo-tech school directors in his career, talked about how the number of students and shops at the vo-tech school have decreased over the years.
"From 1979 to 1993, we had an average of 50 students per year in carpentry," he said. "We then averaged between 30 and 40 students from 1993 until two years ago when it was announced that the school would be changing to a one-year, senior-only, full-day program that goes into effect next school year. I currently have eight students and the projected enrollment for carpentry next year is two students."
Yurick said there were 19 vocational-technical courses offered at the school in 1979. The school currently has 12 shops and a projected enrollment of 87 students for 2012-2013.
He believes the rotating nine-week cycle of instruction for students at the vo-tech works best. That cycle involves students spending a total of 18 weeks at the vo-tech school and 18 weeks at their home schools each year.
The nine-week cycle was in place for many years at the vo-tech school before the curriculum was changed over to a half-day program year round so students could more efficiently fit in their required academic courses and PSSA testing at the home schools.
Yurick credits his former carpentry instructor, Chester Reinoehl, with having a profound influence on his career. "I wouldn't have what I have if it wasn't for him," Yurick said.
The teacher also praised his late grandfather, James McCormick, for being a great role model and mentor.
Yurick is well respected by vo-tech school administrators, instructors, current and former students and retired teachers who worked with him over the years.
One of Yurick's former students, Davis Bamford, 24, of Coal Township, described him as a "great teacher and mentor who was always willing to help any student."
Bamford, who is a union heavy highway carpenter, stated, "Mr. Yurick had a big influence on my decision to become a union carpenter. He prepared me well for my current position. He always emphasized discipline on the job and in the classroom."
Bamford is a 2007 graduate of Northumberland County Career and Technology Center and Shamokin Area High School.
Bruce Victoriano of Coal Township, who taught data processing and computer technology at the vo-tech school for 34 years before retiring in 2007, stated, "Jim and I have been friends since the mid-1970s when he came to my house to do some work. It was a great experience working with him as a teacher at the vo-tech school. He's been a great teacher and friend for a long time."
Victoriano also served six years with Yurick on Shamokin City Council.
James Monaghan, administrative director at the vo-tech school since August 2011, stated, "My association with Jim Yurick during my brief tenure as NCCTC's administrative director has been a pleasure. He is professional, organized, dedicated and truly cares about his students. Over the past 34 plus years, he taught his carpentry trade to hundreds of students and I can only imagine the positive impact he's had on their lives, as well as the careers his graduates pursued.
He also noted Yurick's role as a mentor teacher.
"I was very comfortable with him being the role model or 'go-to' person for his fellow colleagues," he said. "He'll be missed, and we wish him well with his plans for retirement."
City involvement
Yurick, who lived in Shamokin for many years before moving to Paxinos, also served eight years as mayor of Shamokin after being a city councilman for eight years. During his time on council, Yurick was in charge of public safety and streets and public improvements.
He was chairman of the Shamokin Democratic Committee for four years and a longtime member of the committee. He also has served on state and county political committees through the years and finished third in his campaign for county commissioners nine years ago.
Yurick is a member of West End and Independence fire companies and belongs to Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Elysburg.
He has been married for 38 years to the former Kathy A. Grow. They have three children, Jamie Yurick, Kara (Yurick) Kurtz and Daniel Yurick, and five grandchildren, Gabrielle, Michael, Ty Brady, Margaret and Daniel.
Yurick graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School and Northumberland County Area Vocational-Technical School in 1970. He earned a degree from Williamsport Area Community College in carpentry and building construction and was employed as a union carpenter before beginning his teaching career.
He has obtained certification in vocational trade and industrial education through Penn State University and has taken continuing education courses through Luzerne County Community College.
His hobbies include cheering on the Penn State football team and spending time with his family.
Name - James E. Yurick Jr.
Age: 59.
Occupation - Carpentry instructor.
Education - Graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School and Williamsport Area Community College, vocational trade and industrial education certification through Penn State University.
Hobbies: Attending Penn State football games and spending time with family.
Family: Wife, Kathy, three children and five grandchildren.