Hartland Consolidated School's 'Person of the Month'

Ron Weston has taught Automotive Technology and related courses at Hartland High School for 33 years. His classes are always at capacity with a waiting list, and students and staff alike take advantage of his expertise on a daily basis. 

Ron graduated from Ann Arbor Huron High School, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education with a Vocational Certification in Automotive Technology and graduated from Eastern Michigan with a Masters degree in Secondary Education Administration. He holds an ASE Automotive Technician certificate and is constantly training on new vehicle technology to stay current for his students. He is still married to his childhood sweetheart of 32 years and has two grown children, a dog, a cat, and one goldfish. He’s very proud of that goldfish.

His day doesn’t end when the final bell rings as he sponsors “Auto Club”, competes in the Ford/AAA Skill Challenge Competition, and oversees the high school sponsored/sanctioned drag races with the students.

Following are Ron’s thoughts about his career with Hartland Consolidated Schools and plans for the future. No one could say it any better:

Most memorable moment:

“To narrow my life to one memorable moment is a tough task, but I will say that I’ve always threatened to write a book about my teaching life. Some days it looks like a comedy and others a Greek tragedy.”

“This might sound a bit “corny” but most days in the classroom offer something memorable. Ask anyone that works with children on a daily basis. Memorable in my world is the look on a student’s face when they accomplish something they never dreamed possible. The real world is that a car comes in the door with some type of malfunction or symptom; the student diagnoses and repairs the problem and sends the vehicle back on the road as good as new. Wow, powerful, memorable, and confidence building.”

Why are you still here?

“This is the most commonly asked question I hear, right after ‘can you fix my car?’ Former Superintendent Pete Caroselli pointed out to me many years ago and on more than one occasion that I had the best job of anyone he knew. You could never fool Pete. He was right at that time, and as far as I’m concerned that’s still true after 33 years. My job keeps me here because I enjoy the daily interaction with the students, the staff/employees, and community.”

“Someday I’ll follow through with the threat that I’ve made to my students for years – ‘when I retire you can hire me to sweep the floor in your repair shop.’ And it looks like I’ll have a busy retirement because I’m proud to say that many a Hartland automotive student is an automotive repair facility owner and operator.” 

Positive thoughts About Hartland schools: 

“When I graduated from college with my shiny new diploma, I interviewed in half a dozen Michigan schools to teach Automotive Technology. The teaching market wasn’t as competitive as it is today and applicants had more options for employment. When I interviewed in Hartland I immediately knew that this was the place I wanted to work. Meeting the staff/employees, students, and community gave me an insight into the tradition and harmony of a vibrant community. A perfect example of this tradition is reflected in the number of employees/staff that are Hartland alumni.”

“Anywhere you go in Michigan, people know about Hartland and the excellent schools and supportive community. Our graduates have become great ambassadors through academics, leadership roles, athletics, and extra-curricular activities. These are the characteristics that make it easy for me to say that I’m proud to be a Hartland teacher.”