![Program of the Year award announcement and teacher headshot]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746211558/whitebeark12mnus/mefdfzyk6zuqihd03br2/WBLAHSAutomotiveProgramAward.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746211558/whitebeark12mnus/mefdfzyk6zuqihd03br2/WBLAHSAutomotiveProgramAward.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746211558/whitebeark12mnus/mefdfzyk6zuqihd03br2/WBLAHSAutomotiveProgramAward.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1746211558/whitebeark12mnus/mefdfzyk6zuqihd03br2/WBLAHSAutomotiveProgramAward.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1746211558/whitebeark12mnus/mefdfzyk6zuqihd03br2/WBLAHSAutomotiveProgramAward.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746211558/whitebeark12mnus/mefdfzyk6zuqihd03br2/WBLAHSAutomotiveProgramAward.png","width":2042}])
Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/1/2025
White Bear Lake Area High School Automotive Program Named Exemplary Secondary Program of the Year
Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence is delighted to announce that White Bear Lake Area High School’s Automotive Program, led by Automotive Instructor and Technology Education Building Lead Derek Doescher, has been named the Exemplary Secondary Program of the Year. This award showcases secondary level transportation programs that serve as exemplary models of institutional support, instructional leadership, and program-wide excellence.
Under Derek Doescher’s leadership, the Automotive Career Pathway at White Bear Lake Area High School has experienced significant growth and success. Since joining White Bear Lake Area Schools in September 2019, Doescher has expanded student enrollment and fostered partnerships with local industry leaders. His efforts have led to over 1,000 students gaining exposure to the automotive industry and more than 250 students enrolling in Automotive Career Pathway courses each year, marking the highest enrollment to date. Doescher’s commitment extends beyond the classroom, as demonstrated by his initiative to increase paid summer work experiences for students, resulting in 31 placements, many of which led to full-time employment offers. During his tenure, Doescher has also focused on inclusivity, increasing female student enrollment in automotive courses from six to over 40 annually.
Doescher brings a rich background in technical education and hands-on industry experience to his role. After high school, he attended Universal Technical Institute (UTI), graduating with honors from the Automotive and Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) programs. He then worked in the automotive industry for over eight years as a certified technician for MINI Cooper and Ford. In 2016, he transitioned into education, earning his Bachelor of Science in Technology Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Today, his dedication to continuous education includes becoming Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master certified and currently working on his Master’s degree in Career and Technical Education through the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
White Bear Lake Area High School’s Automotive Career Pathway provides students with a well-rounded, hands-on education in automotive technology, equipping them with the skills and certifications necessary for careers in the transportation industry. The curriculum includes courses such as Automotive Technology I, Automotive Technology II: Brakes, Automotive Technology II: Steering and Suspension, Automotive Technology II: Electrical, Car Care, and Engine Repair. A key highlight of the program is its emphasis on industry credentials—students have completed more than 200 modules annually through the Ford Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program. This commitment to workforce readiness has made the White Bear Lake Automotive program a regional leader in automotive education and certification achievement.
Doescher would like to thank all the individuals who have donated their time and effort to help support and improve the program over the last six years. Together, they are truly growing the technicians of tomorrow.
For more information about the TCOE Awards, visit https://www.minntran.org/tcoe-awards/
For the official news article, visit https://www.minntran.org/2025-tcoe-award-recipients/
(Scroll down to see the WBLAHS highlight, the fourth in the list)
To share the official social posts, visit Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. (All will be posted by end of day, May 1)
The awards will be officially presented on August 6th at the MTTIA Conference in Brainerd, MN.
About the Minnesota State TCOE
Minnesota State hosts eight Centers of Excellence - each serving a major industry that faces serious workforce challenges. The centers collaborate with industry and educators to attract and prepare students for success in high-demand careers. Strategically located throughout the state, the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence drive workforce innovation through education and industry collaboration - and provide thought leadership on workforce development in their respective industries.
Contact:
Cassidy Yates, Cassidy.Yates@dctc.edu
Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence
1300 145th St. East, Rosemount, MN 55068