Frank Drain wins Ohio ACTE Outstanding New Teacher Honors

Urbana – Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Aviation Occupations Satellite Instructor Frank Drain has been named the Outstanding New Career and Technical Education Teacher by the Ohio Association of Career and Technical Education.  Drain, who is in his fourth year teaching the program, will officially receive the award during the Ohio ACTE Annual Conference held in Columbus in July. The Outstanding New Career and Technical Teacher Award is given to an educator to recognize their significant contributions to programs and career-tech education, as well as being fairly new to the field.
    “I was surprised, especially since I feel my peers are certainly more deserving than I am,” said Drain.  “Special thanks go to my teaching mentor Judy Fletcher [Marysville Satellite Teaching Professions Academy Instructor]. Also, Ohio Hi-Point's administration has shown a great deal of vision by offering this unique program to high school students.”
    Aviation Occupations began during the 2006-2007 school year as part of Ohio Hi-Point Career Center’s extensive Satellite programming.  The program allows students to learn at the Grimes Field Urbana Municipal Airport, learning skills related to careers in the aviation industry. 
    “Students explore different careers in aviation, using hands-on projects and exposure to actual aircraft in our airport classroom setting,” offered Drain. “Our projects include aircraft restoration and maintenance, private pilot ground school, aviation history, and the business aspects of aviation.”
    Students can choose to study within the program for 90 minutes a day for two years or for three hours a day for one year.  Students earn college credit towards an aviation technology degree and are prepared to take their written private pilot exam if they choose.
    Drain, who hails from Urbana and holds both his bachelor of science and MBA degrees from Urbana University, has given his students unique learning experiences over the past four years, including being involved in restoring a historical B-17 bomber aircraft at Grimes Field and allowing students to use the latest technology to simulate the aviation experience.  Drain built the program after 27 years of professional experience in the aviation industry.
    “I want my students to learn how to solve problems and accomplish goals.  I would like them to develop a sense of craftsmanship, to evaluate their own work, and to learn from their own mistakes,” said Drain.  “Having students show an interest in what they are doing is especially rewarding when students are proud to show what they have done to others. The most rewarding part is to see students go on to further their education, regardless if they stay in aviation.”
    Openings are still available in next year’s Aviation Occupations program.  For more information on the program or to schedule a visit contact Drain at fdrain@ohp.k12.oh.us or call (937) 471-0845.