About Us for automotive teachers by automotive teachers
The North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advancing high school and college automotive educators across North America.
Whether you're an experienced teacher or just starting out, NACAT is here to help you stay at the forefront of automotive technology and education
Membership Benefits
Mentor Programs, Get advice from automotive teachers from around North America
Annual Conference providing current and relevant training Lesson Plans, Resources and Training Library
NACAT News - Industry relevant articles and advertising.
Scholarships for educators and students to support their professional development
Affiliations with automotive manufacturers, equipment makers, publishers, and repair info providers
The latest advertising size and rate information can be found at www.nacat.org.
Allied Members Allied Members
NACAT Update NACAT Board Chair Steve Gibson
Greetings NACAT family members! As you embark on a new school year, I hope you have taken a moment over the summer break to be thankful for the opportunity you have as an educator. Although it is stressful and draining at times, there are not many professions which have the direct impact on a person's future than a teacher. Your role is invaluable!
The past few months have been a busy time for NACAT! We held our (51st) annual educator training conference this past June in Detroit, Michigan and what a great time it was! We had a wonderful selection of training seminars to attend, a great expo where our sponsors showcased their products and services they offer, networking opportunities at every corner, social events, and of course the activities for family members, it was a busy and fun week in the Motor City!
Congratulations to all of the award winners who were announced and recognized at the NACAT Conference! Your contributions to automotive education did not go unnoticed and NACAT is proud to recognize your accomplishments with these special awards:
We are also celebrating several changes to the leadership team at NACAT, with lots of new faces joining the NACAT Board. Welcome to Steve Boyd, Krystle Roherty, Kimberly Night, and Charles Klasman, whose board terms “officially” start August 1st. Board member Wade Johnson will begin a new role as Secretary/Treasurer, and board member Sara Heller will move into a new role as NACAT Vice President. Drew Barnes, Tom Millard, Ron Morris, Todd Richardson, and Steve Tucker exited their respective terms as NACAT officers or board members on July 31st. I would like to thank each of them for the invaluable input, direction, and leadership they have shown!
Finally, as announced at the awards lunch at the NACAT Conference I am excited to say that NACAT will return to the West Coast in 2026! In partnership with the California Automotive Teachers, the 2026 NACAT Conference will be held in the Golden State – and the state where I was born and raised – California ! Conference dates and location are still being finalized, so watch our NACAT social feeds for the latest updates and announcements.
I hope you have enjoyed a memorable summer and wish you success for the upcoming school year.
Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board 2025 - 2026
Board Member 2024 - 2027
Steve Gibson Riverside, California Rafael De Leon Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico
Kenneth Hardy Hawkinsville, Georgia
Board Member 2025 - 2028
Steve Boyd Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Charles Klasman Lithia Springs, Georgia
Kimberly Night Santa Clarita, California
Krystle Roherty Beaver Dam, New Brunswick
Sara Heller named 2025 nacat mvp
Sara Heller was named the 2025 NACAT MVP at the recently concluded NACAT Conference & Expo in Detroit, Michigan.
Steve Gibson, NACAT Board Chair and winner of the 2024 NACAT MVP Award, stated, "If there's one individual who consistently goes above and beyond for NACAT, it's this year's MVP. Sara is deeply dedicated, always involved, and brings fresh, innovative ideas that continue to elevate our organization. Her leadership knowledge is an incredible asset, and her unwavering drive to advance the automotive education industry is truly inspiring. We're honored to have her as part of the NACAT family.''
Sara was unable to attend the conference in person, but accepted the award remotely. She stated, "I am excited and happy that I am a part of this organization because they have been such a great part of my career and I am so thankful." She continued, "I am really beyond speechless to be the recipient of this award. Thank you all, so much. Each and every one of you are so important, and we're doing so much within this field. I look forward to learning, with each and every one of you, and making NACAT, our careers, and this whole industry the best that it can be."
Want to learn more about Sara Heller? You'll find her introducing herself in the "Getting to Know..." article in the October 2023 issue of NACAT News.
Congratulations, Sara!!
