NEWTech Prep

A Blast from the Past!

This week, current and former NEWTech staff gathered for breakfast to celebrate the retirement of Andrew Syder, who is retiring after 28 years of teaching Welding at the NEWTech Skill Center.

The gathering brought together colleagues from across NEWTech's history, creating a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and reflect on the impact Andrew and so many others have had on generations of students.

Joining the celebration were several former NEWTech instructors and staff, spanning the 43 year history of instruction at NEWTech, including:

John Flanigan – Machine Shop
Lori Murray – Dental Careers
Dennis Koentopp – Automotive Technology
Scott Dethlefs – Broadcast Media & Animation/Special Effects
Tim Lorentz – Special Education Coordinator
Don Belcher – Collision Repair

Andrew's 28 years of service represent a remarkable commitment to students, skilled trades education, and workforce development. His influence will continue to be felt through the many graduates who entered the welding industry and related careers because of his instruction and mentorship.

Congratulations, Andrew, on an outstanding career. We wish you all the best in retirement!

Several of Jeanette Thompson's Dental Careers students stopped by today to say goodbye to Jeannette one more time and to wish her the best in her retirement. Jeanette is retiring after 13 years of dedicated service to the NEWTech Skill Center.

Throughout her time at NEWTech, Jeanette has helped prepare hundreds of students for careers in the dental field, sharing not only her professional expertise but also her passion for teaching, mentoring, and supporting young people as they pursue their goals.

The surprise retirement shirts, smiles, and memories made for a special sendoff that reflects the admiration and appreciation our students and staff have for Jeannette.

Please join us in congratulating Jeanette on her retirement and thanking her for 13 years of service, leadership, and commitment to student success.

Such a great story! We are proud of you Masame! Great work this year!

Some of our favorite stories are the ones that show students stepping into their next chapter.

Charlee accepted a position at Shredfast.
Owen enlisted in the Navy.
David enlisted in the Army.
Jack accepted a position at Metals Fab.

We are proud of each of them and excited to see where their skills, work ethic, and determination take them next.

NEWTech Prep is hiring for a Graphic Design Teacher.

We are looking for someone with a strong creative and design background who can help students build foundational visual design skills while connecting those skills to today’s industry needs.

The ideal candidate would have experience in areas such as graphic design, web design, UX/UI, branding, SEO, social media, digital marketing, content creation, client-based projects, and portfolio development. This person should be excited about helping high school students turn creativity into real-world career skills.

Please share with anyone who may be a great fit.

Apply here: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/spokaneschools/jobs/5361826/teacher-graphics-printing-newtech-prep-1-0-fte-cont?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Alumni Spotlight: Adam Lieske

After completing NEWTech’s Pilot Ground School and Aircraft Maintenance program in 2025, Adam is now continuing his aviation pathway at Green River College and taking flight lessons through Rainier Flight Service.

He has already logged 55 flight hours and is working toward his goal of becoming a flight instructor.

We are proud of you, Adam. Keep flying.

Congratulations to our NEWTech Automotive students for earning multiple ASE Entry-Level certifications.

These are industry-recognized credentials that show a high level of technical knowledge, commitment, and career readiness in automotive service. Their accomplishments reflect the skill, work ethic, and employability we strive to build in every student.

Great work, Evan, Alexander, Luke, Micah, Gage, and Kale!

Congratulations to Rachel and Andrew, Employees of the Year in Mr. Prish’s Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship class! At NEWTech, we recognize students through the lens of employability, and these two stood out for their work ethic, professionalism, consistency, and growth.

Thank you to Platt Electric for generously providing tool bags filled with swag and hand tools to support our students as they continue building their futures in the electrical field.

What an amazing event celebrating our students as they completed their Health Care courses. Their hard work, dedication, and passion for serving others were on full display. We are so proud of each of them and excited for what comes next.