“Skilled trades provide a real and meaningful pathway to success, and seeing my students graduate, secure apprenticeships, and thrive in their careers is the most fulfilling part of my job.”
Nic Fullington is an automotive technology instructor at Grafton High School in Grafton, Wisconsin. Fullington teaches at the same school where, as a student, he discovered his love for cars in the auto shop and for teaching while serving as a classroom aide. In that same classroom, Fullington’s teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning, problem solving, and a supportive student environment. He attended Milwaukee Area Technical College and holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology Education from University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Fullington’s Automotive Services Excellence (ASE)-certified program centers on critical thinking, professionalism, safety and teamwork. He maintains strong partnerships with local shop owners and technicians, and his students spend time each week servicing staff and community vehicles. They also complete over 40 ASE-aligned lab tasks from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics, becoming proficient in industry tools, equipment, and information platforms. Since Fullington began teaching, their ASE certification pass rate has increased by more than six percent to over 95 percent. He surveys local employers on alumni performance in the workplace to inform curriculum, and former students provide feedback on their experience. In his efforts to ensure every student is supported, Fullington collaborates with other academic focuses, designing career-readiness projects with the English department and real world application of math and science concepts. In 2024, 100 percent of seniors in Fullington’s program graduated and 99 percent had at least one post-secondary experience. Emphasizing both career and college preparation, Fullington’s program offers 16 transcripted college credits in automotive to an area technical school.
Notes of Excellence
- In 2024 Fullington was named one of the top four Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals.
- As of 2025, his students have collectively earned over $250,000 in scholarships and tools through automotive contests and have won a national SkillsUSA title.
- Fullington meets with local automotive shops each semester to ensure his curriculum is up-to-date and aligned with employer needs.