The North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) and the International Advanced Vehicle Technology Education and Credentialing Coalition (AVTECC) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership designed to enhance support for automotive educators and their training programs across North America
2025 NACAT MVP
Sara Heller
Getting To Know...
...Maury Calhoun, Automotive Instructor at Prince George's Community College
I am an adjunct professor at Prince George’s Community College, located in Largo, Maryland. I teach the basic automotive course all the way through to hybrid/electric vehicle class. My career has given me over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. Things started for me at Sears automotive as a battery technician, which quickly launched my interest in learning more about cars. Years later I would attend Catonsville Community College’s automotive program, taking an interest in Toyota. After performing a new car service on the then new 1997 twin turbo Supra, I was hooked. My career took me from Sears to Toyota, Midas, Volvo, Land Rover, Goodyear, Hyundai, and back to Volvo, giving me the opportunity to learn every aspect of an automotive dealership and shop. I’d been a technician, service writer, shop foreman, and a parts manager, while dabbling in as a GM.
The technicians that I was lucky enough to work with taught me a tremendous amount of knowledge and it nurtured my love of the automotive industry. My instructor also taught me a skill that I share with all my students, “Practice What You Preach." "To be able to call yourself a good technician, you must always be one" is another saying of his. Teaching came naturally to me. Being able to teach and give someone a skill that would provide a career for them excited me. I enjoy the look on a student's face when they realize they can fix cars. There is a sense of self-worth knowing that I have shared my passion for cars with new technicians.
I grew up watching my dad and uncle being able to listen to a vehicle run, then tell you what’s wrong with it. I loved the fact they could just recite a firing order to you just by peeking at the model of the car. It all fascinated and challenged me to keep pushing in my career to be better. Upon reaching master ASE level, I found myself taking on all of the tough jobs and teaching new technicians at the Volvo dealership. Next thing I knew, my friend was offering me a teaching position at the college. I had refused it at first but a quick reflection of what I was already doing daily, while on my third assistant, reminded me that teaching was already ongoing. Our program at the college is growing and opening doors for so many that really need it. When I decided to leave the shop and go teach, my daughter asked me, “So this means you won’t fix cars, but you love fixing cars?” I smiled and told her, "Nope. I won’t stop, just helping others to find a love for fixing cars."
My professional teaching career is only about 5 years old, but as I look back at the technicians that I have mentored, it has actually been going on for 15 years. I have a true love for what I do and am amazed at how fast things change in this industry. We have gone from simple machines to having to learn computer programming, like Linux, to be able to understand the latest vehicles on the road now. Teachers are needed in this field, as things change every year with new challenges, and I plan on being right there in the midst of it all.
Congratulations, Maury, on winning the 2025 Cengage Automotive Instructor Scholarship !
for automotive teachers, by automotive teachers for automotive teachers, by automotive teachers
2025 friend of nacat award: Tomorrow's Tech
NACAT Board Chair Steve Gibson presented the 2025 Friend of NACAT award to Tomorrow's Tech at the recently concluded NACAT Conference & Expo in Detroit, Michigan.
Gibson stated, "The Friend of NACAT Award recognizes an automotive industry partner who has provided exceptional support to NACAT. While this is always a tough choice with so many outstanding supporters, this year's honoree stands out for their generosity and commitment." He further declared, "This industry partner has graciously partnered with NACAT to support the Instructor of the Year award with B'laster, promoted the NACAT Conference through their digital publication, and they even lent their time to host a podcast spotlighting our organization. Their continued collaboration and support have made a lasting impact. We are proud to name Tomorrow's Tech the 2025 Friend of NACAT."
The Friend of NACAT has been previously awarded to the late Fred Hines and ATech Training (2007), Cengage (2008), Mitchell 1 (2009), Snap-On (2010), MACS (2011), Gates (2012), ConsuLab (2013), CDX (2014), ACDC Hybrid/EV Training (2015), the late Bob Chabot (2018), Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (2019), James Curry (2022), Heather Sebben and Hamilton & Associates (2023), as well as ConsuLab (2024).
Congratulations, Tomorrow's Tech!!
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Keeping up with...
