Joshua Marmolejo is trailblazing exciting new pathways for Clint High School (CHS) students to head to college or the workforce through his automotive technology classes. As Region 19’s first P-TECH (Pathways of Technology Early College High School) instructor, Marmolejo helped build the program through his role as an instructor at El Paso Community College (EPCC). In his P-TECH automotive technology program, CHS students can obtain their high school diploma and industry-recognized credentials, with some students even earning their associate’s degrees. Students benefit from his leadership and experiences as a mechanical engineer and certified automotive master technician.
Marmolejo’s classes balance the use of his classroom and automotive shop. He prepares students for college-level courses by delivering lectures on Mondays and supporting core curriculum by weaving math, science, reading and writing practices into his lessons. Students gain hands-on experience in all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair, including welding and learning to calibrate vehicle, transmission and engine control modules. Marmolejo holds students responsible for tracking their learning progress by creating a digital video portfolio of their work.
Holding a Master Teacher Designation from the Texas Education Agency, Marmolejo’s leadership is valued at CHS and beyond. He serves on CHS’ P-TECH advisory committee, homecoming planning team and participates in the school’s professional learning community (PLC) and in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings. His positive influence extends to EPCC, where he serves on the career advisory committee. The Clint community is often intertwined with Marmolejo’s class: Students have attended community events, including one with Ford Motor Company at EPCC, and frequently work on cars at their automotive shop, which is open to CHS staff and the public.
Marmolejo earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2016.
Press Release: Automotive All-Star Teacher Joshua Marmolejo Surprised with $25,000 Milken Educator Award in Clint
