Del Tech automotive instructor Justin Strader wins award

Justin Strader from Delaware Technical Community College's Owens Campus in Georgetown was recently awarded the $2,500 Jack Erjavec Innovative Instructor Award at the 43rd Annual North American Council of Automotive Teachers Conference.

Strader is a 2007 graduate of the Owens Campus automotive technology program. Mark Swarbrick, department chair, who also was one of Strader's instructors, said, "I had the pleasure of teaching Justin during his time at Delaware Tech, and I told him back then I felt he would be an excellent instructor. He graduated, worked for Toyota, was in TIME magazine, and he worked in an independent shop for years, eventually becoming the lead technician. With his education and diverse experience, Justin is now the first-year instructor, incorporating the latest technology into the classroom and laboratory."

In the classroom, Strader utilizes Socrative (app), Pocket Prep (ASE test prep app), Mind Tap and Blackboard Interactive. He further integrates QR codes and YouTube videos into lessons, creates educational videos by using a GoPro camera, and has students utilize electronic repair orders.

The annual Jack Erjavec Innovative Instructor Award is granted to an instructor who demonstrates innovative and effective use of technology in the classroom. Sponsored by textbook publisher Cengage Learning, and administered by the NACAT Education Foundation, the award is a tribute to Jack Erjavec for his contributions to automotive education. Erjavec is the author of the best-selling automotive textbook "Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach,” and is the Today's Technician series editor, as well as lead author, series editor and contributor to dozens of other Cengage books. Erjavec has also been an officer in many automotive-related training and education associations, including NACAT, and has been awarded numerous honors throughout his career.

The award was presented to Strader by Erjavec and Jonathan Sheehan, marketing manager for Cengage Learning. "Justin is an outstanding and talented young man," Erjavec said. "I am pleased to be able to recognize him for his professionalism and dedication to bringing technology into the classroom."