Jeff Klehr Named Outstanding Educator of the Year

This award celebrates excellence in transportation teaching and learning, this award recognizes experienced educators who demonstrate exceptional instructional practices and a deep commitment to student success. Honorees actively engage with industry partners, promote their programs within the community, and pursue ongoing professional development. Through leadership, mentorship, and involvement in statewide initiatives, they play a vital role in advancing transportation education.

Jeff’s strong work ethic and passion for mechanics began at an early age while growing up on a farm. Repairing equipment was simply part of daily life, and many of his first vehicles needed a lot of work to keep them running. While attending high school, Jeff worked at a tree farm, where he operated equipment and performed light repairs and maintenance. That experience solidified his goal of becoming a heavy equipment mechanic.

After graduating from a technical institute in heavy equipment mechanics, Jeff began his professional career with Ditch Witch, where he spent several years learning what it truly means to repair equipment the right way. He later worked at a gravel pit, gaining additional real world experience, but soon sought greater challenges. That led him to a major highway heavy contractor, where he spent 18 years as a field service mechanic. This role took him across the country where he learned what it takes to repair heavy equipment on the jobsites as quickly as possible.

After many years in the field, Jeff decided to transition into teaching so he could be home more often and help others pursue successful careers in the industry. He has taught in the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician program at Central Lakes College for 15 years. Jeff takes pride in challenging his students to think critically, understand proper diagnostic procedures, and develop the skills needed to test and repair complex equipment. Seeing students graduate and succeed in the industry is one of the most rewarding parts of his career.

Jeff also encourages teamwork and healthy competition among his students, particularly through participation in SkillsUSA. Students consistently describe the experience as enjoyable and worthwhile. Central Lakes College diesel students have earned first place at the state competition four times, including one national first place finish and one second place finish at the national level.

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He values time with his three children and is especially passionate about working in his garage and cruising in his 1969 Camaro.