...Krystle Roherty, Fredericton High School
Let's Start a Revolution!
I was introduced to drag racing my first year as an automotive teacher. The high school I moved to had a long history of a coed team, The Stray Kats . I was a co-coach for the team and after a year of working on our 1965 Buick Skylark and 1991 Astrovan “Vanzilla” I was hooked. Watching the students race, the smiles, the joy of racing the car they worked so hard on, was an automotive teachers dream!
It was also during this year that I noticed something. Many of the female students loved being a part of the club, working on the cars, but often struggled to find the confidence to just dive into a job and sometimes found themselves watching one of the guys who took over. I found myself taking time to encourage the students by reminding them to just jump right in, try, and make a place for themselves. They were sometimes nervous of breaking something and sometimes their job got taken over when they left to ask a question. We found we needed to assign jobs a bit more to help ensure everyone had a part in working on the cars.
After talking with the students and my administration, I decided, the next year, I was going to see if there was any interest in a Females+ team. The goal was to interest girls who felt intimidated to try automotive in a co-ed setting, and to try to encourage those who may not be taking automotive courses to come down and try out the department and the shop. So, in September of 2023, we put out an all call at Fredericton High School.
Sixteen eager girls showed up to create a team. Some came because they didn’t know what drag racing was, some because their friends did, all because they wanted to try something new.
They worked together to craft a name, creating Revolution Racers , since they were the first all female high school drag racing team in our province! I brought in a beat up 2016 Dodge Charger, a former police car from Buffalo, that my family bought at an auction for the team. We had a lot of work ahead of us! It needed a new engine, transmission and body work. With the help of some amazing community donations, we were able to purchase a new to us engine and transmission. Our first year, the car definitely wasn’t a pretty sight, but it ran the whole race weekend, and they had a blast. We even had a local drag racer join us at the track to help train the girls the tricks and rules of racing! Not only did we spark the race bug in some of the members to race on their own but also filled others with excitement and plans for the car for the following year.
Continued on Page 13
This year I had another 15 girls new and returning who arrived ready to work. Our team this year was made up of a mix cheer leaders, car enthusiasts, rugby players, and engineers. It was an absolute joy to watch them all bond and work together as a team. The girls also inspired females at other schools in the province to join their race teams and try to gather enough students for their own girls team.
This year we also gained some local female owned business sponsors and helpers. We were able to get team sweaters made and had our team members who were artsy bedazzle the car with flames and got a “for now” paint job done. We even got a light bar with our school colours to add to the roof!
We didn’t come away with a trophy this year but there were no shortage of smiles and amazing memories. One racer got to take her 75-year-old grandmother down the track for a bucket list ride and Grammy gave us a thumbs up out the window on her drive by! Some students took their dads for a trip, and I got to watch my youngest daughter race in the car with her dad. Our coed and female teams bonded under pop up tents during the rain at the track and made new friends with other high school teams.
We look forward to another successful year with plans to change the exhaust to sound more pro and compete in the burn out competition. And of course, fixing cars, building friendships and making memories!
James Curry was recognized for his longevity as NACAT News editor during the 2025 NACAT Conference & Expo in Detroit, Michigan.
The February 2025 issue was the 50th created with Curry as the editor.
NACAT Board Chair, Steve Gibson, stated, "This year we celebrated a major milestone, and we couldn't have done it without one main contributor, James Curry. For those who don't know, James is the editor of the NACAT News. That publication you educators can't get enough of every two months is carefully curated by James." He concluded, "James, Thank you for all that you do and congrats on 50 issues! Cheers to many more to come!"
James was unable to attend the conference in person, but accepted the award remotely. He stated, "I am both surprised and humbled by the recognition. The August 2025 issue will already be the 53rd. Thank you! Let's keep it going."
Congratulations, James!!
James Curry Recognized For 50 Issues of NACAT News
50th Issue of the NACAT News Award
Thank you to those who have either joined or renewed their membership since June 1, 2025. For Automotive Teachers...
