NTC Teacher Selected As Finalist For International Award

A Northwest Technical College teacher is a finalist for an international automotive technology instructors award.

Paul Nelson and two other finalists are vying for the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s North American Council of Automotive Teachers Education Foundation Award.

According to a press release, Nelson has taught at the college since 1993, and has been in the industry since 1979. He is listed as a full time faculty member and automotive machinist on the college’s website. He previously won the Aftermarket Champion Technician competition through MAHLE, a German auto part manufacturer.

The award gives recognition to auto technology teachers who specialize their curriculum on custom parts (aftermarket) and inspire their students.

“Everything we do is related to the automotive aftermarket,” Nelson said in the press release. “That is my background, and that is where my students get the performance parts they need to do the work expected of them in the program.”

The two other finalists include Jordan Engelhardt from Lyons Township High School in La Grange, IL, and Brian McDonnel, Great Southern Tier Board of Cooperative Educational Coopers Education Center in Painted Post, NY.

The EFA submission processes was open to instructors at private or public secondary schools, post-secondary schools or training centers in the U.S. and Canada.

The semifinalists will receive air transportation and hotel accommodations to the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, from November 1st to 4th.