Auto Repair Teacher Named an Award Finalist

Surrounded by the smell of anti-freeze and the loud, grinding buzz of car-detailing equipment, Granada Hills High School automotive technology teacher Michael Izzo is in his element.

Izzo, who has taught auto repair since 1990, was chosen last month as one of 10 regional finalists for the 1998-99 Educator of the Year Award, given annually by the California League of High Schools.

“Teaching is just a very rewarding experience,” said Izzo, the only teacher so honored in the Los Angeles Unified School District. “It enables you to work with some really nice people and to impart knowledge to them.”

The awards program by the league, a nonprofit networking organization for secondary teachers, honors teachers who go above and beyond the norm, establish new programs or work with students outside the class, said Katie Winchell, the league’s director of communications.

“We look for exceptional educators,” Winchell said. “They’ll go the extra mile and are open to ideas of progressive change.”

Those vying for the award were selected from nominations by teachers, administrators and counselors. Izzo is a finalist in the five-county Region 8, which covers Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Kern and San Luis Obispo counties.

“His nomination is for his auto shop because he has really elevated the old shop idea to something that is scientific and high-tech,” said Kathy Rattay, principal at Granada Hills High School.

Rattay said Izzo has been a force behind obtaining certification from the National Automotive Technical Education Foundation. The certification is typically attained by community colleges and serves to make students more job-ready.

“It’s been a lot of fun, and I love the hands-on experience that we get,” said Jordan Taylor, 17, a student in one of Izzo’s advanced class.

On March 25, the finalists will be recognized at a dinner ceremony. The teacher selected as Educator of the Year will attend an annual conference offering different aspects of professional development.