FACULTY – HUMANITIES
Jacob Filsinger
Jacob Filsinger holds a B.S. in Childhood Education from Buffalo State University and an M.A. in Bilingual and Multicultural Education from the University of Alcalá. He brings over fourteen years of teaching experience across a range of international and domestic settings, including Spain, Kuwait, New York, and Los Angeles.
Having lived and taught in Los Angeles for the past six years, Jacob continues to focus on creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences. He values hands-on, experiential learning and enjoys helping students build confidence, creativity, and a sense of pride in their work. He is excited to be joining Reach Academy for his first summer and is drawn to the program’s emphasis on meaningful connection, curiosity, and inquiry-based, project-driven learning.
When he’s not in the classroom, Jacob can be found designing and building custom furniture. Woodworking has been a lifelong passion that began when he took his first course in fifth grade. Since then, he has continued to develop his craft, appreciating the balance of creativity, problem-solving, and precision the work requires, as well as the sense of accomplishment that comes from bringing an idea to life.
My Course
The Art of Making: Intro to Woodworking
This hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of woodworking through the design and creation of a three-dimensional wooden art piece. Students will learn how to safely and confidently use a variety of power tools while exploring the full design process—from brainstorming and sketching ideas to developing templates and final plans. Along the way, they’ll discover how thoughtful design, careful measurement, and creative problem-solving come together to turn an idea into something real.
Using dimensional lumber, students will transfer their designs into wood, then cut, shape, sand, and finish their projects into a polished final piece that reflects their individual vision. Whether creating a portrait, image, or abstract form, students will build both technical skills and artistic confidence as they bring their ideas to life. By the end of the course, each student will walk away with a deeper understanding of how creativity and craftsmanship work hand in hand, along with their finished product.