PTC automotive technology instructor Jeff Ruth has been selected as a finalist for the Valvoline-ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Teacher of the Year award. One of five finalists from across the United States, criteria for selection includes successful completion of Valvoline’s training program, as well as scoring among the highest on the ASE test for automotive instructors.
“Of course, it would be amazing to win, but right now, I am honored to simply be among the finalists,” says Ruth. “I enjoy teaching, and I enjoy keeping up to date with current technologies and training, and it all comes together for our students and graduates. Really, it’s our students and graduates who are the stars,” Ruth adds.
Ruth has been with PTC for 11 years, and prior to that, he worked at Northwest Iowa Technical College as an automotive instructor for 14 years. Over the course of his career so far, Ruth has amassed an expansive collection of awards and recognition, from the 2010 – 2011 Pine Technical College Teacher of the Year nomination, to national recognition such as the Valvoline-ASE program. Most notable, Ruth’s name is inscribed on the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Mich. – a sought-after recognition among those in the industry. Ruth earned his spot in the Hall of Fame in 1988, and says he worked hard and prepared for it.
“For that, I was taking home service manuals each night, and I really studied for it. It was worth it; I earned the Master Engine Machinist, Master Automotive Technician, Master Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck Technician, and Master Body and Paint Technician certifications,” Ruth says.
Ruth’s methods of studying are a habit; each year, Ruth must receive 20 hours of continuing education/instructor training to maintain the ASE program certification, plus he has a reputation for continually seeking out additional training on top of what is required.
“We’re so proud of Jeff and our entire automotive technology program,” says Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., President of PTC. “Jeff is extremely well-liked by his students. He is thorough, patient, and approachable, and of course, he is extremely knowledgeable,” Musgrove adds.
As part of the Valvoline-ASE Teacher of the Year competition, Ruth must submit a short video depicting why he should be selected as the Valvoline-ASE Teacher of the Year. Ruth’s students and colleagues participated in the making of the three-minute video, viewable here.
PHOTOs at top:
Jeff Ruth (L) sits with colleague James Ascheman (R) at Pine Technical College, among many awards Ruth has amassed over the years.
PHOTO above:
(L to R) 1988 – General Motors executive C.N. Moore; Northwest Iowa Technical College student David Imhoff; Miss America 1988 Kaye Lani Rae Rafko; Jeff Ruth. Moore extends his congratulations to Imhoff and Ruth, as Imhoff – a student of Ruth’s – won a first place award at the 1988 annual U.S. Skill Olympics competition held in Wichita, Kan. Ruth attended the same competition again in 1991 with another student and says he looks forward to attending more competitions as the Skills chapter at PTC grows.
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