Educator Resources - Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence

The Online Learning Resource Center (OLRC) is a collaboration between the Minnesota State Career and Technical Education office, the eight Minnesota State Centers of Excellence, and the Minnesota Department of Education. Below you will find resources curated by the TCOE and fellow educators.

Be sure to look through all the sections, you never know what you might find!

ASE Advisory Committee Resources
The ASE Education Foundation has a list of free downloadable resources for you! When you click on the above link, scroll down and click on “Advisory Committee”.

Driven to Succeed: Key Components of Successful Advisory Committees
Advisory Committee Meetings are an opportunity to interact with key stakeholders in our programs, yet they can also feel like a burden and stressor. Read this article to find a few tried and true ways to spice up the engagement and effectiveness of your advisory committee meetings! There are resources at the bottom of the article as well.

Minnesota State’s Career Program Advisory Committee Handbook
A guide for improving the overall quality of career pathways through the use of effective advisory committees.

NCPN Career Pathways Advisory Committee Toolkit
PDF booklet covering Advisory Committee setups, growth, member guides, benefits, and more!

CTE Credit MN
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities work collaboratively with area high schools to offer students an opportunity to explore careers, earn college credit, and complete a career and technical program before graduating from high school. This collaboration saves students time and money. Explore this website to see which classes are offered at a high school near you. Once you have earned articulated college credit (ACC), log back in and print your ACC record directly from the site.

ASE Program Accreditation
The 5-step accreditation process is engineered to evaluate a school’s automotive service program—its structure, processes, resources, materials, and mission. We perform a thorough, strategic review and offer accreditation to programs that meet the requirements of the industry’s instructional standards. For each program—Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinish, or Medium/Heavy Duty Truck—the accreditation process is the same; an effective methodology that dives deep into program structure.

ASE Automotive Technology Task List and Performance Evaluation
This spreadsheet is an example of how to document student performance in an accredited program.

Autoshop 101
This FREE site has been developed to help you prepare for the
Electrical / Electronics ASE certification exam.

Auto Upkeep Academy
Courses ranging from alternative fuels, braking system, drive train, electric vehicles, and more!

AVI Training
AVI produces automotive technician training through instructor led courses, technical training manuals and other media, with a commitment to continually update this training to stay in-step with ever changing automotive technology.

Carquest Technical Institute Virtual Classroom
Welcome to the New CTI+WTI Virtual Classroom. Over the last several months we have delivered nearly 100 virtual sessions allowing us to test our technologies and fine tune our team and system as we prepare to bring the CTI+WTI Live classroom to you no matter where you are. Beginning Monday August 10, 2020, CTI+WTI Virtual Classroom live events became available for our paying members through the CTI+WTI Learning Center. For help accessing Virtual Classroom, click on the video links below for step by step instructions to find, enroll, attend and subscribe to our Live Virtual Classroom events.

Center for Advanced Automotive Technology Resource Library
Resources include class activities, complete courses, curriculum, homework, labs, lesson plans, modules, presentations, studies, and reports.

CDX Learning Systems
Online learning solutions for students available for automotive, mobile heavy equipment, and Medium/Heavy truck.

Electricity and Circuits Simulations
PHET’s free simulations creates interactive math and science simulations through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.

Electude E-Learning Solutions
Our e-learning platform is designed to address the reality that most technical students prefer hands-on learning. Electude’s modules utilize gamification principles and highly interactive resources, like animations and simulations, to create a discovery-based environment that keeps students engaged. Formative assessments on every screen ensure understanding before the learner is permitted to advance to the next level. Electude: How to Videos

Garage Gurus Training
The Garage Gurus^® eLearning online training program brings the expertise and knowledge of our ASE-Certified Master Trainers to you whenever and wherever you want to learn. Attain the certifications and knowledge you need to get ahead in your career.

Garage Gurus Tech Tips
Watch instruction videos of experienced techs giving tips and tricks to get the job done right.

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools
We believe excellent skilled trades teachers deserve to be recognized and supported. Each year we award more than $1 million to teachers and their schools through the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. Meet the great teachers we have been honored to support over the past five years — or apply to be one!

