Nominations Now Open for ASE Education Foundation’s Instructor of the Year

The ASE Education Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Instructor of the Year Award. This prestigious award celebrates high school and college educators from ASE-accredited automotive, diesel/truck and collision repair programs who consistently go the extra mile to motivate, mentor and shape the next generation of automotive service professionals.

Candidates for the ASE Education Foundation Instructor of the Year Award must be nominated by an administrator such as a principal, program director, dean, department chair or CTE director. Finalists will be contacted by an ASE Education Foundation field manager to verify their information and eligibility. To nominate an outstanding instructor, administrators should complete the nomination form by March 2, 2026.

This year's award recipient will receive a plaque, a $1,000 award and an expenses-paid trip for two to attend the ASE Instructor Training Conference held July 20-23 in Frisco, Texas outside of Dallas as well as the ASE fall board of directors meeting and annual service professionals recognition banquet on November 17 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The award honors the memory of Byrl Shoemaker. Dr. Shoemaker was the state director of vocational and adult education at the Ohio Department of Education from 1962 to 1982. He was a major contributor to education, including the development of the system of career technical education programs in Ohio and the development of the two-year post high school technician education centers that have grown into the system of community colleges across Ohio. Dr. Shoemaker was also instrumental in the development of VICA (now SkillsUSA) in Ohio as well as nationally and the development of NATEF (now ASE Education Foundation) accreditation, ensuring entry-level automotive repair training programs meet standards set by the automotive service industry at the national level.

"Dr. Byrl Shoemaker was a truly influential figure in automotive service education, and his legacy continues to resonate today," said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation. "His contributions to advancing technician education were unparalleled. In his honor, the ASE Education Foundation presents an annual lifetime achievement award recognizing exceptional instructors whose commitment to technical education reflects Dr. Shoemaker's enduring passion."

About the ASE Education Foundation

The ASE Education Foundation provides proven solutions to the technician shortage, working with nearly 2,000 automotive technology training programs and over 100,000 students nationally to provide the transportation industry a skilled entry level workforce through standards and credentials for institutions and individuals. The Foundation also offers career development and workplace exposure by creating relationships and partnerships with employers. For more information, visit https://www.ASEeducationFoundation.org.