“In this field, problem-solving and troubleshooting are developed through mistakes. I had to shift my mindset from preventing failure to allowing productive struggle in a safe, controlled environment.“

Terry Drum teaches automotive technology at Hickory High School in Hickory, North Carolina. His passion for the trade took root early while helping his father repair vehicles in their family driveway, inspiring him to take every high school trade course available. After discovering his career direction, Drum graduated from Universal Technical Institute and the Ford FACT program, earning all 11 Ford certifications before building an extensive industry career as an ASE-certified technician and service manager. Transitioning to education to invest directly in the next generation of skilled tradespeople, he brought real-world shop standards into the classroom, earning recognition as a 2025 North Carolina CTE Teacher of the Year finalist and the 2026 Hickory High School Teacher of the Year.

Inside the shop, Drum equips students to master both entry-level fundamentals and advanced diagnostics through rigorous, hands-on tasks. Students regularly execute complete Performance-Based Measures in Automotive Service I, diagnosing drum and disc brake systems, addressing customer concerns, and operating specialized equipment such as brake lathes to resurface rotors and drums. By treating errors as vital learning moments, Drum fosters independent problem-solvers who can tackle everything from routine oil changes to intricate mechanical troubleshooting on classic and modern vehicles alike.

 

Notes of Excellence

  • Business & Industry Alignment: Partnered with Mike Johnson Toyota of Hickory to host biannual advisory updates, deliver direct technician internships, and coach students to a second-place finish among 22 teams in the Greater Charlotte Auto Dealer Association competition.
  • Key Program Impact: Achieves over a 90% student credential attainment rate in safety foundations (SP/2 and Lifting It Right) while offering access to all 10 ASE-aligned certification exams in advanced coursework.
  • Outstanding Student Project: Drum tailors his teaching to individual student interest and proficiency, citing a recent graduate who excelled in a custom engine swap event and was placed directly into a specialized local German automotive shop, where the employer confirms his technical proficiency significantly exceeds expectations.