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
In This Issue:
NACAT President's Update
Drew Barnes, Vale School District
NACAT 2025 Conference: Save the Date! June 9 -12 in Detroit, MI
Tips & Tricks
Answering Difficult Electrical Questions
Vince Fischelli, CEO of Veejer Enterprises, INC.
NACAT Member Benefit: Lesson Plans
NACAT Mentor Program: Grading Tips
Jack Rosebro Webinar: Tesla Model 3 and Y in the Context of the Classroom
NACAT Member Resources
Getting to Know...Krystle Roherty, Fredericton High School
NACAT 2025 Conference: Exhibitor and Sponsor Information
NACAT 2025 Conference: AVTECC and MACS Certifications
Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Corner
Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Student Success Stories
Curt Ward, Professor at Joliet Junior College
NACAT 2025 Conference Information: Ford Rouge Factory Tour
NACAT Membership Information: School Membership
New and Renewing NACAT Members since October 1, 2024
NACAT Scholarships
February 2025 issue - January 10, 2025
April 2025 issue - March 10, 2025
June 2025 issue - May 10, 2025
advertising
and
August 2025 issue - July 10, 2025
October 2025 issue - September 10, 2025
December 2025 issue - November 10, 2025
NACAT President's Update
Drew Barnes
Vale School District
Greetings Fellow NACAT Members,
It is hard to believe, but as this issue of NACAT News reaches you, many of us are nearing the end of our first semester of the 2024-25 school year. That brings a very busy schedule, setting up shop finals, administering and grading final exams, preparing and lesson planning for the new semester, and possibly getting ready for a new group of students in January. With that being said I just wanted to offer a reminder of the support that NACAT is here to offer. If you are in need of lesson plans, lab ideas, have questions about curriculum, or need some updated information on technical topics, please feel free to reach out to us. Our most valuable resource is our membership, we can easily put you in touch with someone who is willing to help out. Also, check out the membership resources section of our website, you may just find what you are looking for there.
Speaking of the website, if you haven’t had a chance to check it out recently, you should! Our business management team has been working very hard to update and add more content, and I must say, they have done an outstanding job! We are still welcoming submissions of lesson plans and task sheets from NACAT members, if you have something that you would like to share, please reach out to Heather, myself, or any of the board members.
This last month has been a very busy one for me as well. Starting at the beginning of November, I had the opportunity to take a group of senior Automotive students to Weber State University for the qualifying round of their annual Automotive Skills Contest. We will head back there in February for the final round, where they will compete against schools from Idaho and Utah, the final round consists of troubleshooting on a live vehicle that is provided by the schools sponsoring dealership. Shortly after that I was able to accompany five of my senior Automotive students to the SEMA Show, as part of the 2024 SEMA Student Program. We returned just in time for our annual Veterans Day Community Service Event. We join forces with a local independent repair facility and offer free oil changes and complete vehicle inspections for Veterans. Our students working alongside with the shop technicians were able to complete 72 oil change services and complete vehicle inspections. Yes, it was a very busy few weeks for sure, but very rewarding opportunities for these students that were able to participate, I wouldn’t change a thing!
As I conclude this President’s update, just a couple reminders. Remember to check your email and keep an eye out for any NACAT correspondence in the coming weeks. Registration for the 2025 NACAT Conference in Detroit, MI. June 9-12, will be opening up before the end of next month! Also, there are going to be some opportunities to win some prizes through our membership drive, more information to come. Next, Jack Rosebro is going to host a webinar for NACAT members on January 14, 2025, it is titled “Tesla Model 3 and Y, in the context of the Classroom."
I hope each of you is able to enjoy a wonderful holiday season! Enjoy catching up and spending quality time with your family and friends. I look forward to many of you at the 2025 NACAT Conference in Detroit.
Happy Holidays!
Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board 2023 - 2024
Steve Gibson Riverside, California
Board Member 2022 - 2025
Ron Morris Greensboro, North Carolina
Todd Richardson Price, Utah
Board Member 2023 - 2026
Sara Heller Branchburg, New Jersey
Tom Millard Lakewood, Colorado
Board Member 2024 - 2027
Wade Johnson Harper, Oregon Rafael De Leon Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico
Kenneth Hardy Hawkinsville, Georgia
What is the NACAT Conference?