Intelligent Transportation Systems Case Studies
The ITS PCB Program is pleased to offer higher education instructors a new learning resource for the classroom. The ITS Case Study is a scenario-based learning tool that exposes students to real-world decisions that come with planning, deploying, and operating ITS technologies.

LOCTITE-Xplore E-Learning Platform
LOCTITE-Xplore currently offers two modules, with new topics in development: How to increase reliability and prevent threaded assembly failures using threadlockers and How to increase safety and avoid common application pitfalls in windscreen bonding

MyCareerTech Basic Lessons
Take your students through lessons like Shop and Personal Safety, Basic Hand Tools, Shop Equipment, Power Tools, Motor Oil, Brakes, Wheels and Tires, and more!

NASCAR Kids Resources
Immerse K-8 students in real-life applications of STEM—and teach key science concepts at the same time—with lessons about a sport that many students enjoy. Check out these fun and engaging NASCAR-themed lessons and resources, free of charge to educators nationwide!

NanoSonic Lesson Plans
These free STEM lesson plans may be used as stand-alone projects or several of them may be taught in sequence during a semester-long after-school STEM program. Several of the lessons combine activities in these areas to demonstrate “Intelligent Transportation Systems,” (ITS), “Connected Vehicles,” (CV), and “Automated Vehicles” (AV).

National Center for Autonomous Technologies
View autonomous technology course curriculum including LiDAR and Radar, learn how to start a drone program, check out their lending library, and watch videos and past webinars!

Schrader Academy TPMS e-Training
This FREE training course walks service professionals through 5 modules of basic TPMS knowledge and training.

SkillsCommons Automotive Resources
Free and open online library containing free and open learning materials and program support materials for job-driven workforce development.

Standard Motor Parts Automotive Education Program
In an effort to support you and your students, Standard Motor Products has developed the Automotive Education Program (AEP). This special program invites you to utilize AEP training and earn gifts for your students and your classroom. Informational Letter Flyer

Timken Tech Series Training
Developed by certified technicians and Timken engineers, this training provides you with expert knowledge, while helping you fine-tune your skills.

Ford Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program
There are no fees to educational institutions to participate in the Ford ACE program. Students attending a Ford ACE partnership school can obtain valuable knowledge of Ford/Lincoln vehicle systems by completing Web-Based Training (WBT) via our Learning Management System (LMS). These courses are a subset of the same courses taken by our current dealership technicians.

Grote Know-How
Grote Know-How is an online resource with six sections covering electrical basics, vehicle lighting, installation, and troubleshooting. Each section also includes a short quiz, with a final test at the end that is designed to measure your overall comprehension of the material.

The Engineering Mindset
A collection of videos explaining the topics of electrical engineering, electric motors, automotive engineering, HVAC, and energy engineering!

Timken Tech Series Training
Developed by certified technicians and Timken engineers, this training provides you with expert knowledge, while helping you fine-tune your skills.

Toyota / Lexus Technician Education College Support (TECS)
Toyota and Lexus are excited to announce the all new Technician Education College Support (TECS) program for ASE Accredited high school and post-secondary programs. TECS is designed to supplement your existing curriculum and help students interested in a career with Toyota or Lexus get a head start on their training. Students who complete the eLearning modules will qualify to become a Lexus Certified Technician or a Toyota Maintenance Level Certified Technician.

7 Things You Should Know About Ground Instructor Certificates
Becoming a ground instructor makes you a subject matter expert who can demonstrate knowledge in a particular area of aviation, something you can put on your resume and share in interviews.

AOPA High School STEM Curriculum
This free curriculum is intended for teachers to use in a formalized education setting as a credit-bearing course. The curriculum is aligned to Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Schools must apply to use the curriculum and, if accepted, must agree to provide essential data that will be used to track the program’s effectiveness and impact.

Autonomous Technologies Course Curriculums
View curriculum for all things drone, UAS, GIS, LiDAR, digital imaging, and more!

Developing Innovative Strategies for Aviation Education and Participation
Resources to help promote interest in aviation among younger populations ranging from 10 years old to 25 years old are detailed in TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Research Report 202.

