Automotive Instructor goes the Extra Mile
Kevin Kalke might have been at home for two months last winter recovering from surgery, but work wasn't far from his mind.
Kevin Kalke
The First Year Automotive Service Technician Instructor used the time off to create a new lab on steering columns. "Just sitting at home doing absolutely nothing - I felt guilty," he said.
For this and other examples of going beyond his regular duties and responsibilities, Kevin was recognized with the SHINE Extra Mile Award.
"As an instructor, Kevin is always prepared and gives our students a quality experience. With all the 'Extras' that came his way last year Kevin's classroom presentation and dedication to the students was never compromised," wrote Kevin's nominator, Robert Prediger, Assistant Program Head First Year Automotives.
The SHINE Awards were handed out at the Long Service and Staff Recognition ceremony on Jan. 30. Over the past few months, NAITLine has been profiling the recipients.
Also earning Kevin recognition for going the extra mile was his willingness to take on extra day-to-day duties in the department and his selfless sharing of time and course materials with the three new instructors he mentored.
A NAIT alumnus who returned to teach nine years ago, Kevin remembered how stressful he found the transition from the shop to the classroom - and he determined to make it as smooth as possible for the department's new instructors.
"Kevin gave his time and expertise willingly and spent many 'Extra' hours making sure our new hires got a quality audit and felt comfortable in their new roles," Robert wrote. "He spent 'Extra' time assisting in shop and theory classes when our new instructors felt out of their comfort zone in some areas . . ."
Kevin, however, is modest about his extra efforts.
"It's nice to be recognized, but for me, it's just something that has to be done so you get at it and get it done," he said. "I was the one who was nominated and put in the limelight, but this is a group effort. If there weren't more guys like that in the department, then we wouldn't be where we are."
Related
SHINE Program Brochure
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