Ray Coon, the Plumbing Program Coordinator in Workforce Development at College of Western Idaho (CWI), has been named the Staff of the Month for September 2024. Ray’s dedication to student success, his innovative approach to teaching, and his commitment to the CWI community have made a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Nominated by Marc Swinney, Ray’s approach to teaching apprenticeships sets him apart as an educator. Marc shared, “Ray is dedicated to student success, always thinking about innovative ways for plumbing apprentices to learn, not just the knowledge of the trade but also providing career and life advice that will serve them long after their apprenticeship is over.” Ray’s role extends beyond teaching; he has built a community-focused and supportive environment for the approximately 400 students in CWI’s Plumbing Program, achieving an impressive 94% completion rate.
In addition to his classroom success, Ray has created impactful partnerships with local plumbing suppliers, ensuring that students who complete the program receive a tool bag and kit at Gradfest. These tools are more than just equipment; they represent a milestone in each student’s career journey and demonstrate Ray’s commitment to setting them up for success. Additionally, he worked to develop a dedicated part-time teacher to lead the plumbing lab, integrating meaningful hands-on learning activities and inviting vendors for special presentations. His efforts to encourage student engagement include providing pizza as an incentive to participate, creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment.
Ray’s commitment to the college’s core values is evident in every aspect of his work. His dedication to the community shines through initiatives like hosting a plumbing lab project for a local Boy Scout troop, helping them earn badges and introducing them to the trades as a career path. Marc noted, “Ray went above and beyond, displaying all the college’s core values, especially when he hosted the Boy Scouts. It shows his community-minded approach and respect for all students and colleagues.”
Beyond his passion for teaching, Ray has also led efforts in educational innovation. He spearheaded the development of skill-focused videos featuring Canyon County’s hydronic system, a resource that supports online students outside the service area and enhances the learning experience. These videos have the flexibility to benefit students in the HVAC program as well, demonstrating Ray’s vision of shared resources across programs.
Ray began his journey at CWI in 2012 as a part-time plumbing instructor and took on the role of Plumbing Program Coordinator in 2022. His responsibilities include managing the Plumbing Apprenticeship classes, which run throughout the year, while still teaching the first-year apprentices each August through May. His love for teaching has remained constant, as he cherishes the opportunity to share his extensive knowledge from over 31 years in the plumbing industry.
Reflecting on his time at CWI, Ray emphasized that his coworkers are what make the college a fantastic place to work. “Hands DOWN it is because of my coworkers! They make coming to work worth the effort. The people I get to work with every day are AMAZING!” he shared. A memorable moment in his career was completing a Certified Program Planning class with a group of his colleagues, an experience he describes as “the most fun anyone could have in a one-week period.”
Ray’s dedication to CWI has allowed him to forge lasting relationships with students, some of whom still keep in touch years after completing the program. His commitment to teaching is rooted in his belief that the college offers students and the broader community invaluable opportunities. “Because of CWI, I have been able to have a larger impact on the plumbing industry in Idaho and those who attend our courses,” Ray said, proudly noting that CWI is “a National College” with graduates from as far away as Boston.
Outside of work, Ray has a love for Disney, movies, live theater, and attending the Caldwell Night Light parade with his family each December. He grew up in Duarte, California, and later moved to Idaho, where he has resided since 1988. Ray and his wife, Chris, have three children: Ray J, Chance, and Zoe. A lover of ghost stories, Ray and his sisters are currently gathering true Idaho ghost tales, with hopes of publishing a book in the future.
Ray’s dedication to his students, his innovative teaching approach, and his positive impact on the CWI community make him a well-deserving recipient of the Staff of the Month award for September 2024. Congratulations to Ray Coon for his outstanding contributions to the College of Western Idaho!
