ASE Education Foundation awards Instructor of the Year
The ASE Education Foundation honored Ken Kunz with the 2025 ASE Education Foundation Instructor of the Year at the ASE Instructor Training Conference held this week in St. Louis.
Kunz, an automotive teacher at Waubonese Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois. He built the Automotive Technology Program at Waubonsee Community College and the program has grown over his 30 years into a high demand automotive program. Kunz has been a mentor to countless students over the years, many who have no become automotive instructors in high school programs, as well as faculty and staff colleagues at Waubonsee.
As an ASE Master Technician, Kunz has served as an active Evaluation Team Leader (ETL) for the ASE Education, helping schools become accreddited. Additionally, he's been involved in state and national standards and curriculum reviews, assists with SkillsUSA and FFA and places his students in local automotive, truck, collision repair, and parts businesses.
As part of his award, Kunz received an expenses-paid trip to attent the ASE Instructor Training Conference where his award was announced during the opening session. He will also be recognized at the annual ASE Service Professionals Recognition Awards banquet held during the ASE board of directors meeting Nov. 19 in Savannah, Georgia.
What people are saying
“Ken makes every student feel like they belong to our program, and he instills pride in them for being a part of it,” said Alyson Gaspar, CTE services manager at Waubonsee who nominated Kunz for the award. “He pushes every student to be the best version of themselves that they can be and takes every opportunity to try something new. Ken has poured his blood, sweat and tears into this program and no one is more deserving of this recognition. His legacy will be felt for years to come in the new building that will unofficially be referred to as the K-TEC.”
“Each year we have an exceptional group of candidates nominated for the Instructor of the Year award and this year was no exception,” said Mike Coley, ASE Education Foundation president. “Not only did Ken stand out as an exceptional instructor, but he is also committed to helping his students outside of the classroom to help them excel in careers as automotive service professionals. We congratulate Ken on this prestigious honor and thank him for all he does on behalf of his automotive students.”