Mariano Rubio, Citrus College Automotive Technology instructor, has been recognized as the “College Teacher of the Year” by the California Industrial and Technology Education Association (CITEA).

Nominated by his former high school automotive teacher, Brad Walsh, Rubio was honored at the Los Angeles chapter of CITEA’s annual awards banquet in front of nearly 60 educators, students and industry professionals.

“I was completely surprised and humbled to win this award from CITEA,” said Rubio. “It felt great to be recognized by my peers, especially with my former high school instructor in attendance. I am mostly glad that news is spreading about the success of the automotive program at Citrus College.”

Rubio’s teaching career began when his former Citrus College instructor, Dennis Korn, invited him to return as an instructor.

In the nine years since he began teaching, Rubio has played a significant role in advancing career technical education at the college, including successfully reinvigorating the medium and heavy diesel truck technology program, creating a new stationary power generation program, and increasing employment rates among former students.

– Contributed by Citrus College