JM’s Ulrich Earns National Award
The NOCTI Board of Trustees named John Marshall High School Automotive Technology teacher Jared Ulrich the winner of the 2024 Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher Award.
The Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Award was established in 2013 to honor Dr. Carl J. Schaefer. As a lifelong champion in CTE, he gained national recognition as a CTE educator and author. He was also one of NOCTI’s founding fathers. This memorial award is a tribute to Dr. Schaefer’s memory and recognizes an outstanding CTE teacher or CTE teacher candidate. Criteria for the award include an application describing personal goals, work experience, awards/honors received, professional memberships, and leadership and community service activities.
Ulrich came to Marshall County Schools out of industry as an automotive technician and transitioned into a seasoned instructor in the John Marshall High School CTE Department. He is always looking to improve his instruction and the student learning experience. He has participated in many professional development opportunities over the last few years.
Most recently, the CTE department began to look at NOCTI data. Ulrich took information from his students’ test scores over a seven-year cross section and identified areas that consistently needed improvement. After identifying the standards, he formulated a plan to address the shortcomings. After his first year of addressing these standards in different ways, his students’ average score rose 40 points (based on a 100-point scale). The following year he continued to see growth, with his students seeing an average score gain of 20 points from benchmark to audit (final).
Reflecting on his work, Ulrich shared, “Teaching automotive technology is something truly special to me. It’s about more than just fixing cars. It’s about igniting a passion in young minds and guiding them toward a future filled with possibility. When I stand in front of my students, I strive to share not just knowledge, but the joy of discovery.”
“Watching them develop their skills and confidence is a rewarding experience, like witnessing a new engine roar to life,” Ulrich continued. “Seeing my students excel in the automotive field and carving out successful careers for themselves fills me with pride. The world of automotive technology is ever-changing. I cherish the opportunity to explore those innovations alongside my students, encouraging them to embrace the journey ahead with curiosity and determination.”
Ulrich is a John Marshall High School graduate.