Jason Allen
Lafayette, IN
Steve Berger Huntsville, AL
Jeff Eligio
Pearl City, HI
Mark Hendricks Moore, SC
Mike Henderer
Southfield, MI
Nelson Kelly Warren, MI
Chad Legault Ottawa, ON
Michael Newkirk
New Braunfels, TX
Toby Ohira-Tayama Honolulu, HI
Dennis Pajela Honolulu, HI
Thomas Richard Lake Charles, LA
Bobby Salvatieera Honolulu, HI
Bert Shillingford Suffen, NY
Tim Walz
North Richland Hills, TX
for automotive tea
tomotive teachers for automotive tea tomotive teachers
You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Randy
Klitzke
recEives nacat award of appreciation
Randy Klitzke, Associate Professor of Automotive Technology at Northern Michigan University, was recognized with the NACAT Award of Appreciation during the 2025 NACAT Conference & Expo in Detroit, Michigan.
"The Award of Appreciation is given to an individual or company who has gone above and beyond for NACAT and the automotive industry," said Steve Gibson, NACAT Board Chair. "This year's recipient has been a consistent and invaluable presence in our mentor roundtables, offering thoughtful insight and expert guidance. His generosity with his time and knowledge has helped shape the success of both our roundtables and our conference. His dedication to supporting fellow members and strengthening our community truly embodies the spirit of this award. I congratulate and thank Randy Klitzke!
Want to learn more about Randy Klitzke? You'll find him introducing himself in the "Getting to Know..." article in the February 2024 issue of NACAT News.
Congratulations, Randy!!
Randy Klitzke, Associate Professor at Northern Michigan University, receives NACAT Award of Appreciation.
HERE WE GROW AGAIN
In order to meet our record demand, we have reorganized our shop floor, hired several new employees and are ready for our continued growth as your partner in education.
Hybrid & electric vehicle corner
Professor at Joliet Junior College Curt Ward
Teaching the Operation of the Electric Drive Unit Inverter
As I write this article, the summer semester is almost finished, and an exciting and informative NACAT conference has come and gone for another year. It was great to fellowship with my NACAT family and attend some of the best technical training of the year. Over the past few years, I have shared information on a variety of different hybrid and electric transmissions. When teaching these transmissions in our hybrid and electric vehicle curriculum, it has become very clear that our students sometimes struggle to understand the electrical operation of the inverter and the way it controls the electric motors in these drive units. This month, I will share some of what I recently explored and how I hope it helps to improve understanding.
Earlier this spring, I had the opportunity to be part of a group that disassembled a front drive motor assembly from a Rivian dual-motor system. The inverter is housed within the drive unit and converts the battery’s DC power into AC power to operate the motor. After disconnecting the high voltage cables, the inverter easily unbolted, as an assembly, from the drive unit (See Figure 1 – Inverter)
The unit is very modular in design, for use in a variety of applications, and is easy to disassemble. The main control board, the capacitors, and the filter are easily visible with the inverter lying on its cover. The capacitors allow the vehicle to operate with a smaller high voltage battery by providing boost power when needed. They also smooth the current being generated by the drive motor during regeneration.
The main control board was easily removed after unplugging the two electrical connectors and removing the eleven retaining screws. Under the main control board was the first of two heat sinks that is used to both support the main control board and protect it from operational heat of the insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) (See Figure 2 –Heat sink). Once the support was removed, the IGBT control board was visible. This board contains all the logic needed to operate the drive motor (See Figure 3 – IGBT Control Board).
After the IGBT control board was removed, the transistors and the current senor were visible (See Figure 4 – IGBTs on the facing page). The transistors are mounted on a heat sink that is cooled directly with coolant circulating through the power electronics cooling system. The current sensor assembly monitors each phase of the drive motor
Continued on Page 19
Figure 1: Inverter
Figure 2: Heat sink
Figure 3: IGBT Control Board
operation. Once the assembly was removed from the inverter, we were able to test the functionality of the IGBTs using the small voltage from the diode check feature of a digital multimeter (See Figure 5 – Multimeter).
