“My goal is and always has been to provide students opportunities to explore their passions and develop an entrepreneurship spirit to be successful in the world of work, resulting in a career with a family-sustaining income.”
Miles Tokheim teaches technology and engineering at Vel Phillips Memorial High School in Madison, Wisconsin. Inspired by his high school teacher, he began his career in the automotive industry after earning an Associate’s Degree from Madison College. He later completed a bachelor’s degree in Vocational and Adult Education from University of Wisconsin–Stout and began teaching at his high school alma mater with his mentor. He served for a time as Director of Career Technical Education before returning to the classroom. Tokheim also has a Master’s in Educational Leadership from UW–Madison and a teaching license in Technology and Engineering Education.
Tokheim leads an Automotive Services Excellence (ASE)-accredited program, earned through engagement with a community advisory board to ensure curriculum meets the needs of local businesses. His students gain real-world experience completing paid youth apprenticeships with certified mentors and earn dual credits at Madison College. Students build technical and soft skills through hands-on projects like building Electrathon and Formula race cars, along with SkillsUSA competitions, leadership activities, and guest speaker sessions. Tokheim organizes Skilled Trades Day twice a year to expose students to diverse career pathways. Understanding the need in his community for skilled trades employees, Tokheim has leveraged business voices to help the school district rebuild three other auto programs, and mentors new teachers to help them succeed.
Tokheim previously was a finalist for the 2022 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.
Notes of Excellence
- Tokheim won the Award of Excellence in Technology and Education from the Wisconsin Technology and Engineering Association in 2022.
- As a team leader for ASE Education Foundation, Tokheim evaluates regional high schools and technical colleges to verify they meet the standards of their local business communities.
- He attends over 40 hours of technical training annually to stay up to date with industry and technology standards.
- Tokheim’s students and alumni demonstrate consistent leadership, having served as SkillsUSA state officers and earned scholarships to attend Madison College.