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Auto Program at Hartford Union High School Provides Students

With Skills that Last a Lifetime

dents build confidence through this hands-on Systems course. Students leave with both
approach. advanced technical knowledge and tangible
The next level, Auto Service, takes college credit, positioning them for success
students deeper into the systems that make in technical college programs or entry-level
vehicles run. This course emphasizes student- industry roles.
led exploration of automotive systems through Beyond technical skill development,
structured lab experiences. Students diagnose the HUHS Auto Department stands out for
common automotive failures, perform typical its strong female participation, challeng-
repairs, and complete regular maintenance ing outdated stereotypes about who belongs
tasks. A key highlight of Auto Service is the in automotive spaces. A significant number
opportunity to earn transcripted college credit of female students are enrolled across the
through the local technical college. Because program, contributing to a learning environ-
the course content aligns with the college’s ment that values diversity, collaboration, and
Auto Service Fundamentals course, students inclusion. These students are not only suc-
can earn college credit while still in high ceeding in the courses but also serving as
school. visible role models, demonstrating that auto-
For students ready to elevate their motive careers are open to everyone.
skills even further, Auto Technician provides The auto program at HUHS provides stu-
advanced, career-focused instruction. This dents with essential life skills, authentic career
Stevy Schliewe, Ed.D. pathways, and earn college-level transcripted course is designed for students who are seri- exploration, early college credit, and path-
Hartford Union High School credit or industry-recognized credentials. ously interested in the automotive service ways toward industry-recognized credentials.
Director of Curriculum & Instruction Auto Maintenance serves as an introduc- industry and want to explore professional Whether students plan to pursue automotive
careers or simply want to be informed vehicle
Hartford Union High School’s automotive tion to the automotive pathway as a course built pathways. Instruction centers on diagnos- owners, HUHS equips them with skills that
ing complex problems, troubleshooting, and
for students with little to no prior automotive
program is redefining what career preparation experience. This introductory class focuses on performing vehicle repairs, with a strong last a lifetime.
can look like in a high school setting. Through understanding the basic, required maintenance emphasis on brakes, steering, suspension,
a sequence of three intentionally designed of a vehicle. Students learn through demon- and electrical systems. Like Auto Service,
courses, students have the ability to gain prac- strations and lab experiences. From checking Auto Technician also offers transcripted credit www.huhs.org
tical life skills, explore high-demand career fluids to performing routine service tasks, stu- through the college, aligning with the Brake

From the Garage to the Classroom: How One Teacher Is Driving Success in

McFarland’s Tech Ed Program

“I didn’t go to school to become a explains. “When I started, our accreditation “That program is unbelievable. Kids
teacher,” says the auto tech instructor, was about to expire, so we had to go through earn money, get credit, and work in real jobs,
Brian Hawn. “I went to school for automo- the full re-certification process. We got it all while enrolled in my class.”
tive maintenance and spent years doing renewed, and that was a big deal.” The department is also intentional about
fleet maintenance for FedEx.” After coach- The ASE offers exams to students as encouraging female participation. “We’ve
ing football at McFarland for three years, well, and the program boasts an impressive been working to improve representation. We
an opportunity opened up in the tech ed 70% pass rate. “Students are really engaged actively recruit female students to explore
department. “I was lucky enough to get this in these courses. They love the hands-on this pathway.”
gig through an experience-based licensure learning.” Much of the program’s success, he says,
program.” Students start with a freshman elec- is thanks to district support.
With help from district administra- tive, Intro to Tech, and then move into “McFarland has really backed tech
tors, Hawn navigated the state’s alternative hands-on classes. The auto track begins with ed. We have the tools, the space, the safety
licensure pathway. “They gave me a check- Air-Cooled Engines, then Autos 1, where equipment—everything we need to run this
list of what to do and when,” he says. “I students learn practical skills like servicing program professionally. That support from
started on a one-year probationary license. brakes and tires. Autos 2 dives into electron- the district makes all the difference.”
Now I’ve got a five-year license, and I’m ics and drive systems. And for this not-so-traditional teacher,
here to stay.” But it’s Autos 3, the capstone class, that the reward is in the classroom. “What a joy
The tech ed department currently really shines. it is to wake up and go to work every day.
includes three staff members, with Mr. “I’m proud of this class,” the instruc- ‘We’re doing fuel injectors today—let’s go!’
Hawn focusing on automotive technology. tor says. “It’s collaborative, project-based. The kids are excited to learn. They want to
Their program is not just about teaching— We’ve done engine swaps and full rebuilds. be here.”
it’s about building real-world skills that lead One of our biggest projects was taking a In McFarland, the road from the shop
McFarland School District directly to employment. A central part of beat-up 1985 Chevy Corvette and turning it floor to the classroom is paved with opportu-
When you walk into the automotive tech that is their certification through ASE, the into a 400-horsepower off-road go-kart. The nity—and horsepower.
classroom at McFarland High School, it feels National Institute for Automotive Service kids did everything.”
more like a garage than a traditional classroom. Excellence. Typically, 18-20 students enroll in Autos
That’s by design—and it’s thanks to a teacher “ASE certifies mechanics in the indus- 3, and each year, five to six go straight into www.mcfarland.k12.wi.us
who never expected to be here in the first place. try, but they also accredit high school the field, often before graduation through
programs. It’s not easy to get certified,” he McFarland’s youth apprenticeship program.