The ease that this unit came apart makes it ideal for student learning. The only area of caution was the care needed to ensure small pins that went through multiple control boards were not damaged during disassembly. After some brief instructions in the classroom, and then armed with specific disassembly instructions, the students should be able to identify each of the components, better understand the unit operation, and test the operation of the IGBTs. This should improve the students’ overall understanding of the inverter operation and how the drive motor controls operate. My hope is to discover additional inverters that are equally modular to provide a greater number of student learning opportunities.
I will finish this article with the same offer I make after each of my presentations. If you are interested in getting started in the process of adding hybrid and electric vehicles to your curriculum or want more information, please feel free to reach out. I am more than willing to sit down in-person or online and share my experiences. Are you looking for a classroom textbook? Reach out to Pearson and ask for a review copy of the all-new Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicle text that Jim Halderman and I co-authored. It is a comprehensive text covering all the latest information on the subject.
The scholarship was established in memory of a cherished member of the NACAT family, Lisse Duvic. Made possible by the Duvic family, the scholarship honors Lisse's legacy of warmth and community. It is awarded to a first-time NACAT spouse attendee.
NACAT Board Chair, Steve Gibson, stated, "Congrats to our 2025 recipient: Misti Runyan. Misti embodies the spirit of the Lisse Duvic Memorial Scholarship through her heartfelt desire to understand and support the professional world her husband lives in, while bringing her own perspective as an educator. Her enthusiasm to connect with others in the industry and experience the challenges and rewards of being a traveling teacher makes her a thoughtful and deserving recipient."
Congratulations, Misti!!!
Figure 4: IGBTs
Figure 5: Multimeter
Misti Runyan Wins Lisse Duvic Memorial Scholarship
Misti Runyan was awarded the Lisse Duvic Memorial Scholarship during the 2025 NACAT Conference & Expo in Detroit, Michigan.
Misti Runyan wins the 2025 Lisse Duvic Memorial Scholarship.
Hybrid /EV Resources
Job Interview Resources Mentor Program Recordings Past Training Recordings And More Resources!
Sign in to your NACAT Account using your username and password to access this exclusive resources!
NACAT Names Alexia Valdez Larry Cotten Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Alexia Valdez was named the 2025 Larry Cotten Memorial Scholarship recipient during the NACAT Conference & Expo in Detroit, Michigan. The $1000 scholarship is given in memory of Larry Cotten, a NACAT Charter member and former president. Cotten’s wife and family established the memorial scholarship, following his death in an accident in 2005, to help pass his passion on to the next generation of collision repair technicians.
Steve Gibson, NACAT Board Chair, stated, "This year's recipient has shown exceptional dedication to their studies and a passion for automotive technology that embodies Larry's legacy. We are honored to award The Larry Cotten Memorial Scholarship to Alexia Valdez. NACAT congratulates Alexia as she embarks on her automotive career.”
Gibson furthered. “We also would like to thank the University of the Aftermarket Scholarship program for the automotive scholarship website, which helps facilitate the awarding of hundreds of scholarships worth hundreds of thousands of dollars each year." k
Alexia was unable to attend the conference in person, but accepted the award remotely. She stated, "Thank you for believing in me and seeing my vision."
2025 Larry Cotten Memorial Scholarship Winner, Alexia Valdez.
Maury Calhoun, Automotive Instructor at Prince George's Community College in Largo, Maryland, was the recipient of the Cengage Automotive Instructor Scholarship during the 2025 NACAT Conference held in Detroit, Michigan.
"Cengage is passionate about giving automotive educators an opportunity to attend this conference who might not have been able to otherwise," stated NACAT Board Chair, Steve Gibson.
Gibson continued, "Maury's nominator proclaimed that Maury is a dedicated leader and instructor who is committed to growing both professionally and in how he serves his students. Maury is always seeking to expand his technical knowledge, gain hands-on training, and experience innovative ideas that he can directly impact students and colleagues with. Congratulations, Maury Calhoun, on receiving the
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Keys to Effective Assessment: Beyond the Grade Tips &
Professor Rafael De Leon
President, Automotive Service Institute
Assessment is far more than a mechanism for assigning a grade. In both educational and professional settings, it plays a critical role in evaluating performance, guiding improvement, and fostering meaningful growth. Effective assessment allows educators, trainers, and evaluators to determine whether learning objectives have been achieved, where strengths lie, and what areas need further development. To serve these purposes well, assessment methods must go beyond superficial measures and embody several essential characteristics—scope, reliability, relevance, and validity—each contributing to the overall integrity and usefulness of the assessment process.
