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The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction is Now Open ↗

From the Wall to the Classroom: The Human Story of ReCastED

Words: Dan Kamys

The Human Story
For 30 years, you’ve been on the wall. You know the feel of the trowel in your hand, the sound of a solid mortar joint, and the pride of looking at a finished job. You’ve built a career with your hands, your skill, and your sweat.

But a lifetime of masonry takes its toll. Your knees, your back, your shoulders. They tell the story of decades of hard work. You have a lifetime of knowledge that young people need, but you know your time on the line is not infinite. What comes next?

This is the question The Masonry Foundation is answering with our ReCastED program. And it’s why we need you and everyone you know to vote for us in the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards on November 12th.

This is created by our industry for our industry. Register here to vote:https://truist.cventevents.com/event/75a06907-aead-4afe-8751-5f2ae86cd6f8/regProcessStep1

A New Career, Not an Ending
Physical strain is a reality in our trade. It can force good people to opt for early retirement, often before Medicare or Social Security eligibility, leaving families in a precarious situation. All that hard-won experience shouldn't just disappear. It needs to be passed on.

ReCastED is a program built for one reason: to take your lifetime of expertise and turn it into a new, respected career as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructor.

It’s a path that honors your skill and keeps you in the industry you love. It provides a stable salary, benefits, and a chance to shape the next generation of masons.

Built for a Tradesperson, Not a Professor
We know a traditional four-year teaching degree is not a realistic option for most people in the trades. That’s why we designed ReCastED to be different. It’s a direct, hands-on approach that respects your time and experience.

  • No Four-Year Degree: This program gets you certified without forcing you into a traditional college classroom.

  • Learn at Your Own Pace: The coursework is flexible, so you can learn on your own schedule.

  • Real-World Mentorship: You’ll be paired with mentors who have been in your boots. This approach is proven to work: according to the U.S. Department of Education, effective mentoring can reduce first-year teacher attrition by up to two-thirds.
This program is a part of our industry’s solution to taking care of our own, all while solving the critical shortage of qualified instructors in our schools.

How Your Vote Makes This Happen
This program isn't just an idea. It’s a fully planned solution that gives our veteran masons a future and keeps our trade strong. Winning the "Fan Favorite" award gives us the resources to make it happen on a national scale.

When you cast your vote on November 12th, you’re not just voting for a program. You’re voting for the mason who isn’t ready to hang up his trowel. Let’s show them we’re #MASONRYSTRONG.

Step 1: Register. Do it now.

Step 2: Block Your Calendar. Wednesday, November 12th. Livestream starts at 6:00 PM ET.

Step 3: VOTE. Show up and vote for The Masonry Foundation.

This Is How We Keep Our Industry Strong. Click Here to Register: https://truist.cventevents.com/event/75a06907-aead-4afe-8751-5f2ae86cd6f8/regProcessStep1



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