The NACAT Conference is an annual event uniting automotive educators and professionals from North America It offers networking, workshops, seminars, and hands-on training, promoting excellence and collaboration in automotive education.
Professional Development: Access workshops and training sessions to enhance teaching skills and stay updated on industry trends.
Networking: Connect with peers, industry professionals, and experts for collaboration and resource sharing
Access to Resources: Gain access to educational materials, curriculum development tools, and industry partnerships.
Inspiration: Get inspired by fresh ideas, innovative teaching strategies, and success stories from fellow educators.
Recognition: Showcase achievements, share best practices, and gain recognition for contributions to automotive education.
June 9-12, 2025
Conference at Detroit, Michigan with Ford Rouge Factory Tour
Detroit
20 HOURS 20 HOURS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION
Bring the whole family! Our 2025 NACAT Conference offers activities for all ages, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience together
Elevate your teaching skills with specialized sessions designed to help educators engage and inspire the next generation of automotive professionals.
Get ready for some high-speed fun with our popular Valve Cover Races! Build, race, and compete for bragging rights in this exciting conference tradition
Continuing College Credit Hours
Attending our conference will earn you continuing education (2 CE) credit hours through Utah State University
WHICH FULFILLS THE ASE REQUIREMENTS Unlocking Teaching Potential! Join us and plan ahead! Make sure to include in 20242025 school year budget. Family-Friendly Event How-To Teach Training Valve Cover Races
Thank you and Happy holidays
Happy holidays
We want to thank the entire NACAT community for a wonderful year! 2024 was a great year for us! We look forward to what 2025 will bring us (HINT: more innovation).
For more than 50 years, ConsuLab has devoted our business plan to offering intuitive solutions to educators. We will continue to do so in the coming year!
Tips
& Tricks
Vince Fischelli
CEO, Veejer Enterprises, INC.
Answering Difficult Electrical Questions
I began working in the automotive service industry in 1968 after 10 years in military electronics. The last five of those years I was teaching electronics. My new civilian job had me repairing the new emerging technology of AM-FM stereo radios for new cars. Part of my job was to answer tech-line questions from dealership technicians with electrical problems. As the new technician I had to answer all tech-line calls “to pay my dues.” Piece of cake I thought, no problem. Boy was I wrong.
One of the first calls I got (remember it is 1968) was a technician who said: “Help! I have voltage feeding back into ground. What do I do?” He was connecting a blower motor ground wire to the chassis producing a large electrical spark as soon as the “hot” blower motor ground wire connected the chassis. In his mind he had voltage feeding back into ground. In my mind, I had no idea how voltage could feed back into ground. That was a new concept to me. What was happening of course, the technician was repairing a broken ground wire with the circuit powered ON. If he had simply turned OFF the ignition key before connecting the ground wire, there would have been no spark.
Well, let the games on the phone begin and they did. Confusing calls like this continued to make me question the likelihood of success in my first new civilian job. I eventually realized that it was poor or no electrical training in the automobile industry that generated confusing electrical questions I never encountered in military classes. Military students had already attended basic electrical school before my classes, and their questions were based on sound electrical principles and easy to answer. I had no ready answer for confusing questions from auto technicians.
As I began to teach electrical troubleshooting classes in the vehicle service industry, I realized confusing electrical questions resulted from technicians being confused about the concepts of voltage and electron current in a circuit. Knowledgeable students keep the two concepts separate and ask easy questions about each that have an answer.
Here is the solution to understanding confusing electrical questions. You cannot answer a voltage question with an answer about electron current. You cannot answer an electron current question with an answer about voltage. ASK THE STUDENT IF THEIR QUESTION IS ABOUT THE VOLTAGE IN THE CIRCUIT OR THE ELECTRON CURRENT FLOWING THROUGH THE CIRCUIT. Then watch their blank stare as you have just explained to them the reason for their confusion. Once they clarify, if they can, their question is either about voltage in a circuit or electron current flowing through a circuit, is a correct answer possible and their confusion vanishes. The sooner the better you explain the difference between voltage and electron current in every circuit you present, the sooner the student understands.
To illustrate, the figure on the facing page is a simple circuit. Circuit A shows the switch in the OFF position. There is no electron current so the lamp (load) is OFF or OUT. Take a moment to describe the component parts of a circuit, the circuit symbols used and the wires connecting the component parts to complete the circuit. Discuss the voltage source (called B+) is present but the circuit doesn’t work until the switch is CLOSED because there is no electron current through the circuit.
