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First Coast Technical College

First Coast Technical College serving St. Johns County and Northeast Florida since 1965.

First Coast Technical College

2 days ago

🎉 FCTC Teacher of the Year 2025 🎉FCTC is proud to recognize Terry Smith as our 2025 Teacher of the Year!Mr. Smith, our dedicated Diesel Instructor, has spent nearly three decades in the industry and over ten years in the classroom shaping the next generation of skilled technicians. His passion for teaching, commitment to student success, and ability to inspire confidence in every learner make him an outstanding educator and mentor.Congratulations, Mr. Smith, on this well-deserved honor! 👏A little more about Mr. Smith....How long have you been in the industry?29 yearsHow long have you been teaching?10 yearsWhy did you become a teacher?While I was doing warranty work for a variety of companies, I was appalled at the quality of technicians I encountered. I wanted to help improve the skill and professionalism of the next generation of technicians entering the industry.What does being a “good” teacher mean to you?Being a good teacher means making the difference between a student’s success or being the reason they give up and lose faith in themselves.What inspires you in your work?Watching students succeed is what inspires me most. Some graduate and move on with their lives—which is exactly the goal. But many return after graduation to share their successes, ask for advice, troubleshoot work-related issues, or simply say hello. That fills my tank.Early in the program, I have students set 5-year goals within the first 24 days. This helps me guide their learning toward those goals. I am constantly floored by how quickly they meet—and often exceed—their own career goals.If you could remind yourself of one important thing at the start of next year, what would it be?I would remind myself that each student is a blank canvas at the beginning of the program, and my role is to provide the tools and materials for them to paint their own picture.What advice would you share with people interested in becoming teachers?Teaching is much more than lectures, demonstrations, and testing. Everyone learns differently and at their own pace. Some students only need a gentle push, while others require you to find the right connection or method to make the information click.Patience is key. Be willing to think outside the box. Most importantly, earn your students’ trust. Without trust, it’s difficult for them to take in new information or attempt something outside their comfort zone. When they know they can rely on you, real learning happens. ... See MoreSee Less

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