DroneBlocks Curriculum
DroneBlocks teaches STEM and the real-world application of drone technology through our apps, drone coding curriculum, simulator, and professional development.

Education World Aviation Activities
Ready, set, take off! For thousands of years, people have been fascinated with flying. This week, Education World offers a cargo of lessons about aviation that are just “plane” fun! Included: Lessons in which students complete experiments about air flight, design model airplanes, and do much more!

Electricity and Circuits Simulations
PHET’s free simulations creates interactive math and science simulations through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.

FAA High School Aviation Curriculum
This guide will indicate how basic principles in various content areas can be taught in the context of the reality of aviation and flight.

FAR AIM .org
A website of information for General Aviation pilots including FAA regulations and basic flight information.
FAR Parts Listed in Titles 14 and 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

General Aviation Manufacturers Association
Aviation Design Challenge
Fly to Learn Curriculum

iCEV Drone Curriculum
The resource focuses on four primary areas: theory and design, flight skills, programming and preparation for the FAA Remote Pilot Certification Exam.

SkillsCommons Aviation Resources
Free and open online library containing free and open learning materials and program support materials for job-driven workforce development.

STARBASE Minnesota
STARBASE offers field trips, summer programs, and STEM kits for 4-6th graders!

Starting a Drone Program
NCAT provides the resources necessary to guide you through the process of starting a drone program at your school. View our vast resource library that covers drone laws and regulations, curriculum for both secondary and post-secondary programs, grant funding resources, student competitions and more!

The Engineering Mindset
A collection of videos explaining the topics of electrical engineering, electric motors, automotive engineering, HVAC, and energy engineering!

3M Collision Repair Training
3M’s training academy has on-demand courses for staying up to date on collision applications, products, and theory.

Collision Careers by I-CAR
Explore careers in Collision Repair! Collision Careers takes a new approach to showcasing the exciting career opportunities in the collision industry.

CREF Grants for Schools
The Collision Repair Education Foundation offers different grant opportunities throughout the year for collision schools.

Gates Performance Center eLearning Portal
Belts, tensioners, hoses, water pumps, cooling systems and hydraulics. If you would like to provide access for your students, please send an email to [email protected]

I – CAR Resources
I-CAR has raised the bar in curriculum, recognition requirements and systems enhancements to meet the rapidly changing needs of the industry.

Check out I-CARS Repairer’s Realm for instructor resources.

The Engineering Mindset
A collection of videos explaining the topics of electrical engineering, electric motors, automotive engineering, HVAC, and energy engineering!

Habits of a Systems Thinker Graphic
Created by the Waters Center For Systems Thinking this graphic illustrates the many habits of a Systems Thinker.

MNCARS Counselor Kit for Automotive Careers
This package of resources is ideal for counselors or advisors to help advocate for students wanting to pursue a career in automotive.
Automotive Infographic
Counselors PowerPoint
Why Automotive
Preparing Students
PowerPoint For Students
Parent Letter English
Parent Letter Spanish
Parent Letter Somali
Parent Letter Russian
Parent Letter Hmong

Example Assessments – South Central College
Take a look at how South Central College navigates assessing credit for prior learning with students.

Example Crosswalk – Military Experience
Download an example crosswalk for military experience to college courses.

Bridging the Skills Gap: Career and Technical Education in High School
Eight years after their expected graduation date, students who focused on career and technical education (CTE) courses while in high school had higher median annual earnings than students who did not focus on CTE.

Transportation Pathways Supply and Demand Analysis
The Minnesota State TCOE develops this report each year with RealTIme Talent. You will find data on average wages, current and future employment, educational attainment, talent demographics, and more!

Wrenchway 2023 Voice of Technician Report
In the 2023 Voice of Technician Report, Wrenchway shares insights, data, and trends about what it’s like to work in the automotive and diesel industries and what is important to technicians in the workplace.

AED Technical Assessments
Assessments are designed to measure core technical knowledge. From test-taking to results reporting, the entire process is available with convenient 24/7 online access.

Basic Electricity and Circuits Simulations
PHET’s free simulations creates interactive math and science simulations through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.