Continued on Page 9
From Page 8
In Circuit B the switch is CLOSED and electron current flows from the negative terminal of the voltage source, B-, through the load and CLOSED contacts of the switch and ultimately arrive at B+, the positive terminal of the voltage source.
This simple circuit illustration explains the fundamental truth of any circuit. If sufficient electron current flows through a circuit, the load operates or “works.” Now the door is open to discuss what happens in a circuit when the electric current is missing or too low. Voltage and electron current are two different parameters in a circuit. Voltage is measured in volts and electron current is measured in amperes, or amps for short. The question can only be a voltage question of a current question. Keep them separate.
TRAINING PROGRAM TRAINING PROGRAM
Tesla Model 3 and Y in the Context of the Classroom
Explore key Tesla technology, classroom resources, and the impact of these topselling EVs in the industry.
Getting To Know...
...Krystle Roherty, Fredericton High School
I have a picture of myself from when I was about 5 years old. Blond hair, 80’s big bangs, barbie clip-on earrings, standing beside a black Firebird at a car show. My father and I used to tour the local car shows together checking out engine sizes and my personal obsession, finding out how fast they would go! I was a solid mix of everything princess with a love of fast cars. Voted least likely to be a technician!
Growing up my family didn’t know much about cars and I was encouraged to have other interests as automotive didn’t align with the “girlie” image. I would see my parents frustrated with spending money on expensive car repairs or finding themselves stranded on the side of the road, and knew I wanted to know more. I set my sights on being a teacher, the next best thing, thinking I could make change by challenging ideas and changing perspectives!
During my last year of university, I met my husband. He had a snowplow business and repaired his own equipment. I found myself helping with repairs, ordering parts, and even learning to drive heavy equipment. The spark for automotive repair was re-ignited! Once my children both went back to school, I decided to go to trade school as a mature student. I was shocked when I hit so many roadblocks and barriers to getting myself into trade school and the lack of respect for females in trades. I would have to reach out to a trades group for women in another province to get support and battle my way through. I now had two passions, automotive and challenging these attitudes and barriers. I would go on to be the only girl in my automotive class to finish the year, and I graduated with the highest mark.
My new goal became to combine both of my training: teaching and automotive. In this role I could represent an under-represented group, encourage females in trades, and continue to grow my knowledge of automotive repair.
During my time as a high school automotive teacher, I’ve had the thrill of starting the first all-female high school drag racing team in our province and continue work with the co-ed drag racing team as well. I’ve watched students find new passions and interests, and my favorite part is seeing the “AH HA!” moments
A hero is an ordinary invidual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.
Christopher Reeve
Drive Your Alternative Fuel Education Further
AUTOGAS VEHICLE INSPECTION GRANT PROGRAM OFFERS ACCESS TO GRANT FUNDS OF UP TO $7,500 PER SCHOOL
Give more students the hands-on learning experiences that lead to productive careers — with the Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).
Submit your application today for access to grant funding valued at up to $7,500 per school for expanding automotive courses to include propanespecific vehicle inspection training.
Don’t delay — funding is limited!
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION NOW
2025 2025 2025 CONFERENCE & EXPO
Logo on NACAT Website
Spotlight in NACAT News
½ page article in the NACAT News
One sponsored email per year
Your A membe inclu
Welcome Allied Member graphic on social media
NACAT Allied Member logo to use on your website
Priority sign-up for NACAT Conference
Discount exhibitor space for NACAT Conference
Bold listing in the directory for NACAT Conference
Opportunity for exhibitors to participate in an atten activity, where attendees collect exhibitor signatur prize drawing. Exhibitors are encouraged to bring a giveaway.
2025 2025
June 9-12, 2025 at Detroit, Michigan
CERTIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AT THE CONFERENCE
AVTECC EV Safe Certification
Instructor Certification Training
During this course, instructors will learn about the EV Sa it at their institution The key component to delivery of the AVTECC EV Safe Certification is that the Instructor must be certified. During this course the attendees will each participate in a hands-on certification that involves preparing a hybrid or electric vehicle for work on the high voltage system.
