“The best part of teaching is being a mentor and positive role model for my students. I strive to create a supportive environment where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to pursue their passions.”
Quint Dunlap teaches Automotive at Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Dunlap was inspired to transition from the automotive service industry to teaching after seeing the impact his wife, a teacher, had on her students and community. Incorporating project-based learning into his skilled trades instruction involves seamlessly integrating classroom lessons with hands-on automotive shop experience. The process begins with “employee meetings,” where students collaborate to determine daily tasks, such as sourcing parts or familiarizing themselves with tools. Emphasizing shop safety and respect as foundational principles, he organizes students into groups, each assigned different projects for the class period. Within these groups, lead technicians assist their peers with various tasks, while structured training sessions cover essential skills like operating the tire changer and using welding equipment for repairs.
Additionally, his students work in the automotive lab three to four days a week, focusing on a range of vehicles, including school maintenance vehicles, golf carts, lawnmowers, and weed eaters. They also service cars owned by students, faculty members, and community members in need. The students participate in local competitions against other high schools in the district, and they train for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications, which include both written and practical components. This comprehensive approach ensures students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills crucial for success in the automotive industry.
Notes of Excellence
- Dunlap has received various awards, including Teacher of the Year for both his school and for his district.
- Student academic performance data for Dunlap’s classes is 10 percent higher than the overall state level. Dunlap has demonstrated growth in all subgroups of his student populations since he started teaching at Pinecrest.
- Pinecrest High School holds an annual CTE signing day, where seniors sign with either a trade school, trade pathway at a community college or directly with an employer. In 2024, Dunlap’s students entered into pathways studying with brands such as Toyota, NASCAR, and Caterpillar, among others.