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Transportation
Page 16 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

White Bear Lake Area High School Automotive Program Named

Exemplary Secondary Program of the Year

plary Secondary Program of the Year. This Doescher brings a rich background in A key highlight of the program is its empha-
award showcases secondary level transporta- technical education and hands-on industry sis on industry credentials—students have
tion programs that serve as exemplary models experience to his role. After high school, he completed more than 200 modules annually
of institutional support, instructional leader- went on to graduate with honors from the through the Ford Automotive Career Explo-
ship, and program-wide excellence. Automotive and Ford Accelerated Credential ration (ACE) program. This commitment to
Under Derek Doescher’s leadership, the Training (FACT) programs. He then worked workforce readiness has made the White Bear
Automotive Career Pathway at White Bear in the automotive industry for over eight years Lake Automotive program a regional leader
Lake Area High School has experienced signif- as a certified technician. In 2016, he transi- in automotive education and certification
icant growth and success. Since joining White tioned into education, earning his Bachelor of achievement.
Bear Lake Area Schools in September 2019, Science in Technology Education. Today, his Doescher would like to thank all the
Doescher has expanded student enrollment dedication to continuous education includes individuals who have donated their time and
and fostered partnerships with local industry becoming Automotive Service Excellence effort to help support and improve the program
leaders. His efforts have led to over 1,000 (ASE) master certified and currently working over the last six years. Together, they are truly
students gaining exposure to the automotive on his Master’s degree in Career and Technical growing the technicians of tomorrow.
industry and more than 250 students enrolling Education. The awards will be officially presented
in Automotive Career Pathway courses each White Bear Lake Area High School’s on August 6th at the MTTIA Conference in
year, marking the highest enrollment to date. Automotive Career Pathway provides students Brainerd, MN.
Doescher’s commitment extends beyond the with a well-rounded, hands-on education in For more information about the TCOE
classroom, as demonstrated by his initiative automotive technology, equipping them with Awards, visit https://www.minntran.org/tcoe-
to increase paid summer work experiences the skills and certifications necessary for awards
Minnesota State Transportation Center for students, resulting in 31 placements, many careers in the transportation industry. The
of Excellence is delighted to announce that of which led to full-time employment offers. curriculum includes courses such as Automo-
White Bear Lake Area High School’s Auto- During his tenure, Doescher has also focused tive Technology I, Automotive Technology
motive Program, led by Automotive Instructor on inclusivity, increasing female student II: Brakes, Automotive Technology II: Steer- www.isd624.org
and Technology Education Building Lead enrollment in automotive courses from six to ing and Suspension, Automotive Technology
Derek Doescher, has been named the Exem- over 40 annually. II: Electrical, Car Care, and Engine Repair.

Aeronautics Capstone Students take Discovery Flights Continued from Page 14

a log book,” said Smith as he passed stu- a joke,” she remembered. But it was real, and
dents the small black books filled with green the day had come.
paper. “This is your new adventure in life.” Maya had never been in a small plane
These books would record each flight that before, but she had been training on the high
the students would ever make in their careers, school’s flight simulator. When she got into
starting today. Soon, half of the students the cockpit, all the controls were familiar. Still,
would begin filling out their books, as they’d she was nervous. “I just need to keep the plane
be flying first. The other half would tour the stable,” she thought to herself as she took over
hangars and planes at the flight sschool. Then the controls. She was flying! It was a bucket
they’d switch. list item she could check off, and she learned
As the first group of students headed something about herself up there, too. “Flying
toward their planes, Superintendent Dr. Josh a small aircraft isn’t for me,” she reflected after
Swanson appeared on the tarmac. As a pilot the flight. That realization didn’t mean avia-
himself, he’d come to support students on their tion wasn’t a future career for her, though: “I
first flight. He even brought a radio to listen to can confidently say that I chose the right major
their communications with the tower as they studying aviation and will continue to explore
took off. It was a proud day for Eden Prairie different avenues in college that pertain to
Schools, and the culmination of a great deal aviation,” Maya shared.
of work from students, staff and community Maya’s experience, though unexpected,
partners. showcases what Pathways courses are all
For 12th grader Maya White, it was about: discovering interests, exploring pos-
wheels and an engine,” he said at the start of cations of students’ learning. “It’s one thing the final element of a series of classes that sibilities and pursuing passions through
the day. Others were more cautious. “I hope when you’re sitting in the classroom learning, had fueled an interest in aviation, which real-world experiences and career-focused
they’re a little scared,” joked Karen Brettin- but it’s another when it’s experiential,” said she planned to study in college next year. “I opportunities. Some Eagles wanted to take
gen, the industry partnership coordinator for Paula Piazza, senior admissions coordinator always knew I didn’t want to be in an office,” to the skies. Others learned they’d rather
Eden Prairie Schools. “They are,” Nehring at the college. “When they’re considering a she said, waiting on the tarmac for her chance stay grounded, but all were exploring how
replied with a smile. career in aviation, they have to [fly]. This is to fly. She’d brought her camera with her and they wanted to spread their wings. “I do still
Many students were a bit nervous — but that experience that really solidifies that deci- was excited to take pictures while she was want to work in the aviation industry,” Maya
a great deal excited — as they gathered in the sion.” up in the air. Being a pilot would give her a affirmed, “just not up in the air.”
local flight school’s lobby. The local flight Before students took flight, they each chance to travel, but for Maya, the day was all
school, along with a college aviation school, needed one important piece of equipment. about “seeing if I’m actually up for the job.”
are community partners for the Aeronautics Josh Smith, sales director for the flight school, She hadn’t expected to fly when she started www.edenpr.org
Capstone, helping to provide real-world appli- was there to hand them out. “This is not just her aeronautics courses. “[When I found out
we were flying], I thought it was a little bit of