I’ve learned that there are no true rules to teach and there are many ways for students to learn.” Andrice Tucker has run the automotive program at Central Nine Career Center for the entirety of his teaching career. As a graduate of the center himself, he credits the program with teaching him discipline, punctuality and … Continued
“I feel like if I can do right by my students and give them the most up to date training and the most professional and personal education that I can give them, then the results will be measured by their employment and their successes in their own careers. It also can be measured by the … Continued
“The thing I love most about being a skilled trades teacher is seeing bright, energetic young people finally get their chance to excel in a school setting. I guess this means so much to me because I was one of those students. I drifted through high school putting forth a minimum of effort until I … Continued
“The thing that I love the most is being able to have some of my students for multiple years. Seeing them develop into adults. Increase their knowledge. Learn how to better work with others including working with the customers. I think being a teacher is one of the most frustrating but also the most rewarding … Continued
“I feel like if I can do right by my students and give them the most up to date training and the most professional and personal education that I can give them, then the results will be measured by their employment and their successes in their own careers. It also can be measured by the … Continued
“As I work with my students, I get to watch as they develop the skills and knowledge that will make them successful in their fields, but also to become powerful advocates for the trades themselves.” John Gunderson teaches automotive technology at John Jay High School in San Antonio, Texas. He enrolled in his first automotive … Continued
“I love to show my students that cars can be a career or even a hobby. I love seeing the confidence in their abilities grow and the rewards they reap from a job well done.” Jay Abitz has taught automotive and collision repair at Freedom High School in Freedom, Wisconsin for the past 14 years. … Continued
Gary Weese was an automotive technology instructor at Caddo Career & Technology Center in Shreveport, Louisiana for 22 years. After a long career in automotive repair, Weese toured his local Career Center and discovered that the program was not aligned with current automotive standards, and was missing an instructor. Drawing on his years of experience … Continued
“Watching the students from my program walk the stage at graduation, contact me after graduation updating me on their lives including their college, careers and families—these success stories make the heartache, frustration, long hours and tears worth it in the end.” Wayne Violet graduated from the program he now teaches. After high school, he earned … Continued
“I get to know each of my students and inject humor when instructing, and build a comfortable space for everyone to relax, be themselves and grow. For some, this is the only safe environment they have. For some, this means the difference between graduating or dropping out.” As a child, Michael Shephard liked taking things … Continued