Lethbridge College instructor Jim Pinches has won the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta’s (ASET) 2024 ASET Outstanding Educator Award. (Photo: ASET)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge College instructor wins provincial award

May 1, 2024 | 12:16 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – An instructor at Lethbridge College has received a provincial award.

Engineering technology teacher Jim Pinches is the recipient of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta’s (ASET) 2024 ASET Outstanding Educator Award.

The honour highlights an educator who demonstrates “excellence in teaching, educational innovation, and commitment to the advancement of knowledge and technological studies”.

Pinches was recognized for his support of the success of his students via engagement outside of the classroom and even after graduation, including mentoring and advising them.

The award was presented at ASET’s annual general meeting in Banff on April 19, 2024. The event gave Pinches the chance to reunite with former students Emilee Kaupp, Wade Weaver and Adam Campbell, each of whom went on to serve as president of ASET council.

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Pinches’ roots with ASET go back to 1989. He is a field lab instructor for three engineering technology programs. This means he is outside with surveying students in all weather conditions. Pinches creates mnemonics to help his students remember calculations and follows them along on their career path. The instructor has become popular for his teaching style, employing singing and dancing to add levity to the learning process.

“Students are often under stress as they try to balance their homework loads or they are feeling homesick, so I try to keep things upbeat and light,” says Pinches.

“We are still learning, but in a creative way.”

Jim Pinches with his award, which he received at ASET’s annual general meeting in Banff on April 19, 2024. (Photo: ASET)

Pinches became an instructor at Lethbridge College after being in the engineering technology profession for over 20 years. He continues to advocate for ASET, encouraging students to become members. Pinches also served on the competency and exam project for geomatics engineering technology in May and June of 2014.

“Long-time Lethbridge College instructor and ASET member Jim Pinches must be lauded for his dedication to his engineering technology students,” says ASET CEO Barry Cavanaugh.

“Almost two decades of students have benefited greatly from his refreshing teaching style and boundless commitment to them.”

More about ASET is available at the association website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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