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College Career and Technical Education (CCTE) Program Specialist Greg Quirin has been instrumental in the rebirth of several district automotive programs. As a result of his hard work, automotive programs have returned to Serra and Henry high schools and now offer college-articulated automotive technology courses in a unique partnership with Miramar College. With the help of local automotive partnerships and donations, a third program at Crawford IDEA was transformed in a record time of four months.
Greg’s passion for alternative energy is evident in his work to develop the largest sustainability, environmental and energy programs in the district, and possibly the state. If funded, Scripps Ranch High School would offer a series of career pathways in the fields of environmental science and energy/utilities.
Staff Bulletin recently talked with Greg about the importance of being “green”.
How long have you been with San Diego Unified?
I’m a product of the district. I graduated from Serra in 1991 and started working in the district as an instructional aide for Kearny High’s automotive program in the early ‘90s. In 1998, I began teaching ROP Automotive Technology at Madison High School. Sci-Tech's automotive program has a biodiesel project that I launched at Madison in 1999. In 2006, I joined the School-to-Career (now CCTE) team.
What are your goals as far as sustainability and environmental education?
My goal is to pursue any and every opportunity to implement green education, which I’m convinced is California’s next gold rush. I see rising fuel prices as an incentive to promote green education as a way to innovate and solve today’s energy issues.
Our students face many environmental challenges in the future and our future is in their hands. Green symbolizes hope, growth and regeneration. Now is the time to implement green education in K-12 coursework, which many teachers have already done.
Most people don’t realize that San Diego Unified has one of the largest solar installations in the nation and is possibly the nation’s greenest school district. Thirty school sites are putting power back on the grid. It’s important that if we lead the way with green and sustainable schools for our students, we also teach by example and serve as a model for the rest of the nation.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being involved in these projects?
It’s seeing how passionate our students are about environment and energy conservation. District students have been the self-starters of several green-related projects, including the “San Diego Bay Project and Book.” A green lifestyle is becoming the norm for our students.
What ignited your passion for environmental and sustainability issues?
As a smog technician, I learned about the efficiency of vehicles and their effects on our environment. I know it’s possible, and necessary, to make vehicles less polluting. I’m doing everything in my power to make that happen. Technical education is the first step.
On a personal note, Greg takes great pride in driving his hybrid vehicle to work, boasting an average of 49 mpg!