Philadelphia Educator Encourages Engagement With Students
Bob Kessler,Campus President and Regional Vice President of Universal Technical Institute (UTI), is the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians.
What is the most challenging aspect of teaching in the classroom environment?
"The typical UTI student is very much hands-on oriented and excels in a hands-on environment such as a lab, garage or auto shop. That's where they feel most comfortable, and that's where they shine. As an educator, we are constantly faced with the challenge of finding ways to energize and engage the students and present classroom material that they find valuable and do so in a manner that is appetizing to them and captures their attention."
Are continuing education courses beneficial for teachers?
"UTI's instructor requirements have very rigid expectations as they relate to ongoing training and development for our instructor population. As part of UTI's accreditation process, instructors are mandated to obtain the appropriate technical certifications to keep par with industry advances."
Do you feel a master's level education would be helpful in your day-to-day career?
"Yes, I do. But I am convinced – after being at UTI for five years – that the experiences I've gained from my diverse background have been more than extremely helpful and perhaps equally as important to my success in my current position as campus president. My previous job experience has granted me opportunities to work in a consumer-oriented business, deal with customers and engage with a younger workforce, all of which are instrumental to the leadership role I play now, and the ability to relate to and connect with students."
Do you have any advice for people wanting to enter the teaching profession?
"Yes. My advice would be that despite what you may be teaching, the level of expertise you have in that discipline is very important, but don't ever underestimate how valuable it is to be able to connect with your students, to earn the respect and credibility of your students, and to maintain an engaging and sometimes entertaining classroom. Our best instructors are those who connect, respect and value our students, and in turn have those sentiments reciprocated."
"I'm your average car enthusiast. But more importantly, I'm extremely passionate about partnering with students and helping them get into a rewarding career. Many days it's not a deep knowledge of the automotive industry that helps me succeed in my job, but rather my commitment to seeing that students are given the highly skilled hands-on training necessary to pursue exciting and fulfilling career opportunities."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
