ATEC Academy
About the Course
ATEC Academy is an initiative created to address the growing challenge of recruiting and retaining skilled instructors amid increasing demand for the technical workforce. Conducted by seasoned educators with extensive experience in teaching teachers—and supported by a network of expert A&P master teachers who mentor participants—the Academy is limited to just 20 seats to ensure a highly engaging, personalized experience.
Part 147 schools consistently cite the availability of qualified instructors as a primary barrier to program growth. As demand for technical talent intensifies, competition between education and industry—particularly around compensation—continues to widen. At the same time, many new instructors enter the classroom directly from industry with little or no formal training in teaching. Without structured onboarding or professional development in pedagogy, these educators are often left to navigate the complexities of instruction on their own.
To address these challenges, ATEC developed the ATEC Academy—a comprehensive, three-month professional development experience designed to support both new and transitioning instructors, as well as experienced educators seeking to refine their skills or bring new strategies back to their programs.
A Structured Path to Instructor Success
The ATEC Academy blends immersive, in-person learning with ongoing virtual engagement and applied practice, ensuring participants gain both foundational knowledge and real-world teaching experience.
Phase I: Take-Off (Foundations of Teaching Excellence)
The Academy begins with a dynamic, two-day, face-to-face session focused on the fundamentals of effective instruction. Participants explore:
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The evolving landscape of aviation maintenance education, including requirements set forth in part 147 and the FAA Mechanic Airman Certification Standards
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Core principles of teaching and learning
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Strategies for creating engaging, student-centered classrooms
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Lesson planning for both lecture and shop/hangar environments
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Formative assessment techniques and student feedback strategies
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Building a strong learning culture and defining what makes an effective instructor
Through interactive discussions, collaborative activities, and hands-on lesson design, participants leave with practical tools they can immediately apply in their classrooms.
Phase II: Cruising at Altitude (Applied Practice & Coaching)
Following the in-person session, participants return to their campuses to apply what they’ve learned over a two-month period. During this phase, they:
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Attend live virtual sessions on topics such as instructional technology, student behavior management, and rubric development
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Complete applied assignments including classroom observations, instructor interviews, and lesson planning
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Record and reflect on their own teaching practice
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Receive individualized mentorship and feedback from experienced educators
This phase emphasizes continuous improvement, real-world application, and professional reflection.
Phase III: Safe Landing (Completion & Recognition)
Upon successful completion of all course requirements, participants graduate from the ATEC Academy—equipped with the skills, confidence, and strategies needed to succeed as effective, industry-aligned educators.
Designed for Impact
Trainees benefit from a combination of face-to-face instruction, virtual learning, and targeted assignments designed to strengthen teaching effectiveness and student engagement. This immersive approach not only supports instructor development but also helps aviation maintenance programs improve retention, persistence, and overall instructional quality.
Whether supporting new instructors transitioning from industry or enhancing the capabilities of experienced faculty, ATEC Academy provides a clear runway to success.