CTE instructors attend diesel externship at Earth Science Center
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Career and technology education teachers from 10 schools and three states recently spent two days at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center for a diesel externship. Mark E. Sones (front row, second from left), instructor of diesel equipment technology, led the training. (Photo by Marci M. Hessert, office assistant to the assistant dean of diesel technology & natural resources)
Pennsylvania College of Technology recently hosted 13 educators – representing 10 schools and three states – at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center for a two-day diesel externship consisting of classroom and hands-on experience.
Led by Mark E. Sones, instructor of diesel equipment technology, the training for career and technical education teachers focused on the fundamentals, diagnostics and maintenance of electronic data links and controller area network bus communication protocols. The teachers also explored the science of applied failure analysis as it pertains to on-road and off-road equipment. Trevor Ward and Pat Rodack, representing Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. Inc., showcased some of the latest resources and diagnostic Caterpillar equipment.
Both Cleveland Brothers Equipment and Caterpillar Inc. are Penn College Corporate Tomorrow Makers. Cleveland Brothers Equipment and the Caterpillar Foundation are members of the Millionaires Society ($1,000,000+) on the college’s Donor Wall.
“The training gave the CTE instructors valuable insight into theories and concepts they can share in their classrooms, particularly regarding the ever-evolving technologies within the industry,” said Courtney E. Dunne, coordinator of academic engagement for Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies.
The teacher externship is part of the Diesel Technology Pathway From Career and Technical Education to Postsecondary Certification or Associate Degree National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grant.
Instructors attending the externship were Eric Hall, Lycoming Career & Technology Center; Kevin Heimbach, Berks Career & Technology Center; Shane Jesser, Lycoming Career & Technology Center; Brenda Kimple, Franklin County Career & Technology Center; Peter Litchfield, Vinal Technical High School (Middletown, Connecticut); James Mack, Berks Career & Technology Center; Tim McCommons, Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center; Tim McCrane, Bucks County Technical High School; Jack Neidig, SUN Area Technical Institute; Mark Ouellette, Vinal Technical High School; William Rearick, Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School; William Seccurro, Cecil County (Maryland) School of Technology; and Steven Staples, Monroe Career and Technical Institute.
