Frank Lopez is a top notch mechanic and teacher who, for the past 25 years, has shown students how to fix cars. The fact that Frank is legally blind has never slowed him down as a teacher of Automotive Technology for the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Regional Occupational Program.
Now, Lopez is being honored as October 2005's "Teacher of the Month" by KXTV News10 and California State University, Sacramento. On the second Friday of each month, News10 salutes those who devote themselves to teaching.
Frank Lopez has taught automotive technology at McClatchy High School in Sacramento for the past nine years. This year, Frank is teaching a special section on electric car conversion, focusing on alternative fuel. Students in this section are converting a Ford Escort into an electric vehicle.
He has been legally blind all of his life and lost his sight completely in 1989. He is often invited to be a presenter at schools and organizations to talk about students with disabilities and how to interact with them.
Frank is a Master ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Technician. He has more than 25 years experience in automotive and diesel technology, much of which he gained while working for the Los Angeles County Fire Department as a fire equipment mechanic.
Frank has a Bachelor's Degree in Vocational Education from California State University, San Bernardino. He was named the 1999 "Teacher of the Year" for the Sacramento County Office of Education.
However, he is not the only award winner in his house. Frank's wife, Judy, works alongside her husband as a paraeducator. She was selected as SCOE's Classified Employee of the Month for October 2005. With Judy's support, the McClatchy Automotive Technology program has received well-deserved recognition over the years.