Theron Edwards loves automotive repair. Now, the Brookhaven Technical Center is recognizing his drive.

Working on cars has been a passion of his since he was a student, and he loves sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation.  After teaching automotive repair for five years, Edwards was recently chosen for the center’s 2019 Teacher of the Year award.

“It’s an honor to be chosen out of all the great teachers that we have at the technical center,” he said.

BTC provides training for students of Brookhaven High School in technical, career-oriented skills. Edwards, a graduate of Brookhaven High School, also learned automotive repair by attending the technical center, called “vo-tech” at the time. There, Edwards said he learned valuable skills that have allowed him to provide for his family, and he wants to pass that experience on.

“I never thought I would ever become a teacher,” Edwards said. “It wasn’t in my plans. Realizing the things I learned from those two years provided me with the ability to provide for my family and save me money on automotive repair made me want to pass it on. And what better way than to become an instructor at the place (that) inspired my career?”

In addition to passing on his automotive knowledge, Edwards works to teach important life lessons in his classroom — lessons he said his parents, the late Harry and Beverly Edwards, taught him — including a strong work ethic and a sense of fairness.

“Always show and prove your worth,” Edwards said. “I try to teach that to my students every day. Don’t settle for excuses. Always try to find the solution and you will be successful.”

Edwards said he has grown to love his job, his students and his co-workers.

“I wish it would have happened 10 years ago,” he said. “I really enjoy teaching. Teaching automotive to my students does not feel like a job.”