Automotive Science & Technology

Your Instructor(s)

Robert “Bob” Church

Master Automotive Service Technician

Prior to working for the Burlington Public Schools, Bob operated Texaco Service stations in New Jersey and taught Automotive Science at Passaic County Technical Institute. In 1990 Bob and his family moved to Vermont where Bob took a position with the Nordic Automotive Group as the shop operations foreman for Nordic Ford, Toyota, and Mitsubishi.

He began his career at BTC in 1991, and over the course of 29 years Bob has developed the Automotive Science & Technology program. The program is modeled on the educational philosophy of John Dewey; “education through occupation” “not for occupation” with a core curriculum designed to use the “experience” of working on an automobile to enhance academic knowledge & technical skills.In addition to program development, Bob is proud of the relationships he’s developed with students, parents, business and community members. Bob’s passionate involvement in educational issues at the local, state and federal level stem from his firm belief that teachers should advocate to ensure all children have an equal opportunity to learn and grow.

Bob’s principles are grounded by the educational experiences of his mother, who was orphaned as a child. It was her teachers’ involvement in her life that ensured she had an education which enabled her to have a fulfilling career as a registered nurse, raise a family and leave a legacy of service to others.

Photo: Vermont Secretary of Education Dan French and Bob Church in front of the BTC Automotive Science & Technology graduate wall of fame which contains profiles of graduates from 1991.

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Burlington Technical Center

Learn by doing in Burlington, Vermont.

Burlington Technical Center

2 months ago

BTC would like to congratulate Bibek Gurung (BHS Class of 2019) for his new position with the Burlington Police Department! He is pictured 2nd from the left with his newly sworn fellow officers, as well as Chief Murad. Following high school graduation, Bibek went to work for BPD's Beach and Parks Patrol Division. Today he is at the Vermont Police Academy. We look forward to seeing him protecting the Burlington community so#onenorthaveth#seahorsespirit802i#BTVSchoolshoo#mrsg_hscj_hscj ... See MoreSee Less

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Burlington Technical Center

2 months ago

Congratulations to Design and Illustration student, Sarah Ali (BHS)! “Lead, succeed, and inspire.” #seahorsespirit802 #boysandgirlsclubbtv #BTVSchoolswww.mynbc5.com/article/burlington-resident-receives-the-boys-and-girls-clubs-vermont-youth-of-the... ... See MoreSee Less

Burlington resident receives the Boys & Girls Club's Vermont Youth of the Year Award

www.mynbc5.com

The winner received a $2,500 scholarship.

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Burlington Technical Center

2 months ago

We would like to congratulate our Health Sciences Academy students for participating in the 2023 HOSA Future Health Professionals competition at Castleton University. Maggie Wyman (BHS) and Brendan Delany (BHS) won gold in the Mental Health Promotion competition, and Skylar Foster (MMU), Vaughn Larkin (SBHS), and David Hoy (EHS) swept the pathophysiology competition. They will be competing in the national competition in June. Congratulations to all of the students who participated! #seahorsespirit802 #essexwestford #sbhsvt #mmuusd ... See MoreSee Less

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Burlington Technical Center

3 months ago

The informational session for the Education, Training, and Leadership program has been postponed due to weather and a district snow day. Please check our website and social media for a new time following winter break. Thank you! ... See MoreSee Less

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Burlington Technical Center

3 months ago

Pre-Tech Design, Innovation & Technology is an unique foundational program that provides tenth grade students with the chance to explore, design and create. If you’re in freshman year of high school and know that tech is for you, or want to explore and learn more about it in a supportive, hands-on learning environment, Pre-Tech is the program for you! Challenge yourself and grow your base knowledge of designing, building and troubleshooting. You’ll be ready to dive into your future with advanced understanding of complex systems and confidence with tools, equipment and safe practices. Meet the instructors, tour the lab and classroom space featuring state-of-the-art equipment and dive into your future! ... See MoreSee Less

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In-Person Informational Sessions

February 22, 2023 – I. 5-6 p.m., II. 6-7 p.m.

4095 Williston Ave., South Burlington

About the Program

Automotive Science and Technology is a two-year program that meets for just over two hours per day, five days per week.

The rigorous curriculum is designed to prepare students for college and/or career opportunities. CommonCore and National Science standards are an integral part of the automotive curriculum; subsequently, students study scientific principles as they’re applied to the design, operation, and service of a modern automobile.

Students will learn how engines work, troubleshoot common engine problems and fuel system issues, analyze and complete vehicle manufacture repair algorithms. Students disassemble a modern vehicle engine, use micrometers, dial indicators to measure engine components, build and test electrical circuits, complete basic vehicle maintenance procedures and operate machinery associated with lifting a car, changing/ balancing wheels and performing wheel alignments.

High School credits available include:
• Year 1 – 3 Elective Credits
• Year 2 -2.0 Elective Credits and 1.0 Science Credit
• 1.0 Math Credit recommendation available with additional independent study

Follow this link for the CTE Automative, Diesel Technology, Auto-Body Collision Programs Proficiency Summary, as detailed on the VT AOE website.

National Technical Honor Society, Pennzoil Information Program, Valvoline Motor Oil Basics, SP2: Mechanical Safety, Mechanical Pollution Prevention, Ethics and You in the Automotive Industry, Land That Job: InterviewSkills for Automotive Students; ASE: Automotive Service E-Learning, Student Certification. Qualified students may be eligible to earn college credits at the following institutions: New Hampshire Technical College at Laconia, and the University of Northwestern Ohio.