James K. Truxal of New Carlisle, Ohio was named the Mitchell 1 2014 Educator of the Year during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held recently in Greenville, S.C. Each year, Mitchell 1 recognizes one of the nation’s top teachers for excellence in automotive repair instruction. Truxal will receive 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. “James Truxal 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 James on his achievement.”
Truxal has been an associate professor of automotive technology at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio since 1994. In addition to maintaining his ASE Master and Advanced Level Specialist certifications, he participates in ongoing training to maintain his GM and Honda certifications, allowing him to teach in the GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) and the Honda Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT) programs. He is currently the coordinator for the Honda PACT program at the school. In addition, Truxal serves on numerous committees at Sinclair Community College, as well as committees at other schools and community organizations. He has also participated in the SkillsUSA regional contests and the Miami Valley Tech Prep Showcase.
Prior to teaching, Truxal worked as an ASE-certified technician and shop foreman at various dealerships and automotive shops. In 1986, he was honored as one of the top 40 GM certified technicians in the U.S. in their Chevy Performance Challenge.
In addition to an associate degree in automotive technology from Sinclair Community College, Truxal holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies and a master’s degree in education and applied professions from the University of Dayton.
In his community, Truxal serves as team captain of the United Way campaign, as a sexton and adult Sunday school teacher at his church, and volunteers his time to ride with the Patriot Guard Riders, providing escort services for military and first responders.
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, Engine Performance) and the L1 (Advanced Engine Performance Exam).
