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

1 week ago

BTC would love to invite currently enrolled parents, guardians, and families to attend an Open House to meet the instructors and see our facilities.Open Houses will be from 6 - 7 pm. Please see the post for dates and locations!#bsdvt@btc_edtrainlead @btcintrotohealthcare @btc.criminal.justice @btc_health_sciences_academy btc_digitamedialab @btc_designandillustration ... See MoreSee Less

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Burlington Technical Center

1 week ago

A BTC alumnus and his employer @planesense.us flew to BTV to visit with current aviation students. Students were able to tour the PC-12 and learn about employment opportunities for Airframe and Powerplant technicians at Plane Sense. Congratulations, Wulff, on your A&P certifications, and for “landing” a great career opportunity! #btvschools #adulted_btc ... See MoreSee Less

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Burlington Technical Center

2 months ago

Students coming to BTC for the 2023-2024 school year, you will receive a welcome letter no later than this week. If you do not receive a letter, or you have other questions, please connect with Office Manager, Ms. McKnight at lmcknigh@bsdvt.org and Director, J Reed at jreed@bsdvt.org. Thank you! ... See MoreSee Less

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Burlington Technical Center

2 months ago

BTC/BHS graduates in Seven Days! @caleblodish and @d._maccwww.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/caleb-lodish-i-expect-nothing-in-return/Content?oid=38744063BTC_Digital Media Lab ... See MoreSee Less

Caleb Lodish, 'I Expect Nothing in Return'

www.sevendaysvt.com

(Self-released, digital) Burlington producer Caleb Lodish has been an inescapable name in the Vermont hip-hop scene for the past two years. While he's a prolific...

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Burlington Technical Center

6 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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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.