Our team at NC3 has some impressive employees in our ranks and this Staff Spotlight series aims to highlight the incredibly talented individuals who work with us. We’ll be featuring a new interview in our monthly newsletters, here on our website, and on our social media pages each month.

In the first four months of 2021, Michael is proud that NC3 has already certified 36 instructors via virtual Train-the-Trainer events offered for the Trane NC3 Data Analytics certification. These instructors can now teach the new Data Analytics curriculum, and can start issuing industry-recognized certifications to their students!

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Check out our Q&A session below to learn more about how Michael originally became interested in career & technical education, what he values most about his role with NC3, his fear of heights – and how he overcame it to go skydiving not once, but twice – and more!

What job(s) did you do before you started working with NC3? 

Prior to working at NC3, I was a high school and college English literature instructor. I taught at several independent high schools and at San Diego City College (SDCC). I also worked in non-profit fundraising; in healthcare with Scripps Health, in public broadcasting at KPBS San Diego, and in education at independent schools.

How did you become interested in career and technical education?

I became interested in CTE while employed as a community college core curriculum instructor at San Diego City College. I was largely involved in the liberal arts prior to that time, and while working at SDCC I learned about the opportunities available to students through CTE. 

How would you describe the NC3 team?

I think of the NC3 team as a group of like-minded colleagues, both talented and innovative, with a shared purpose. It’s a real pleasure to work with such a capable team.

What are 3 words you would use to describe NC3?

Creative, Energetic, Innovative

What has been your favorite project while working at NC3?

I value the opportunity to help schools create outstanding energy and HVAC programs. I’m also proud to have led the production of five NC3 National Signing Day events (yearly from 2015 – 2020)! 

Do you have any favorite memories from NC3 National Signing Day events over the years? 

I’ve enjoyed all the NC3 National Signing Day events I’ve participated in, and helped produce, but my experience at TCAT Morristown stands out to this day. The year I was on-site at TCAT Morristown, they had a small, feel-good event with an amazing staff and a phenomenal student body. Dallas College’s Cedar Valley Campus National Signing Day also stands out. Their production was on the complete opposite end of the spectrum; it was huge and featured cheerleaders, state and local representatives, and more! Every school’s National Signing Day event is unique, and I appreciate that about them.

Have you ever faced one of your fears?  

I’ve been skydiving a few times even though I don’t really like heights. Once you stand in the open doorway of a plane at 16,000 feet, you realize it’s not that bad – and there’s no going back. When I first decided to skydive, it was to push myself outside of my comfort zone, but the second time I went back it was for the fun of it!

What was the most interesting vacation you’ve ever had? 

The most interesting vacation I’ve taken was a month-long solo backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Macau, Hong Kong, and Mainland China. The night train from Singapore to Bangkok, north through the Malay peninsula, is unforgettable. 

Do you have a favorite newspaper, or blog?

I’ve read the Sunday New York Times for years, even before it was available online.

What is on your wish list for the next 5 years with NC3? 

My goal is to continue to work with Trane to develop relevant and exceptional curricula and to help deliver these certifications to schools and students worldwide.

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Want to learn more about NC3’s Trane program and the industry-recognized student certifications offered through this world-class partnership? Email Michael today.