Comprehensive Section 609 Certification and Proctor Opportunity
Comprehensive Section 609 test prep class focused on refrigerant handling, recycling, and certification, as mandated by the US EPA This class is tailored for educators and presented in a "train-the-trainer" format, making it an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of mobile A/C topics that you can pass on to your students
After successfully completing this class and passing the 609 test, educators can apply to become a "MACS 609 Test Proctor," allowing them to teach the MACS 609 Certification Test Prep Class for students at their school. This opportunity not only enhances your credibility as an instructor but also empowers you to provide up-to-date knowledge and skills directly to your students
REGISTRATION IS ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS.
Hybrid & electric vehicle corner
Curt Ward
Professor at Joliet Junior College
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Student Success Stories
As I write this article, the fall semester is almost complete and finals week; and the winter holidays are nearly upon us. Most months when I sit down to write this article, I highlight some hybrid or electric component or system that we have researched, and I share the findings and how you might implement the information in your classes. This month I am going to do something different. Instead, I am going to share some of our student successes related to hybrid and electric vehicle repair. My hope is that these successes will inspire you to do something similar with your students.
For those of you who are not familiar with the automotive program at Joliet Junior College, our students participate in a live customer shop class one-day-a-week during each of the four semesters they are enrolled in the automotive program. The students who complete the hybrid and electric vehicle class get the opportunity to work on customers vehicles with this technology when they are scheduled. What follows is a small sample of the repairs our students have completed during the last year.
The first vehicle is a third generation 2015 Toyota Prius with over 150,000 miles on the odometer. The customer concern was that the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) was illuminated, but there were no driveability concerns. The student confirmed the concern and found a current code in the engine controller of P261B. This code is a “Coolant Pump B Control Circuit” issue. The coolant pump is electronically controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM). The student followed the diagnostic procedure and determined the coolant pump was not spinning at the speed that was commanded by the PCM. The coolant pump was removed and found to be physically binding as it turned (See Figure 1 – Coolant pump). The student replaced the pump, refilled the cooling system, performed the cooling system bleed procedure and verified the repair.
The second vehicle is a 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid with over 200,000 miles on the odometer. The vehicle was towed to the shop in a no-start condition and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) was illuminated. A review of the hybrid controller revealed three codes, P0A0F engine failed to start, P0A7F hybrid battery pack deterioration, and P0A80 replace battery pack. The data stored in the freeze frame for code P0A0F indicated low voltage in battery blocks 4 and 12 (See Figure 2 – Freeze Frame). The battery was removed from the vehicle and opened for further diagnosis. Inspection revealed that pet hair had been drawn into the battery by the cooling fan and the restriction was creating a battery overheating concern that resulted in the deterioration of the cells (See Figure 3 – Battery). The battery was replaced, the cooling system was cleaned, and an aftermarket filter was installed at the air inlet to prevent further intrusion of pet hair into the system.
Continued on Page 19
Figure 2: Freeze Frame
Figure 1: Coolant Pump
The third vehicle is a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The vehicle came into the shop with a message in the information center to “Service High Voltage Charging System” and the high-voltage battery would not wall charge. A visual inspection revealed the level in the battery coolant reservoir was low. This condition will prevent the vehicle battery from charging via the cord. The students performed the cooling system pressure test and inspected the high-voltage battery for the presence of coolant per the GM technical bulletin (See Figure 4- Coolant inspection). The system held pressure, and the paper towel remained dry which indicated no coolant had entered the high-voltage battery. The coolant reservoir was topped off and the battery charging system was verified to be working normally. A subsequent conversation with the customer revealed the cooling system had been serviced elsewhere recently and trapped air was likely the cause of the low coolant level.
The last vehicle is also a Chevrolet Volt. The vehicle was driven into the shop with malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. A scan of the modules showed two codes for loss of isolation, one in the battery, and one in the battery charging system (See Figure 5 – Scan Data). A series of isolation tests with the megohm meter did not indicate any problems with either system. Further investigation revealed a software update that needed to be performed to address these fault codes. Using the GM MDI and our subscription we were able to successfully update the software, eliminate the codes, and verify that all systems were working properly.
