Each year, the ASE Education Foundation honors one CTE Instructor who typically goes above and beyond his or her job description to make a difference. Candidates for the ASE Education Foundation Outstanding Instructor of the Year award must be nominated by an administrator such as a principal, program director, dean, department chair or CTE director. In this episode, we talk with Brian Manley, Pathway Lead in Automotive Technology at Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC), a high school in Centennial, Colorado, who was selected as the 2024 honoree.

The award honors the memory of Byrl Shoemaker. Dr. Shoemaker was the state director of vocational and adult education at the Ohio Department of Education from 1962 to 1982. He was a major contributor to education, including the development of the system of career technical education programs in Ohio and the development of the two-year post high school technician education centers that have grown into the system of community colleges across Ohio. Dr. Shoemaker was also instrumental in the development of VICA (now SkillsUSA) in Ohio as well as nationally and the development of NATEF (now ASE Education Foundation) accreditation, ensuring entry-level automotive repair training programs meet standards set by the automotive service industry at the national level. This lifetime achievement award recognizes extraordinary educators whose dedication to technical education mirrors Dr. Shoemaker's unwavering passion.

Hear all about it as we talk with Brian about:

· His road to becoming the 2024 ASE Education Foundation Instructor of the Year.

· How he found his niche and a talent for vehicle repair.

· How ASE Certification has boosted his self-esteem.

· Why teaching Automotive Technology and Track & Field are his passions.

· Coming full circle by being honored with this award.

· His CTE program at Cherry Creek and the opportunities if offers his students.

· Brian’s advice for those thinking of a career in the automotive industry.

· What his personal research has shown about what employers are looking for in an entry-level technician.

· Why teamwork is important and valuable.

· The trends that surprised him in his research with shop owners.

· The realities of getting into automotive service and repair.

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com