NWTC’s John Zellner Retires After 21 Years

After 21 years of laying the foundation for hundreds of masonry students in Northeast Wisconsin, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) instructor John Zellner has been named the John B. Scola Instructor of the year by the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). The award is given annually to one outstanding educator who exemplifies excellence in masonry craft and related training. The BAC union chose Zellner out of more than 300 nominees from across the United States and Canada.

“It means what I have done for the last 21 years is worth something to somebody and that I have helped teach students the trade and the legacy of their work,” said Zellner.

“I am so thrilled to have John named instructor of the year by the BAC. His knowledge and talents have shaped our students in and out of the classroom. He works tirelessly for the trade, his students, NWTC and the union,” said Gene Francisco, NWTC associate dean of construction and transportation.

These days, he has moved out of the masonry shop, retiring after more than two decades with NWTC. Zellner now spends his days working in his rose garden and fishing in northern Wisconsin.

Zellner will be presented with the John B. Scola award at the BAC International convention in Baltimore, Maryland this fall.