“I believe a skilled trade is the most powerful tool for social mobility. I often tell my students at Amistad that I am not just teaching them to fix cars; I am teaching them to build their futures.“
Gregory Kraus teaches automotive technology at Amistad Continuation High School in Indio, California. As a high school junior navigating the pressures of young fatherhood, Kraus found purpose and direction in his high school auto shop, launching a successful 15-year career in the automotive industry. Dedicated to paying that debt forward, he transitioned into the classroom to lead an ASE-accredited Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) program. Kraus holds a Master’s
Degree in Educational Administration from CSU San Bernardino and models lifelong learning by completing ongoing ASE training and earning NC3 Train-the-Trainer credentials. Beyond his shop floor, he actively supports fellow educators by developing a mentorship and induction pathway for trades professionals entering the teaching profession on alternative credentials.
Inside the program’s live “Eagle Garage” service environment, Kraus pairs traditional mechanics with modern diagnostic rigor. Students master bumper-to-bumper vehicle systems using professional diagnostic scanners and an NC3 ProCut on-car brake lathe system. Through the signature “Precision Braking & Safety” initiative, students learn high-level technical precision by measuring with micrometers and calculating lateral runout. Forward-thinking in his instruction, Kraus has integrated artificial intelligence “Service Mentors” alongside technical service guides to coach students through complex diagnostic trees and electrical schematics. By pairing industry-standard equipment with supportive mentorship, he builds student confidence, creating direct pipelines into postsecondary coursework at College of the Desert and high-wage careers.
Notes of Excellence
- Business & Industry Alignment: Strong partnerships with I-10 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram and Jessup Auto Plaza provide donated late-model components, guest speakers, and priority interview pipelines that help graduates transition into industry-leading roles, including positions at Tesla.
- Key Program Impact: Achieved a 100% senior graduation rate, while empowering 89% (16 of 18) of students to successfully transition into advanced summer electrical coursework at College of the Desert.
- Community Connection: Leads the student-driven “Be Wiser” traffic safety initiative, where students conduct campus demonstrations using precision brake components and ADAS technology to educate peers on the physics of stopping distance and safe driving.