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James Stafford, Automotive Technology Instructor

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James Stafford joined KACC as the Automotive Technology Instructor in August 2015.  Since then, Mr. Stafford has fit right in and has provided students with more than the well-balanced mix of traditional automotive curriculum.  He has bolstered the program updating the curriculum, this year, focusing on automotive electrical systems.  Students still have an opportunity for a good amount of hands-on experience to solidify what they learn in class.  In fact, at the end of last year, Mr. Stafford was able to help secure employment/internships for every class member.  There were so many, some of the junior class did too.

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Mr. Stafford became interested in automobiles at a very young age.  Originally, from Decatur, Illinois, Mr. Stafford and his family relocated to Milford.  Mr. Stafford graduated from Milford High School before going on to study at Parkland College.  Oh, and yes, he made the Dean’s List.

Mr. Stafford has worked to develop relationships and alliances with local dealerships and independent shops in the region.  As a technician, his skills are much broader than maintenance and repair.  He has developed expertise in a variety of areas, from auto parts, sales, management, inventory control, store relocation, and outside sales. 

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Mr. Stafford is very dedicated to his students and his program.  He has instituted a Thursday Night Auto Club, an extracurricular club which meets once per month.  Mr. Stafford covers certain topic in detail, brings in guest speakers and most recently, arranged for his students to meet with the stars from the show Wrench'd (more about that in an accompanying article). 

On a personal note, Mr. Stafford is married and has one son.  He is a member of a local car club and attends car shows on a regular basis.