Bendix
Need to focus on safety while boosting your bottom line? Talk to us and discover our full range of effective solutions. For maximum impact to safety, performance and TCO (total cost of ownership), bundle Bendix products… Great individually, better together.

Caterpillar Technicians for the World
Technicians for the World, a Caterpillar sponsored program, is an absolutely free online program for individuals seeking a new and exciting career as a service technician. If you are a student in a vocational school pursuing a technical diploma this is a great way to expand your knowledge and add to your resume.

ConMet Hub 101 & Brake Drum 101 Training
The free video-based online training features two courses, Hub 101 and Brake Drum 101, that provides users with essential knowledge of ConMet wheel end hubs and brake drums, including inspection and identification, recommended service, replacement or reinstallation, lubrication, and much more. Sign Up/Log In

Daimler Truck North America
Schools with an ASE Accredited truck program can have free access to the curriculum and actually earn a system certification that is recognized at any of the 770 network locations.

Electude Heavy Vehicle Solutions
Heavy Vehicle Systems includes coverage of critical areas of heavy vehicles including electricity and electronics, steering and suspension, brakes and HVAC.

Hendrickson Service Academy
The Hendrickson Academy is your learning resource to service and maintain Hendrickson suspensions and components. Take a course and get a certification of completion to further your career. Our technical videos will guide you to the correct procedures for maintenance and repair.

I-CEV Curriculum – Diesel Equipment Technology
Educators have unlimited access to prebuilt, fully customizable courses, complete with media-rich lessons and supporting coursework.

Mack Fleet/Customer Training
The most convenient way to stay up-to-date on service, repair and technologies is through Mack Trucks Academy’s online training courses. Easily access training from any computer and complete courses on your own schedule. We’ll be glad to personally discuss your specific training requests and goals for your technicians and drivers.

Navistar’s Diamond Logic Electrical System Webinar
Recording of webinar held on 4-24-20, discussing Navistar’s Diamond Logic Electrical System. Describes components, functions, datalinks, body integration and more.

Noregon Education Program
At no cost, post-secondary diesel programs get access to software, student demo licenses, JPRO Certification, discounted hardware, student scholarships and more!

Noregon Webinars
Learn the tips, tricks, and tools used by master techs to become more efficient in the shop.
These live and interactive webinars are meant for new users, industry veterans, those considering purchasing JPRO, or anyone that wants to become more efficient in the shop.

OEM Vendor Resource/Contact List
This list contains contact information and resources from Minnesota’s OEM vendors.

SkillsCommons Diesel Resources
Free and open online library containing free and open learning materials and program support materials for job-driven workforce development.

The Engineering Mindset
A collection of videos explaining the topics of electrical engineering, electric motors, automotive engineering, HVAC, and energy engineering!

Volvo Service Tech Training
We offer eLearning courses designed for 24/7 convenience, plus instructor-led classes at our Academy locations or on-site at your shop.

Career Exploration Trailer
Our FREE Career Exploration Trailer (CET) brings students interactive and hands-on activities that let students explore the high-tech side of transportation careers in Automotive Service, Auto Body & Collision, Heavy Equipment, Heavy Truck and Diesel, Marine & Powersports, Professional Truck Driver, Aviation, UAV (drone), Automotive Engineering, Rail, etc. The CET is available to travel to high schools like a mobile classroom or is available for career events where it will be parked for the duration of the event

Career Exploration Websites
Bureau of Labor Statistics
CAREERWise Cluster Survey
CAREERWise
Career and Education Explorer – LMI
Career One Stop
Drive the Difference – Truck Driving Careers
Minnesota Career Information
National Career Development Association

Collision Careers by I-CAR
Explore careers in Collision Repair! Collision Careers takes a new approach to showcasing the exciting career opportunities in the collision industry.

K12 Navigator
A FREE tool to connect educators and businesses for high school student career exploration.

★ Sector Pathway Sheets
These sheets focus on individual sectors and include information such as job titles, pay, college campuses, and a flowchart on ways to get started in that career field.

Automotive
Aviation Pilot
Aviation Maintenance
Collision Repair
Diesel
Marine and Powersports
Truck Driving
Specialty

★ Transportation Program Pathway Cheat Sheet
This cheat sheet provides an overview of the transportation program offerings within the Minnesota State system.

