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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Valley Times-News is doing a Q&A with all of the teachers of the year in the Chambers County School System. Today, we are writing about James Winkles, the Automotive Instructor at Inspire Academy. We asked him 17 questions, and we shortened this interview to some of our favorite responses.

James Winkles has worked for the Chambers County School System for 30 years, and in education for 39. He has been with Inspire Academy for eight years, while also spending a year at Lawson State College as the Toyota Program Coordinator. 

Winkles is a proud husband and father and has been married to his wife, Rachel, for 32 years. His daughter Katie works as an Equine Vet in Newnan, Georgia. His son followed in his father’s line of work, graduating from Lawson in the General Motors Factory Program and going on to work at Hitachi Energy, installing and building electrical transformers. 

The automotive instructor is an advisor for the school’s SkillsUSA competition, something he was involved in as a student. Winkles also assisted in youth baseball and soccer, as well as served as a cub scout leader. 

“I enjoy working with students to help prepare them for leadership roles, future careers, success in competitions and winning scholarships,” Winkles said. 

What inspired you to go into your field? Who? 

“I was approached by my former Automotive Instructor at West Georgia Technical College. I have always enjoyed working and teaching future technicians to meet industry needs with Workforce Development.”

What did it mean to you to be named your school’s teacher of the year? 

“I was honored to be the nominee because it comes from my peers.”

If you weren’t in your current position, what career field would you be in?

“Educational Leadership as a Principal, CTAE Director or Assistant Superintendent.”

What’s the most rewarding part about your job? 

“Providing the automotive industry with productive technicians, shop owners and dealership management.”

What’s the most challenging part of your job? 

“Meeting the seat time requirements for my Automotive Service Technology (ASE) certified program. The transportation time to and from INSPIRE Academy from the home schools takes away from the students’ in-class learning time.”

What is a common misconception about your job? 

“This is not your parents’ shop class anymore. For example, vehicles today have more computers and electronics than the first space shuttle. Students who are successful today in the automotive industry must be academically well-rounded.”

What hidden talent do you have that might surprise our readers? 

“I built or played a major part in building my previous and current house. I also graduated from the West Georgia Technical College Collision Repair Program.”

If you could invite any historical figure to dinner, who would you choose and

why? 

“Ronald Reagan. He issued me a Proclamation for winning First Place in the National SkillsUSA Automotive Contest in 1984. I would like to discuss his leadership role in Career and Technical Education in the United States.”

On a weekend or a summer day when school is out, what are your favorite activities? 

“I enjoy working with my wife on our small farm tending to five dogs, six goats, 25-plus chickens, and rabbits. I enjoy building woodworking projects, operating my tractor, etc.”