Masonry Educators Workshop Webinar Series – Registration Open
Registration is open for the TMS Masonry Educators Workshop webinar series, a 4-part educational program running June 23 – July 28, 2026, focused on practical approaches to teaching masonry design and construction concepts.
The series is anchored around the Masonry in a Box curriculum developed by Richard Bennett through a Concrete Masonry Checkoff grant received by the Southeast Concrete Masonry Association. Sessions will explore curriculum implementation, masonry systems, classroom integration, and connections between masonry education and current industry practice.
The program is designed for engineering and architecture faculty, technical educators, community college instructors, and industry professionals interested in masonry education and workforce development.
The webinar series includes both live and recorded access through the TMS Masonry Education Hub and LMS platform.
Workshop Schedule
Tuesdays, June 23 – July 28, 2026, at 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
Session 1 – Masonry in a Box: Course Structure and Content (June 23)
Presenter: Richard Bennett, PhD – University of Tennessee
This session will provide an overview of the Masonry in a Box curriculum and how masonry design concepts can be integrated into engineering coursework. Participants will review course structure options, sample schedules, key technical topics, and approaches for incorporating masonry design education into existing academic programs.
Session 2 – Masonry in a Box: Teaching Materials and Implementation (June 30)
Presenter: Richard Bennett, PhD – University of Tennessee
This session will focus on practical implementation of the Masonry in a Box curriculum, including teaching materials, homework assignments, exams, design projects, and classroom applications. Participants will review approaches for adapting masonry educational content to fit a variety of course structures and instructional settings.
Session 3 – Essential Masonry Concepts for Student Learning (July 7)
Presenter: W. Mark McGinley, PhD – University of Louisville
This session will focus on masonry systems, assemblages, performance attributes, and practical approaches for introducing masonry concepts within the classroom. Participants will review how masonry materials and systems perform structurally and environmentally, while exploring ways to connect technical concepts to broader discussions related to resilience, sustainability, and building performance.
Session 4 – Connecting Education to Practice: The Role of Masonry in Industry (July 28)
Presenter: Brian Trimble, PE – International Masonry Institute
This session will provide an overview of how masonry design, construction practices, research, and industry expectations continue to evolve. Participants will gain insight into how masonry codes and standards support the design community and how masonry education can better connect classroom learning to current industry practice and workforce needs.