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As automotive technology continues to evolve, ongoing professional development is essential for educators looking to keep their classrooms and programs current. This article explores why instructors should begin planning their professional development opportunities for the coming year, highlighting the importance of hands-on technical training, new teaching strategies, and learning from fellow educators. It positions the Automotive Educators Conference as a valuable opportunity to strengthen teaching skills, build professional connections, and prepare students for an evolving industry.

This article looks at the broader impact of the conference on the profession. It highlights how shared learning, emerging trends, and collaboration at the conference influence the direction of automotive education moving forward.

This blog features examples of how educators have implemented conference ideas in their classrooms or programs. It emphasizes real-world application and practical results, making the conference value tangible.

Discover how the Automotive Educators Conference creates lasting value through professional relationships, ongoing learning, and year-round support for automotive educators.

Discover the biggest lessons and trends from the 2026 Automotive Educators Conference, including emerging technologies, teaching strategies, networking, and practical classroom solutions for automotive educators.

This blog breaks down the value of the conference for different types of educators, including new instructors, experienced teachers, and program leaders. It helps readers see how the conference fits their specific role and career stage.

This article connects conference learning directly to classroom outcomes. It explains how educators can take ideas, techniques, and insights from the conference and apply them to lessons, labs, and student engagement.

This blog provides a clear overview of the key learning themes at the upcoming conference. It outlines the types of sessions, training areas, and skills educators can expect to gain, helping readers understand the practical value of attending.

This article focuses on the conference as a professional development opportunity. It shows how attending helps educators build leadership skills, stay current with industry trends, expand professional networks, and strengthen their long-term career path.

This blog explains why automotive educators need more than technical updates to stay effective. It highlights how the conference supports instructors through hands-on training, peer connection, and exposure to new teaching approaches that reflect today’s rapidly changing automotive industry.

A message from the NACAT President, Ed Martin

A message from the NACAT President.

A message from the NACAT President.

As I write this article, the fall semester is off to a great start. It is great to see classrooms full of students
who are excited to learn. One of the most critical skills our students need to possess when they graduate
is a thorough understanding of basic electrical.

All hybrid and electric vehicles have a low voltage battery. The battery chemistry will be lead-acid, absorbed glass mat (AGM), or lithium. Most systems have a nominal voltage of 12-volts; however, Tesla uses some 16-volt and 42-volt batteries.

Curt Ward presents, Teaching High Voltage Battery Systems in this Issues Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Corner.

Learn how automotive educators can safely teach high-voltage systems in school auto labs. Includes practical tips and a simple safety checklist for instructors.

Learn how automotive educators can improve EV and hybrid system instruction. Explore common challenges, teaching strategies, and ways to build confidence in the classroom.

The rise of artificial intelligence is shifting how students look at their future career paths. Statistical analysis,
coding, and other skills once considered a pathway to a white collar job can now be automated, and that has
shut the employment door for many students

The automotive industry is experiencing one of the most transformative periods in its history. Vehicles are
rapidly evolving from mechanically dominated machines into complex cyber-physical platforms driven by
software, electrification, data networks, and artificial intelligence.

Program Funding Challenges, by Curt Ward, Professor at Joliet Junior College

Developing Automotive Curriculum, by Michael Gray, Co-Author & Publisher of Auto Upkeep

Learn how automotive educators can balance theory and hands-on learning to improve student engagement and understanding in today’s auto programs.

Discover how automotive educators can stay current with evolving technology, manage limited time, and use practical strategies to keep their teaching relevant.

What if preparing students for automotive careers meant looking beyond the repair bay? During a recent NACAT AEC Roundtable, one educator shared how he's working to create new opportunities for students through automotive competitions, including an unexpected career path that deserves more attention. His story is a great reminder of what happens when educators come together to exchange ideas and rethink what's possible.

When Ruben Parra first began teaching at the college level, he wanted to focus on one thing: teaching students how to work on cars. Student learning outcomes felt like paperwork standing between him and the shop. Years later, his approach has completely changed.

NACAT News Getting to Know: Luis Diaz, from Rockland BOCES.

Mike Conway, department chair of Automotive, Transportation and CDL Technologies at Stark State College in North Canton, Ohio, was named the 2026 Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year. He was honored during a special recognition ceremony at the recent Automotive Educator Conference (AEC), in Sacramento, California.

Tom Broxholm was presented with a NACAT Award of Appreciation at the recently concluded Automotive Educator Conference, hosted by NACAT in partnership with California Automotive Teachers, in Sacramento, California.

James Voth was presented the inaugural NACAT Lifetime Achievement Award at the recently concluded Automotive Educator Conference, hosted by NACAT in partnership with California Automotive Teachers, in Sacramento, California.

Wade Johnson was named the 2026 NACAT MVP at the recently concluded Automotive Educator Conference, hosted by NACAT in partnership with California Automotive Teachers, in Sacramento, California.

NACAT President Ed Martin presented the 2026 Friend of NACAT Award to Curt Ward at the recently concluded Automotive Educator Conference, hosted by NACAT in partnership with California Automotive Teachers, in Sacramento, California.

Aaron Klesick was presented with a NACAT Award of Appreciation at the recently concluded Automotive Educator Conference, hosted by NACAT in partnership with California Automotive Teachers, in Sacramento, California.

Lân Miêu of Arcadia, California, has been named the Mitchell 1 2026 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student, earning a $2,500 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the recent Automotive Educator Conference (AEC) in Sacramento, California.

The North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) proudly recognized several outstanding individuals during the 2026 Automotive Educators Conference (AEC) for their dedication, service, and contributions to automotive education and the NACAT community.

The North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) today announced a new partnership with RockED, a leading mobile-first training platform, to provide automotive educators and their students with expanded access to high-quality, industry-aligned training designed to develop career-ready technicians.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Automotive Educators Conference (AEC), hosted by the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) in partnership with the California Automotive Teachers (CAT). The event will take place June 15–18, 2026, at American River College’s brand-new automotive facility in Sacramento, California.

The North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) announces today that its annual conference will now be known as The Automotive Educator Conference, hosted by NACAT. This updated name makes the purpose of the event clear to all — an annual gathering dedicated exclusively to the needs of automotive instructors.

SkillsUSA and the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) are teaming up to provide a unique professional development opportunity for automotive educators during the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.

The North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) and the International Advanced Vehicle Technology Education and Credentialing Coalition (AVTECC) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership designed to enhance support for automotive educators and their training programs across North America.

The North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) is thrilled to announce the opening of registration for its historic 50th anniversary NACAT Conference & Expo. Taking place in Indianapolis, IN, this milestone event promises to be a celebration of automotive education excellence and innovation.