Report of the MCAA Education Committee

Words: David HillThe Education Committee has had a very full and busy year. The Basic Masonry Estimating book has been rewritten by the instructor that will be teaching it. The course will now be a 6 credit course instead of 8. In March and April we will be hosting our first live webinars for Masonry Wall Bracing, Understanding Codes & Standards along with Masonry Estimating Seminar.

Split Education and Certification Into Two Committees

With a major emphasis on certification over the next few years, we see the need to separate Certification from the Education Committee. This is being done so that each of the areas has a chairman driving the different agendas forward. I would like to welcome Andy Sneed from Wasco to be our new Education Committee Chairman. We look forward to his leadership in this vital part of our association. I will continue on as the Chair of the Certification Committee.

Changes to Current Courses and Future Class Development

The Education committee will be working on rewriting the MQI education course for the annual and mid-year conventions. A power point in Green Building and programs in Leed points will be developed. We will also be finding back up instructors for the Foreman Development Course. We will continue to research classes that will be good for estimators, project managers and owners. We are also looking into using more webinars in the future. Making Masonry more friendly for BIM. We would like to look into the possibility of getting a degree program in some universities.

Certification Activities

The Certification Committee will be responsible for planning and creating a CD for the purpose of advancing the Certification program. We also need to develop revocation procedures and policies. The committee will continue to make revisions to the certification test. We will be working with the Legislative Committee (Paul Odom) to start the process of having the government specify a certified masonry contractor to bid on its projects. Certification is a vital part of the Vision 2020. This means that over the next 5 years, we will plan to bring the Architectural Community on board and have them make masonry certification a part of their specifications.

The masonry certification program is and has been our main focus this year. Over the last year we have accumulated 59 contractors wanting to get certification. We already have 11 companies certified and 8 signed up for the test at the convention.

World of Masonry Education Programs

This year at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry we are providing once again four educational seminars. These include: Basic Masonry Estimating, Masonry Forman Development Course, Masonry Quality Institute and Understanding Codes and Standards. The participation in each of these courses is down from last year.
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Zach Everett
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More