Automotive Tech Professor Jim Truxall Named Educator of the Year by Mitchell 1

James K. Truxal, associate professor with Sinclair's Automotive Technology program since 1994, was recently named the Mitchell 1 2014 Educator of the Year during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held this summer in Greenville, S.C.

Each year, Mitchell 1 recognizes one of the nation's top teachers for excellence in automotive repair instruction.

In addition to maintaining his ASE Master and Advanced Level Specialist certifications, he participates in ongoing training to maintain his GM and Honda certifications, allowing him to teach in the GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) and the Honda Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT) programs. He is currently the coordinator for Sinclair's Honda PACT program. In addition, Jim serves on numerous committees at Sinclair, as well as committees at other schools and community organizations. He also has participated in the SkillsUSA regional contests and the Miami Valley Tech Prep Showcase.

In addition to an associate degree in automotive technology from Sinclair, Truxal holds a bachelor's degree in general studies and a master's degree in education and applied professions from the University of Dayton.

In his community, Truxal serves as team captain of the United Way campaign, as a sexton and adult Sunday school teacher at his church and volunteers his time to ride with the Patriot Guard Riders, providing escort services for military and first responders.

Selection criteria for the Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year award requires that a master automotive technician excel on all ASE automotive tests, including A1 through A8 (Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning, Engine Performance) and the L1 (Advanced Engine Performance Exam).

Congratulations!

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