Defining the Scope: How Broad Is the View?
One of the first decisions in designing an assessment is determining its scope. The scope defines how much content or how many skills the assessment covers. For instance, a final exam that reviews material from an entire semester is broad in scope and evaluates overall comprehension and retention. In contrast, a short quiz that tests understanding of a specific formula or concept has a narrow, targeted focus.
Clearly articulating the scope is essential to ensure the assessment is fair and representative. A poorly defined scope may result in students or trainees being evaluated on material not sufficiently covered or practiced, leading to inaccurate conclusions about their competence.
Example: In an automotive diagnostics course, a practical exam focusing solely on ignition systems should not include questions about HVAC repair unless explicitly taught. Doing so would misrepresent both the scope and the instructional intent.
Reliability: Can We Trust the Results?
Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of assessment outcomes. An assessment is reliable if, when administered under similar conditions, it produces similar results. A reliable exam minimizes measurement errors and instills confidence that outcomes are not due to chance.
There are three major aspects to reliability:
• Temporal Stability: If a learner takes the same assessment twice (without additional study), the scores should be comparable.
• Internal Consistency: All questions should align with the intended domain—math tests should test math, not reading comprehension.
• Inter-Rater Agreement: Especially important in subjective assessments, like essays or project evaluations, this ensures different evaluators produce consistent results.
Example: In a writing assignment, if one instructor gives a score of 90 and another gives 65 for the same essay, the assessment lacks reliability. This inconsistency can hinder valid judgment about the student’s ability.
Continued on Page 25
Relevance: Are We Measuring What Really Matters?
An assessment's relevance—also called pertinence—reflects how well it aligns with the learning objectives and taught content. A relevant test should never assess material not explicitly addressed during instruction and must correspond to the intended outcomes.
Relevant assessments:
• Reflect on what was taught.
• Align with educational or performance objectives
• Are contextualized to the learner’s environment
Irrelevant evaluations may frustrate learners, misguide educators, and lead to ineffective feedback.
Example: If the goal of a technical training session is to teach diagnostics using a scan tool, the assessment should focus on interpreting live data and trouble codes—not on historical theory that was not part of the instruction.
Validity: The Gold Standard of Assessment
Among all assessment characteristics, validity is often considered the most critical. Validity asks whether the assessment measures what it purports to measure. Unlike reliability—which only requires consistency— validity demands accuracy.
Types of validity include:
• Content Validity: Does the assessment adequately cover all important areas?
• Criterion Validity: Do results predict future success or align with other proven tools?
• Construct Validity: Can abstract qualities (e.g., critical thinking, leadership) be appropriately measured?
A test may be reliable without being valid. Consider a scale that consistently reads five pounds too heavy—it is reliable but not valid.
Example: A test designed to measure mechanical skill that only includes multiple-choice questions about theory lacks construct validity. True mechanical competence often requires demonstration through hands-on tasks.
Additional Characteristics for Effective Assessment
Beyond the core principles, effective assessments also share the following features:
• Objectivity: Reduces personal bias. Objective formats like multiple-choice are less prone to subjective interpretation than essays.
• Feasibility: Practical within time, budget, and resource constraints.
• Utility: Provides actionable data for improvement and decision-making.
• Discrimination: Distinguishes effectively between varying levels of skill or knowledge.
Continued on Page 26
Also important is understanding the purpose of the assessment:
• Formative Assessment: Offers feedback during the learning process to help students improve.
• Summative Assessment: Conducted at the end of a course or program to measure final outcomes.
Striking a Balance: The Ideal Assessment
Every type of assessment has its strengths and weaknesses:
• Multiple-choice exams offer strong reliability and broad coverage but may struggle to assess creativity or synthesis.