Trucking Careers Presentation
Next Gen in Trucking proudly created this PowerPoint presentation for students to learn about the essential nature of the trucking industry. Presenters will enjoy following a logical presentation path with professional videos to strengthen the message. Designed for middle and high school ages and comes with a worksheet.
Associated Videos for the Careers in Trucking Presentation:

Supply Chain
Transportation Career Pathways
Essential Workers
Lifestyles in Trucking
Pay and Benefits
Technology in Trucking

Transportation CORE Curriculum
Get free access to six career exploration modules designed by subject matter experts to give high school students basic exposure to the six sectors of transportation. This includes Automotive, Aviation, Collision Repair, Diesel, Powersports, and Truck Driving. Each sector is designed to be at least 2 weeks in length and can be taught as stand-alone options or can be combined into a quarter-long offering in a high school. Request Access Here

Transportation Career Exploration Assignment
This ready-to-go assignment is based off our career exploration webpage which takes students through a variety of careers in transportation and leads them to exploring colleges and scholarship information.
Student Worksheet
Educators Guide

Video Libraries
Our YouTube channel hosts a variety of playlists for your students to discover their passion and explore careers in transportation. These playlists are a combination of videos that we have produced and videos that industry has produced. But don’t worry, we have hand-picked and vetted industry made videos so you don’t have to. Download our reflection questions for an assignment for your classes! Closed Captions are available on YouTube.
Watch Videos
Student Worksheet
Educators Guide

Virtual Industry Tours
We know field trips are difficult, so we’ve decided to bring them to your classroom! Have your students watch a tour and complete our exploration based worksheet for an easy and thought provoking assignment. Closed Captions are available on YouTube.
Watch Tours
Student Worksheet
Educators Guide

Educator Connect
The TCOE created Educator Connect to provide Minnesota educators with a platform to ask each other questions, share resources, and find professional development opportunities!

MTEEA Facebook Group for Educators (MTEEA Members & Affiliates)
The Minnesota Technology and Engineering Educators Association focuses on what is of value to students and supportive of teachers in the field; is dedicated to local and national technology organizations; and makes a difference in the quality of education in our state.

National Auto Collision Instructor Association
The page is designed to be a meeting place for Collision Instructors Nationwide. Together we can share info, ideas and photos to better teach our students.

ABYC Foundation Curriculum
“Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology” is the first industry-driven program for high schools and beyond. ABYC’s package meets Perkins funding requirements and easily integrates into apprenticeship programs.

Briggs & Stratton PowerPortal.com
The PowerPortal gives our customers access to brand information for many of the Briggs and Stratton family product lines including access to on-line training videos, learning modules, and testing. To obtain an account, click “request help here”.

EETC Education Sessions
Here you will find a collection of pre-recorded videos on topics like lubrication systems, four stroke engine principles, air induction systems, and more by the Equipment & Engine Training Council.

Electricity and Circuits Simulations
PHET’s free simulations creates interactive math and science simulations through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.

Partzilla Videos
Partzilla creates a plethora of repair and how to videos that you can share with your classes!

Principles of Small Engine Techno logy Certification
The Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) Principles of Small Engine Technology Certification verifies competency in industry-standard equipment and tools needed to begin entry-level careers in the outdoor power equipment industry.

Polaris Off-road Vehicles Maintenance and Installation Videos
Polaris has a collection of over 200 maintenance and installation videos that can help aid in your teaching.

Polaris Powersports Partnership Program
This two tier program allows partner schools to access Polaris’ online technical training content via the University of Polaris and provides students the option of obtaining Polaris OEM factory training & MSD Certification in conjunction with the student’s normal school course work.

SkillsCommons Small Gas Engines Resources
Free and open online library containing free and open learning materials and program support materials for job-driven workforce development.

Train-the-Trainer Small Gas Engines Toolkit
Curriculum developed for the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence Train-the-Trainer Workshops

Great Teaching Toolkit
Raise the quality of teaching at your school or college with an evidence-based curriculum for teacher learning, courses and resources to enhance specific elements of Great Teaching practice, and tools and instruments to provide feedback for professional development over time.

