Makowsky Named 2012 Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year

POWAY, CA – Michael Makowsky of Oakville, Conn. was named the Mitchell 1 2012 Educator of the Year during North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held recently at Tyler Junior College.

by Staff

November 7, 2012

Makowsky Named 2012 Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year — Makowsky

2 min to read

POWAY, CA – Michael Makowsky of Oakville, Conn. was named the Mitchell 1 2012 Educator of the Year during North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held recently at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas. Each year, Mitchell 1 recognizes one of the nation’s top teachers for excellence in automotive repair instruction. Makowsky was presented with a check for $500 and a recognition certificate. He will also receive a one-year complimentary subscription to Mitchell 1’s ProDemand repair, diagnostic and maintenance information program for the school where he teaches.

“Mitchell 1 is proud to join with NACAT for another year to honor those who have demonstrated a commitment to educational excellence in the automotive repair industry,” said Nick DiVerde, senior marketing director, Mitchell 1. “Michael Makowsky has an outstanding reputation as an instructor and we feel he is an excellent choice for this award. Everyone at Mitchell 1 would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to Michael on his achievement.”

Makowsky has been an automotive instructor at the Porter and Chester Institute in Watertown, Conn. for six years, where he has been full-time for the past two years and was part-time for four years. His automotive career also includes experience working at various Chevrolet dealerships for 35 years. During that time, Makowsky received a tremendous amount of training from General Motors, including being certified as a GM technician. He first passed all eight ASE automotive tests in 1976. Makowsky graduated with honors from Denver Automotive and Diesel College in 1976.

Selection criteria for the Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year award requires that a master automotive technician excel on all ASE automotive tests, including A1 – A8 (Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning, Engine Performance) and the L1 (Advanced Engine Performance Exam).

Related Content:

Topics:ProDemand Mitchell 1 Operations

More Operations

Chevin Whitepaper cover 2026 Buyers Guide

A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027

Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.

Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•October 13, 2026

How to Build a Lasting Fleet Career by Staying Curious and Connected

Tina Kourakos never planned on a career in fleet. More than 30 years later, she says curiosity, strong relationships, and a willingness to keep learning helped turn an unexpected assignment into a career spanning fleet management and OEM leadership.

Retro-style Truck Trivia Challenge thumbnail featuring a red semi-truck and vintage orange pickup truck against an orange and yellow sunburst background. Large text reads “Trivia Challenge” and “Truck Edition,” with Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange (HDTX) and Work Truck Exchange (WTX) logos at the bottom.

Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•October 9, 2026

Think You Know Trucks? Take Our 19-Question Fleet Trivia Challenge

From chicken lights to diesel engines and trucking history, test your knowledge with 19 questions from the 2026 Work Truck Exchange and Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange.