Portland Community College automotive instructor wins national educator award

PORTLAND, Ore. (Portland Tribune) — Sometimes things that feel too good to be true are true.

Jay Kuykendall, Portland Community College Automotive Service Technology Program instructor, was named the 2024 Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year by the North American Council of Automotive Teachers.

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"When I was first contacted, I thought it was a scam," Kuykendall said. "Why would they pick me when there are so many great automotive instructors out there? Now I feel like I need to work harder to live up to the award, not for myself but for the students here at PCC."

Kuykendall just started his 10th year at PCC, and said this award was a very humbling experience for him.

The Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year award recognizes excellence in automotive education and requires recipients to excel in ASE automotive tests A1-A8, which include categories like engine repair, brakes and engine performance. Recipients must also pass the L1 Advanced Engine Performance exam.

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