(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Learning never has to stop. Even those who can be considered masters in their field still need to challenge themselves and keep growing.
That was how Adam Van Demark, an instructor in Texas State Technical College’s HVAC Technology program, felt when testing to earn the title of Certified Master HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) Educator.
The certification “ensures that candidates or current instructors possess the necessary retained knowledge to effectively teach their chosen subjects, regardless of institution or location,” according to HVAC Excellence, the organization that sets the exam standards. It is split into seven exams, each of which must be passed at an 80% grade or higher in order to earn the full certification.
The title of Master HVACR Educator is a highly sought-after achievement for those teaching HVAC in any capacity, whether it be at a college or at a distributor or company.
“As an instructor, I wanted to get the certification to my name,” Van Demark said. “It took me a couple tries on a few of the exams, but I eventually passed all seven.”
Van Demark found at an early age that he had a passion for electronics. Two of his uncles were both master electricians, and while he was in high school they encouraged him to try learning about HVAC.
“It was in my first few semesters in college at TSTC in Waco where I really felt like this was what I wanted to do,” Van Demark said.
After a motorcycle accident in 2012 made it difficult for him to continue in the field as he was, Van Demark began looking at different options he could take. He debated going back to school for a different career but ultimately decided against it. He worked a few different jobs, before applying for an adjunct instructor position at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus. After a number of years teaching night classes for the HVAC program, he became a full-time instructor.
“I want to give my students the motivation to be better,” he said. “And I don’t just mean HVAC. Whether it be relationships, finances, hygiene or their career, I just want to help them improve.”
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is open. For more information, go to tstc.edu.