Construction Academy Instructor
Matt Bakken was born and raised in beautiful Bozeman, Montana. Growing up in a large family, he developed a love for sports and the outdoors, including hunting.
After high school, Matt attended Carroll College on a football scholarship. In 2001, following a challenging year in college, he chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, where he served in the infantry as a mortarman. He received an Honorable Discharge in 2005.
Following his military service, Matt enrolled at Montana State University while working part-time for a local construction company. In 2012, he graduated with a degree in Technology Education.
Matt began his teaching career at Lone Peak High School and Ophir Middle School, where he worked for five years, then taught at Three Forks High School for two years. For the past six years, he has been teaching in the Bozeman School District, most recently serving as the woodshop instructor at Gallatin High School. He is now in his 13th year of teaching, bringing a wealth of experience and hands-on knowledge to his students.
After high school, Matt attended Carroll College on a football scholarship. In 2001, following a challenging year in college, he chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, where he served in the infantry as a mortarman. He received an Honorable Discharge in 2005.
Following his military service, Matt enrolled at Montana State University while working part-time for a local construction company. In 2012, he graduated with a degree in Technology Education.
Matt began his teaching career at Lone Peak High School and Ophir Middle School, where he worked for five years, then taught at Three Forks High School for two years. For the past six years, he has been teaching in the Bozeman School District, most recently serving as the woodshop instructor at Gallatin High School. He is now in his 13th year of teaching, bringing a wealth of experience and hands-on knowledge to his students.
Career Outreach Coordinator
Karl Schwartz brings over two decades of teaching experience to the Advanced Opportunities program at Bozeman Public Schools. His 21-year career in education includes time teaching for both Billings and Bozeman Public Schools, where he has instructed a wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses such as Pre-Engineering, Computer Animation, Web Design, Photography, and Architectural Graphics. In addition to his teaching experience, Mr. Schwartz has real-world expertise in the construction industry, including drafting, and has worked successfully as a graphic designer, artist, and product designer.
Currently serving as the Career Outreach Coordinator for both Gallatin and Bozeman High Schools, Mr. Schwartz is passionate about helping students discover their interests and talents. He is a strong advocate for trade jobs, hands-on careers, and on-the-job training opportunities, believing these paths are essential for personal fulfillment and the future of society. He has been instrumental in putting the pieces of the puzzle together to launch the Construction Academy, creating a program that gives students hands-on experience and prepares them for real-world careers.
He works closely with students to explore opportunities in high-demand, high-paying fields such as welding, manufacturing, construction, and engineering, as well as in health sciences, food service, business, and IT. Through partnerships with local businesses and industries, Mr. Schwartz connects students to internships, apprenticeships, and job-shadowing experiences, giving them the real-world skills and connections needed for success.
His mission is to equip students with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to pursue meaningful careers that allow them to learn while they earn, building bright futures in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
Currently serving as the Career Outreach Coordinator for both Gallatin and Bozeman High Schools, Mr. Schwartz is passionate about helping students discover their interests and talents. He is a strong advocate for trade jobs, hands-on careers, and on-the-job training opportunities, believing these paths are essential for personal fulfillment and the future of society. He has been instrumental in putting the pieces of the puzzle together to launch the Construction Academy, creating a program that gives students hands-on experience and prepares them for real-world careers.
He works closely with students to explore opportunities in high-demand, high-paying fields such as welding, manufacturing, construction, and engineering, as well as in health sciences, food service, business, and IT. Through partnerships with local businesses and industries, Mr. Schwartz connects students to internships, apprenticeships, and job-shadowing experiences, giving them the real-world skills and connections needed for success.
His mission is to equip students with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to pursue meaningful careers that allow them to learn while they earn, building bright futures in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
Media
- O6-04-25: Students in Bozeman get head start in construction as new program prepares to launch at high schools
- 05-16-25: Gallatin High students explore trade careers with local construction companies
- 01-13-25: Construction academy to roll out at Bozeman's two high schools
- 01-01-25: Bozeman schools offer hands-on construction skills program
