Corey Mesa

I’ve spent over 8 years teaching high school Agriculture Mechanics, Welding, Electrical, Small Gas Engines, and CAD. Before stepping into the classroom, I worked in the field as a Welding Fabricator and Heavy Equipment Mechanic. That real-world experience now fuels every lesson and resource I create — because students deserve tools that actually prepare them for the world beyond the classroom.

My classroom feels more like a job site — and that’s the point. I teach through doing, with a focus on safety, accountability, and production. I use CAD (Onshape) as a communication tool to help students express and plan their ideas clearly before ever picking up a torch or wrench. I believe in giving students ownership over their projects, deadlines, and learning outcomes.

• Led hands-on CAD and Fabrication workshops at the California Agriculture Teachers Association (CATA) Conference to help fellow teachers boost project output and classroom efficiency • Co-hosted the first-ever Teen CAD Tournament with TooTallToby — a nationwide YouTube competition spotlighting student creativity and 3D modeling skills • Served as a key contributor to more than 30 Ag Mechanics Career Development Events, helping schools like Merced College, Modesto Junior College, and Fresno State host industry-aligned contests

I earned my teaching credential in Agriculture Education from California State University, Fresno — Go Dogs! Before that, I worked in the trades: Welding, Mechanics, and Fabrication. My path to teaching wasn’t traditional, but it was driven by passion. I was once a long-haired kid with a skateboard until someone gave me a chance — now I get to return the favor every day in the shop. I’m also proud to be an alumni of YouTube University, constantly learning new tools, tricks, and tech to bring into my classroom and share with fellow teachers.

I run the MesaMakes YouTube channel, where I break down CAD, fabrication, and shop skills into bite-sized, classroom-ready tutorials. My CAD content is designed to help teachers and students work smarter — whether they're prepping for a project or squeezing in a lesson between welds. I believe every class should feel like it matters outside of school — because we're not just teaching for the next test; we're training the next workforce.