Michael Carr, instructor in Pioneer Technology Center's machine tool technology program, was recently recognized at Oklahoma CareerTech's 43rd Annual Summer Conference in Tulsa. To be considered for this award, recipients must have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and novel programs and have shown a professional commitment early in their careers.

PONCA CITY, OK - Pioneer Technology Center's (PTC) machine tool technology instructor, Michael Carr, was recognized on stage at Oklahoma CareerTech's 43rd Annual Summer Conference in Tulsa. Carr represented the trade and industry division as its New Teacher of the Year nomination.

Carr is starting his third year of teaching at Pioneer Tech. In his first year of teaching, Carr took on one of the lead teacher roles in the Manufacturing Education and Training System (METS) program. METS was modeled after automotive's AYES internship initiative, but specifically designed for the manufacturing industry. Carr assists with the group's monthly meetings, ensures he has a pool of students on track for internship opportunities, and facilitates building relationships between our industry partners and technology center leadership.

During Carr's second year of teaching he was up to the challenge of hosting the SkillsUSA regional contest in the program's shop. At that contest he had a student win second place in the precision machine technology, and ultimately sixth in the state SkillsUSA contest. Also that year, another student won first place at the state contest in CNC milling, and competed at the National SkillsUSA Leadership Conference in Kansas City placing 12th in the nation.

This past year, Carr had a student that placed first in the SkillsUSA regional contest for precision machining.

Michael Carr's philosophy for teaching is to train all students to be successful in a career. "I believe each student should be treated as an individual and taught in the way they can best learn," commented Carr. In Carr's classroom and shop, students learn skills through theory and through practical application. Students are also expected to set goals and work toward completing their defined goals daily. Carr's ultimate philosophy is that character building should be a part of everyday life in his class.

For more information about, machine tool technology or other manufacturing career training, call Pioneer Technology Center at 580-762-8336.