• Essays encourage critical thinking and depth but can suffer from subjectivity and inconsistency.
• Portfolios or practical projects provide high relevance and real-world application but are more complex and resource-intensive to evaluate.
A truly effective assessment strategy considers the strengths of various methods and balances them according to the purpose, content, and learner profile.
The Importance of Accurate Assessment and Remedial Action
Assessments that meet these high standards do more than evaluate—they empower. Accurate assessments identify who needs help, who is excelling, and where the instructional approach may need adjusting. Equally important are the remedial actions that follow a proper diagnosis. When learners struggle, it is not enough to mark their failure. Effective systems must provide feedback loops, targeted interventions, and opportunities for mastery.
Example: A technician trainee who performs poorly in electrical diagnostics might receive a supplemental module with hands-on circuit board training and additional mentorship. This action, based on sound assessment, helps bridge the gap between current and expected performance.
Conclusion
Assessment is a cornerstone of any meaningful educational or professional development process. When well-designed, it does more than assign grades—it guides improvement, validates learning, and inspires growth. By ensuring assessments are valid, reliable, relevant, and well-scoped, educators and trainers can make informed decisions and take impactful remedial actions. In this way, assessment becomes a vital tool not just for evaluation, but for transformation.
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Mitchell 1 Names Guy Tiberio III As the 2025 Educator of the Year
Guy Tiberio III, an associate professor of automotive technology at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois, has been named the 2025 Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year. The award was announced at the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) awards luncheon on Wednesday, June 11, in Detroit, Michigan.
“We are pleased to recognize Guy Tiberio III as the 2025 Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year,” said Jen MacDonald, Director of Marketing for Mitchell 1. “Guy’s experience is undeniable. With more than 20 years as an instructor, over 25 years as a field technician and countless hours dedicated to volunteer work, he has made exceptional contributions to the automotive repair industry and stands as a true inspiration to his students.”
Each year, Mitchell 1 recognizes one of the nation’s top teachers for their commitment to educational excellence in the automotive repair industry. As the 2025 recipient, Tiberio was awarded a complimentary one-year subscription to Mitchell 1’s ProDemand® auto repair information software, a one-year membership to NACAT, a check for $500 and a $200 Snap-on gift card.
In his 11th year at Waubonsee Community College, Tiberio teaches multiple classes covering all aspects of the automotive industry. He previously taught automotive technology for 10 years at Oswego East High School in Oswego, Illinois. Tiberio is a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Master Technician and holds L1, L3, X1 and G1 certifications. He has also earned several third-party aftermarket and OEM certifications.
“I love inspiring students to dig deeper into theory and operation, and use that knowledge to accurately diagnose complex automotive issues,” said Tiberio. “My favorite part is when I see them take the initiative to dig deeper and develop their own diagnostic plan to fix the car properly.”
In addition to teaching, Tiberio is an evaluation team leader (ETL) for ASE, collaborating with instructors to strengthen their programs and applying his knowledge and experience to help support the broader automotive training community. As a SkillsUSA advisor, he has guided three students to first-place finishes at the Illinois state level over the past four years. He also had one student earning first place in the Automotive Service Technology competition.
When Tiberio is not in the classroom, he works in a repair shop that modifies and builds custom performance vehicles. “When I’m not teaching, I’m wrenching on cool cars.”
The Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year award selection criteria requires that the recipient excel in all ASE automotive tests, including A1 – A8 (Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning, Engine Performance), as well as the L1 (Advanced Engine Performance Exam).
Congratulations, Guy!
Have you been reading the NACAT Blog ? You'll find these great articles and much more!
• Automotive Teachers: The Unsung Fathers in the Classroom by Rafael De Leon
• Navigating Challenges in the Classroom by Sara Heller
• Humor in the Classroom by Ed Martin
Mitchell 1 2025 Educator of the Year: Guy Tiberio III.
As a NACAT member, you have exclusive access to lesson plans ready for use in your classroom!
Topics include: Topics include:
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Systems
Starter Motor Composition
Ignition System Repair
Flow-Control Device
Transmission Lift Linkage and more!
visit our website, nacat.or see more member resourc
Networking at the NACAT Conference: Making Friends and Training Partners for Life!
