David Rodriguez was named the Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year for 2015 during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held in Joliet, Illinois. Each year, Mitchell 1 recognizes one of the nation’s top teachers for excellence in automotive repair instruction. With the award, Rodriguez received a one-year complimentary subscription to Mitchell 1’s ProDemand diagnostic, estimating and repair information software for the school where he teaches. He was also presented with a check for $500 and a recognition certificate.
“Mitchell 1 is proud to join with NACAT to honor those who have demonstrated a commitment to educational excellence in the automotive repair industry,” said Nick DiVerde, senior marketing director, Mitchell 1. “David Rodriguez has an outstanding reputation as an instructor and we feel he is an excellent choice for this award. Everyone at Mitchell 1 would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to David on his achievement.”
Rodriguez has been working in the automotive industry for 24 years and is currently a professor for the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program (GMASEP) at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) in Twin Falls, Idaho. He has been teaching at CSI for 14 years and has been an ASE certified Master Technician for 21 years. He currently holds 15 ASE certifications and has obtained the level of World Class Technician with General Motors.
Rodriguez started his automotive education in high school and went on to graduate from the GMASEP program at CSI. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Idaho State University and continues his professional development by attending annual conferences as a guest and presenter. He says he has a passion for cars and modern technology and stays current with the industry by running his own small business repairing vehicles as well as continuing automotive training with General Motors.
His students have attained various achievements such as winning the SkillsUSA national competition and medaling regularly at the state level. Rodriguez says the most important success he recognizes in his students is that most are gainfully employed and succeeding in their chosen careers.
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–A8 (Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning and Engine Performance) and the L1 (Advanced Engine Performance Exam).
