Angel Galloza, DC 11 (Finishing Trades Institute of Southern New England)
I never imagined myself as an instructor when I began my glazing apprenticeship in 2006 and spent nearly two decades honing my skills in the trade. In 2013, I became a part-time instructor and quickly realized my passion for teaching. Over the next 12 years, I balanced field work as a General Foreman and served as President of Glaziers Local 1274, all while continuing to grow as an educator. This path led me to the role of Glazing Coordinator, eventually expanding my teaching responsibilities to include welding and Health and Safety training.
My passion for teaching led me to pursue advanced training through the iFTI, earn my Associate Instructor completion, and eventually the Master Instructor Program in 2023. Completing my capstone project—developing a Door Hardware Technician curriculum—addressed a critical industry need and was adopted internationally as part of the union’s official training program. That experience showed me how meaningful change can come from dedication and collaboration.
The opportunities that followed inspired me to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at Columbia Southern University. Thanks to union sponsorship, I’ve embraced every learning experience with determination and gratitude. No matter how demanding the schedule seemed, I always focused on the end goal.
Watching our programs grow and seeing future tradespeople build their skills reaffirms that we’re moving in the right direction. I’m committed to strengthening our industry by enhancing the apprenticeship programs that develop tomorrow’s leaders. By updating standards and streamlining recruitment and enrollment, we can create lasting improvements that benefit every member. I want fellow instructors to know that their dedication matters—and that their commitment can elevate both their careers and our union to new heights.
My goal is to leave our programs stronger than I found them and to help build the next generation of leaders in our trades. I hope the Master Instructor Program journey inspires others to pursue their own growth and to keep pushing our industry and our union forward—for many generations to come.
Mike Moreschi, DC 35 (Finishing Trades Institute of New England)
Before becoming the first full-time Health and Safety director at the Finishing Trades Institute of New England, Mike Moreschi had over 32 years of field experience as a Drywall Finisher.
From 2013 to 2023, Mike completed every Health and Safety course offered by the International Finishing Trades Institute (iFTI), laying a strong foundation to ensure the success of the new department he was building to protect workers and support their well-being.
In 2019, Mike participated in the iFTI Capstone Pilot Program and earned Master Instructor status. He also achieved the distinction of OSHA Master Instructor, giving him the ability to prepare others to deliver OSHA 10- and 30-hour courses—expanding safety knowledge across the industry.
Today, Mike continues teaching at the Hanover campus, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of safety trainers across District Councils in the United States. His dedication ensures that safety remains not just a priority, but a core value at the heart of our work.
Learn more about Mike’s journey here: Mike Moreschi Instructor Profile