About Richard Layton

 

Howdy!

My name is Richard Layton, and I am proud to serve as the welding instructor at the Texas School for the Deaf, where I teach Introduction to Welding Technology, Welding Technology I, and Welding Technology II.

I am a native of the great Pacific Northwest and a proud alumnus of WSSD, Class of 1980. My career has been built on a combination of hands-on industry experience, technical training, agriculture, education, and a lifelong commitment to developing practical skills that prepare students for successful careers.

I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Technology, Management, and Education from the University of Arizona in 2011. Before completing my degree, I accumulated more than 40 years of industry experience in a variety of technical and skilled-trade fields. I am also a certified Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic/Operator, having received my technical training from L.H. Bates Technical College in Washington State. In addition, I hold multiple certifications in areas including food safety, pest management, construction technology, and other related fields.

My education and professional experience eventually led me into teaching. I am a Texas State-Certified Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources educator, and I also hold an Associate degree in Code Welding from Austin Community College. I was among the first high school teachers in the State of Texas qualified to teach dual-credit welding courses, allowing high school students to earn college credit while developing valuable industry skills.

Building a Top-Tier Welding Program

If you have not visited the TSD Welding Lab in a while, you may be surprised by how much it has changed. What began as a bare-bones program has been transformed into a modern, top-tier welding laboratory designed to provide students with meaningful, hands-on training and exposure to industry-standard practices.

I invite parents, educators, industry professionals, and prospective students to visit our welding lab and see the transformation for yourself. I will be adding photographs to this page to showcase our facilities, equipment, projects, and—most importantly—the work our students are accomplishing.

Welding Courses — 2026–2027

For the 2026–2027 school year, our welding program will offer:

• Introduction to Welding Technology

• Welding Technology I

• Welding Technology II — Advanced Welding

Although the Texas School for the Deaf is a high school, our welding program provides college-level instruction and industry-focused training designed to prepare students for an entry-level welding career, advanced technical employment, or continued education in welding and related fields.

Course syllabi and additional program information are available on this page.

National Recognition

Our welding program has received recognition beyond the TSD campus. The program was featured in the September 2018 issue of American Welding Journal and again in the January 2026 issue of Modern Steel Construction. These are nationally recognized publications that reach welding professionals, construction companies, fabricators, and potential employers throughout the industry.

Having our students and program recognized by national industry publications is something I am especially proud of because it helps demonstrate the quality of work our students are capable of producing—and gives future employers another opportunity to see what TSD welding students can accomplish.

In 2026, I was also inducted into Marquis Who's Who as a Top Educator and Top Professional, an honor recognizing career longevity and demonstrated excellence in one's chosen field.

I believe the best technical education combines classroom knowledge, hands-on experience, industry standards, and high expectations. My goal is to give every welding student the skills, confidence, work ethic, and professional foundation they need to take the next step—whether that means entering the workforce, pursuing an apprenticeship, or continuing their education.

Welcome to TSD Welding! I look forward to showing you what our students can do.

You can reach me at the following:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 512-643-1963 VP (please email in advance)

Room: Kleberg Building, Room 100C