“Helping students realize their potential and step confidently into meaningful careers with real-world skills is why I do what I do.”
Rebecca Fenton teaches automotive technology at George C. Marshall High School, which is part of Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. As a high school freshman, she enrolled in an automotive course on a whim and quickly discovered her passion. She graduated from Universal Technical Institute, completed the Mercedes-Benz ELITE training program, and began working in their dealerships. Several years later, always drawn to teaching and considering a career change, Fenton accepted an offer from her former instructor to return to her alma mater’s expanding auto program, excited to give back to the community that shaped her.
Fenton emphasizes achievement, job placement, and industry certification through rigorous instruction and real-world experience, connecting theory to practice in every lesson. Running the classroom like a real shop, Fenton strives to empower students to take ownership of their learning, develop problem-solving skills, and prepare for any career and educational path they pursue after her program. Fenton has built strong partnerships with colleges as well as dealerships and repair shops to expose students to diverse career and educational opportunities. In her career unit, Fenton emphasizes how the trades connect to broader goals in career pathways like apprenticeships and fleet maintenance operations as well as four-year degrees in related fields. Students in her program prepare for those next steps by earning ASE and ALLDATA credentials while working on community vehicles and fixing and reselling vehicles through the school’s auto sales program. Several students have repaired and then purchased cars through this program so they could participate in local apprenticeship programs. Fenton is most passionate about teaching practical, transferable skills and seeing her students become confident and capable adults.
Notes of Excellence
- Fenton has earned eight Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications and two associate’s degrees to increase her skills as a teacher and technician.
- She has twice contributed to the Virginia state curriculum review process to align course content with ASE requirements.
- Fenton stays on top of evolving tools and manufacturer-specific knowledge through training on advanced electrical systems, hybrid and electric vehicle technology, and alignment and tire service equipment.