He has taught a total of 23 years, with 20 of them at TCCS, at the opening of its doors. Manning began as a fourth grade classroom teacher, but seven years ago decided to help revitalize the shop programming that is offered and is thriving, by the way.

“The growth of the woodworking and metalworking programs in the last 7 years have been tremendous,” said Manning.

Manning said the students have made several wonderful pieces while saying he enjoys that his classroom is screen free. Hands-on projects that the students are in charge of from planning until the project is finished, he said, helps the students develop the skills needed for careers in the trades after high school.

“Many are not introduced to those opportunities in the school setting,” Manning said. “I try to open that door for these students as we discuss the build.”

Dave Manning is pictured during his 5th grade STEM class assisting Harley Brady in a truss builder project.

Students also run the business model and an organized business supports the shop. Taking projects on, there are custom made-to-order cutting boards sold by the “Fun Days Committee,” as well as borough acrylic ornaments, county wide ornaments, custom engraving and even some metal works projects, with 100% of all proceeds going directly to the school’s program taught by Manning.

“We build for others, as well as ourselves,” Manning said.

Students are also Involved with the Kane Regional Ramps Ministry. With their modules, the class has helped construct two ramps in Tidioute. They also partner with projects with the borough as well as the American Legion, the annual Fishing Tournament Committee, and the fire department.

Manning attended University of Pittsburgh at Titusville and also played basketball there. After two years, he made a transfer to Bloomsburg University to finish an elementary education degree, and began his teaching career. A few years into teaching fourth grade, Manning took the additional Praxis teacher exams to be in his current position as shop teacher.

Manning said teaching skills is one of the best things about teaching at Tidioute Community Charter School.

Pictured are a few of the projects chosen by upperclassmen that include shelves, a jewelry box, a guitar and a practice welding piece.

“For me, it is knowing that they have some sort of skill that will be useful to them in the future,” Manning said. “Technology is great, but I am glad that my classes have little use of it. The kids that I reach have to come in and get to work.”

Manning was asked if former students visit and share what they do

“Absolutely,” he said. “But the perks of a small town is that I see many of them out of school too. It is great to hear about the successes of the students after class ends.”

As a graduate of Tidioute High School a few short years before it became a charter school, Manning said he is glad to have been able to develop the program into a class that students genuinely want to be a part of.

“It is their choice to be here, both in the school and my classroom. My goal is to make it a positive and beneficial part of their growth. I see kids from grade 4 all the way up to grade 12, so there is definitely a big impact that can take place,” said Manning.

The current project that the 5th grade STEM class is working on.

Manning stays busy and enjoys woodworking and spending time outside. Counting himself and his family as fortunate for having a great piece of property to spend time on together, Manning also has farm activities to keep the family busy. In addition, he has served on the Tidioute Borough Council, the 4H Development Council and the Conservation District boards. He has coached Little League and all levels of basketball teams as well.

Manning resides in Tidoute with his wife and 3 children on a 4th generation family farm where they specialize in grass fed beef and sweet corn.