Mario Rodriguez

Woodwork Teacher

BA in Applied Art, HH Lehman College

NYS Journeyman Certification in Carpentry and Woodworking

Mario proudly served in the U.S. army (1967-1970), initially training as an infantryman, then moving into unit administration

Our school’s Woodworking Teacher for Grades Four through Eight, Mario says, “Creating is a universal experience, a crucial part of life not to be missed.”

Mario dropped out of high school, went on to get a GED and go to college after being discharged from active duty, and is proud to have taught himself writing; over the last 25 years, he has authored more than 125 articles and published two books. In the past 45 years, Mario has renovated city lofts, apartment buildings, and a farmhouse.

Mario has taught woodworking for over 35 years, teaching adults, professional and amateur woodworkers, and union apprentices. He has also taught professional-level workshops all over the country.

For over 13 years, Mario also taught in the Restoration program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. Before coming to the Waldorf School of Philadelphia, Mario taught a wide range of workshop courses at the Philadelphia Furniture Workshop, located in Germantown.

Originally from NYC, Mario now lives in Philadelphia with his wife Nicole and two pups. He enjoys painting, drawing, and cooking.