"As a first time attendee I had not expectations going in. The Opening General Session with Alan Taub was amazing! If this was a precursor to the rest of the conference, this was going to be fun. The next day I participated in two sessions led by Randy Klitzke. One was Classroom Tips and Tricks and in the afternoon he moderated the Roundtable Discussion. I could have left after those courses and the conference would have been a great success but this was only day two! I am already looking forward to registering for the next conference."
Jeff Reeves, The Auto Diesel Institute of
Michigan
"I learned the most from the ATRA, ACDelco, Electude, and AI trainers. There were a lot of great people to meet at the event as well. There were many great takeaways, my top few would be using AI for teaching and ease of work flow, some great new information for GDI, and a much better method of explaining shifts and transmission controls. Fantastic experience, I will definitely go again next year. I had a great time overall and learned a ton. Very well put together."
Dana Lutton, Santa Barbara City College
Dr. Alan Taub Delivers the Keynote Address
Mitchell 1 Names Julian Moreno as the 2025 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student
Julian Moreno of Omaha, Nebraska has been named the 2025 Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student – a recognition that includes a $2,500 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the 2025 North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference.
In partnership with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, Mitchell 1 annually honors a U.S. or Canadian student for their outstanding achievement in automotive technology and auto shop repair scholastics.
“Mitchell 1 is proud to honor and congratulate Julian Moreno as the 2025 Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student,” said Jen MacDonald, Director of Marketing for Mitchell 1. “Julian’s educational achievements and hard work reflect his commitment to excellence. We wish him a bright future ahead in the auto industry.”
Moreno is currently enrolled in the automotive collision repair technology program at the Metropolitan Community College in Omaha. After he graduates in 2027, he hopes to build his skills and knowledge in auto collision repair, with the goal of one day owning his own auto body shop.
Moreno had the opportunity to participate in the Metropolitan Community College Invitational, where he won first place in the Collision Repair Technology division. He also took part in the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference and Competition in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he placed third in the Collision Repair Technology division.
Moreno decided to pursue a career in the automotive industry after he took an auto collision repair course in high school. As a youngster, his parents influenced his love of cars by taking him to car shows and events. He learned basic car repair and maintenance from his father – and now, he enjoys spending his free time customizing his own car.
The award was presented during the NACAT awards luncheon on June 11 in Detroit, Michigan.
The annual NACAT Conference Valve Cover Races, once again sponsored in 2025 by ConsuLab, were first run at the 1999 conference in Charleston, South Carolina. The event, and the letting-loose which happens during it, has grown in popularity with all who attend the family-friendly NACAT conference
There are outstanding racers crafted in Canada and many gravitational chariots made in the USA. Women, men, and children of all ages endeavor to stay just within the rules to make the quickest accelerating, highest velocity obtaining, straightest coasting vehicle to ever run down the NACAT Valve Cover Race Track.
Congratulations to all of the participants in this year's event!
Ross Whiteley (L), Mitchell 1 product marketing manager, is pictured with award recipient, Julian Moreno, and his mother, Lindsey Ryan Williams.
With Gratitude to Our Outgoing NACAT Officers
Drew Barnes President Steve Tucker Secretary/Treasurer
Millard Board Member
As we mark a moment of transition and growth within the NACAT community, we pause to recognize and sincerely thank our outgoing officers for their exceptional service and dedication. Your leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping our organization, strengthening our community, and supporting the educators and students who are the future of the automotive industry
You have each brought your own unique strengths, perspectives, and passion to the table helping us navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and grow in meaningful ways Whether through conference planning, committee leadership, outreach, or behind-the-scenes support , your efforts have made a lasting difference. Your commitment to advancing technical education and fostering a collaborative environment has inspired us all , and we are deeply grateful for your time, energy, and unwavering belief in NACAT ’s mission.
Thank you for your service, your heart , and your continued support of the NACAT community You’ve helped lay the groundwork for continued success, and your contributions will not be forgotten.