Pedagogy and Online Learning Technologies
Online learning pedagogy and technologies to use in your classroom.

Program Excellence Wheel
The Program Excellence Wheel was created to help continually guide you through your journey to program excellence!

National Career Pathways Network Resources
Find resources developed by NCPN members such as an advisory committee toolkit, mentoring handbook, adult career pathways toolkit, stackable credentials, and more!

Minnesota Department of Education Safety Resource/Curriculum
This free resource was developed over 3 years by nearly 20 teachers in Minnesota so you can have free access to download and print a comprehensive safety curriculum that replaces the old Hobar Power tool book many are familiar with.

Safety Guidance for CTE – MDE
These resources can guide school districts in developing a culture of safety in their CTE programs and laboratories. Students, educators, administrators and industry professionals should consider use of these resources in developing and maintaining safe and effective, CTE environments and programs.

Mentee Needs Assessment Resources
Resources for instructors covering classroom management, student discipline, assisting students with special needs and more!

Mentoring Checklist Resources
Resources for instructors covering lesson planning, delivery, labs, networking, student placement, and advisory committees.

Professional Development
View the TCOE’s professional development page, it includes a list of conferences, webinars, and resources to help keep you up to date!

Bumper to Bumper, the Complete Guide to Tractor-Trailer Operations
BUMPERTOBUMPER, The Complete Guide to Tractor-Trailer Operations, has been considered “a must have guide for truckers” and “one of the best books written about trucks and trucking,” “recommended for truck schools or graduates, or the trucker who wants to be well informed.”

CDL Curriculum
To learn more about our CDL Curriculum, please email us at [email protected]

Preventable or Not
A collection of videos that serve as great conversation starters with students about driver safety.

Regulations and Requirements
Training Provider Registry (TPR)
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH)
Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Third-Party Testers (7410.6000 – 7410.6540)

SkillsCommons Truck Driving Resources
Free and open online library containing free and open learning materials and program support materials for job-driven workforce development.

RealWear
The RealWear HMT-1 is the world’s first hands-free Android™ tablet class wearable computer for industrial workers.

TMC SUPERTECH
An augmented reality game that lets you progress through a career as a maintenance technician in the trucking industry and ultimately become the owner of your own shop.

TRANSFRVR
TRANSFR’s Virtual Training Facility simulates the type of training that takes place in a physical training facility.

zSpace
zSpace combines elements of AR and VR to create lifelike experiences
that are immersive and interactive.

Truck Simulators

Virage Simulation
Simulators and simulation-based solutions for drivers, driver training, evaluation, research and rehabilitation.

Simulator Systems International
Leader in cutting edge technology and has designed, engineered, manufactured and installed simulators throughout the world.

L3Harris
Hands-on, experiential training for drivers, offering experience without risks to people or equipment.

Advanced Training Systems
An ATS VR Simulator utilizes aerospace derived technology to achieve the above three factors. Our schematic designs include software and training tools that you simply won’t find in other simulators.

Doron Precision Systems
Simulator systems for Truck, Fire/EMS, Law Enforcement, Transit, Military, and Mining.

VR Motion
Portable Desktop Virtual Reality Driver Training Simulation System

American Truck Simulator
American Truck Simulator puts you in the seat of a driver for hire entering the local freight market, making you work your way up to become an owner-operator, and go on to create one of the largest transportation companies in the United States.

Train-the-Trainer Welding Toolkit
Curriculum developed for the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence Train-the-Trainer Workshops

Faculty Resource Guide on Community-Based Learning
Learn about the benefits of community-based learning along with examples, preparation and evaluation!

Work-Based Learning in Transportation
Need more clear picture on what Work-Based Learning is? We have developed a page just for that! Also included are examples by sector and by state.

Youth Skills Training Program
The Youth Skills Training (YST) program encourages, promotes and supports the development of local partnerships between schools, employers and community organizations. These local partnerships provide students with related classroom instruction, safety training, industry-recognized credentials and paid work experience in high-growth and high-demand occupations in the industries of advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, health care and information technology.