HOWARD COUNTY, Md. — An instructor at the Howard County Public School System's Automotive Academy was recently recognized as a Champion of Automotive Education and received an electric vehicle to use for the next two years.
Thomas Dearstein and eight other local automotive educators were recognized at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show in January for their dedication and contributions to high school automotive education. Champions for Automotive Education is a partnership between DARCARS and the Automotive Dealer Education Institute.
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Dearstein's career as a driving teacher includes 9 1/2 years with Montgomery County Public Schools and more than 16 years with HCPSS.
“Mr. Dearstein is an extraordinary teacher … he loves teaching [students] The industry standard for auto repair, from electrical engine diagnostics, alignment, brakes, welding, and general auto maintenance. He cares deeply about the educational, spiritual and social well-being of his students. He goes above and beyond to support our students and staff,” said Karl Schindler, Director of the Applications and Research Lab.
Dearstein also serves as a mentor for new teachers and collaborates with other teachers at ARL. He is involved in the Howard County 4-H Club and can be seen exhibiting sheep and animals at the Howard County Fairgrounds each summer. Mr. Dearstein also mentors his ARL internship students at the Agricultural Academy on his farm.
As this year's winner, Dearstein was awarded a two-year lease on a Toyota BZ4X electric vehicle. According to DARCARS, the vehicles were leased “to provide these educators first-hand experience with pure electric vehicles and to enable them to fully educate students on electric vehicle maintenance and repair.”
Dearstein will introduce students to the techniques and information needed to maintain and repair electric vehicles. He will also provide Toyota with expert advice and recommendations.