I believe the ability to work on live vehicles after successfully completing the classroom and lab activities is the component that makes our graduates more successful when they leave the program and enter the workplace. None of the repairs were difficult, however, they all required a thorough understanding of how the system operated and a complete diagnosis. I understand that not all programs are equipped, or allowed, to bring live work into the learning environment, but I do believe that the more we can expose our students to “real world” scenarios, the more successful they will be when they graduate.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Figure 3: Battery
Figure 4: Coolant Inspection
Figure 5: Scan Data
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Lifting It RightTM safety manual second edition completely updated and expanded. Order today at autolift.org/store.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025
SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP
Register multiple educators under one membership NACAT’s New Membership Option
Offers up to five automotive education team members
Access to NACAT’s wealth of resources at a time
Join
Ivan Anderson Lincroft, NJ
Truell Ard Temple Hills, MD
Donald Beauregard Farmington, NM
Steve Boyd Oklahoma City, OK
Nathan Brindley Kalamazoo, MI
Frank Brown Buchanan, MI
Tyler Brown Cottontown, TN
Wayne Farmer LaGrange, GA
Nicolas Gaede Kenosha, WI
Erik Glass Grinnell, IA
Randy Golding Phoenix, AZ
Braden Grossman Leavenworth, KS
Jim Gullen Thompsonville, MI
Raymond Jackson Columbia, MD
Kirk Jamison Ankeny, IA
Jason Kuykendall Roseburg, OR
Eric Langer Ankeny, IA
Michael Lindstrom Atchison, KS
Louie Longhi Carol Stream, IL
Homer Manlangit Scarborough, ON
Jose Martinez Merced, CA
For Automotive Teachers... ...By Automotive Teachers
Keith McKenzie Florence, SC
Thomas Millard Littleton, CO
Lucinda Montgomery LaGrange, GA
Doug Mulligan Innerlip, ON
Shantayl Pochop Spearfish, SD
Floyd Robbins Bulls Gap, TN
Jason Root Ventura, CA
Anthony Rozman Cleveland, OH
Roger Shapiro Columbia, MD
Mike Shoebroek Austin, TX
Robert Silva Jr Waimanalo, HI
Terry Smith LaGrange, GA
Kyle Snover Tunkhannock, PA
James Stafford Kankakee, IL
John Stratton New Hartford, NY
Don Sykora Cicero, IL
Michael Tatham Rio Rancho, NM
Giuseppe Vertucci Middlefield, CT
Joseph Wagner East Dundee, IL
James Wilkes Milledgeville, GA
Thank you to those who have joined or renewed their membership since October 1, 2024.
Holiday Gift Idea:
SPINTRONICS Teaches Electronics via MechanicAl Circuits
If you have ever had a difficult time expressing electronic principles, then Spintronics may help to make the abstract more concrete. From Paul and Alyssa Boswell, creators of the computer science teaching Turing Tumble, Spintronics teaches electronic circuits through the gamification of mechanical creations.
Designed for players ages 8 and up, the game allows users to "feel the flow of voltage and see the flow of current."
Curious without having the physical parts in front of you? While interpretation may be more difficult on a screen, a person is welcome to ulitize the FREE Spintronics Simulator that allows one to build, test, and share Spintronic circuits virtually.
NACAT scholarships are available for automotive instructors and students that are seeking to further their professional development and educational goals.
Instructor of the Year with Tomorrow's Tech
The Instructor of the Year program recognizes the auto instructor who takes an unconventional approach to education, works a little too hard and most importantly, is committed to educating the best future technicians
Application Deadline: Monthly winners from November 2024 through April 2025. Overall winner will be announced on May 2025.
2025 Automotive Instructor Scholarship
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
Cengage provides a $2,000 scholarship that funds a 1-year NACAT membership and attendance to the annual NACAT conference This scholarship aims to support instructors who face budgetary constraints, ensuring they have the opportunity to benefit from the valuable networking and professional development opportunities that NACAT offers Cengage partners with NACAT to support continued learning and skill development for automotive instructors as well as their learners
2025 Mitchell1 Educator of the Year Award
The Mitchell1 Educator of the Year Award is presented at the NACAT Conference This award is presented to the educator that scored the highest on ASE tests during the past year. sponsored by
2025 Larry Cotten Memorial Scholarship
The Larry Cotten Memorial Scholarship is offered by the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT). The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student training to become a collision repair technician.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
2025 Lisse Duvic Scholarship
In memory of Lisse Duvic, the Duvic family is offering a $500 scholarship for a first-time spouse attendee at the 2025 NACAT Conference This includes a guest package, two Awards Lunch tickets, and hotel support.
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025 sponsored by
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