The laying off of instructors, as well as the cutting of classes, is what the Woodworking Department at Cerritos College faces this coming semester.

Two of the instructors had been students for about 10 years, but are being laid off because they don’t have the proper college degree.

Budget cuts in the department have also played a role in this situation, as well as being responsible for classes being cut next semester.

The instructors, which names have not been disclosed, have been teaching for three to five years, and one has even been running his own business for well over 10 years based on what he learned as a student in the woodworking program.

Woodworking Professor Anthony Fortner says that these instructors are capable of teaching and are great teachers. “They are liked by all, the product that comes out of their classes is phenomenal,” Fortner said.

He also stated that the concept of vocational education is that you have a professional person from the trade teaching the craft or profession of woodworking.

The instructor who has been running his own business, teaches and shares that experience with his students, but since he is one english class off, he will not be able to teach anymore.

“Traditionally, that has always been more valued; real world experience rather than academics. A woodworking student would rather have a guy with real world experience, in business, with clients paying money, than a text book,” Fortner said.

The instructors had been warned that they needed to have their proper degree for over a couple of years, but they have not acted on it.

They where supposed to be laid off this past August, but because of the budget cuts, they will most likely be terminated this January, along with some classes.

“It is real unfortunate for the students since many will be turned away,” Fortner said.