Profiles from the Pack: Miles Tokheim

Miles Tokheim’s career in education began in a Madison College auto shop. A 1998 graduate of the college’s automotive program, he later returned as a dual credit educator, helping students connect hands-on learning with clear pathways to college and careers. Today, he also brings that Madison College foundation into local high schools as an award-winning educator.

What sparked your interest in the automotive industry, and why did you choose Madison College? 
I went to La Follette High School and was on the college prep track when my dad encouraged me to take a non-academic class. I took a consumer auto class and a small engines class, and I just fell in love with it.

In my senior year, I spent half my school day down at the shop, and then I started working at Kayser Ford, basically as a car runner and emptying trash. My dad, Mike Tokheim, was a big advocate of technical colleges, so I enrolled in the Madison College automotive program. I absolutely loved it. It was the greatest educational opportunity I’ve ever had.

Hands-on learning is core to your teaching. Why is this so important for today’s students wanting to pursue technology careers?  
Madison is a fairly urban, and many families don’t have multiple vehicles, or sometimes no vehicle at all. Even when they do, parents may be hesitant to let a 15-year-old open the hood of a car, especially when vehicles today can cost $50,000 or more. Many students come in with very little hands-on experience. We don’t often see students who’ve grown up with mechanical work, so we truly start from square one. They get their hands dirty and focus on learning the basics—checking oil, understanding components and becoming comfortable around vehicles. That’s why creating a safe, supportive, hands-on learning environment is so critical. That early exposure mirrors what students experience at Madison College and helps them see themselves continuing in technical programs after high school.

What are you most proud of teaching the next generation? 
I really enjoy working with this high school age group. I had no intention of teaching at a high school.  Mr. Ecker, my high school automotive teacher, and Don Schinker, the Madison College automotive teacher, were the mentors who influenced my decision to teach high school. I am proud also that I introduced students to this industry and that they are accomplished professionals—I can walk through almost any auto industry bay and hear former students calling my name and saying, “Hi.”

Based on your experience teaching, what benefits do you see for students enrolled in dual credit college opportunities?
Confidence is everything. My goal is to show students that they are more than ready for the challenges of Madison College. We build their skills in class and then bring those opportunities to life by visiting campus and competing in the Firestone Challenge. We also have a strong partnership with the college’s automotive department; they bring a trailer full of activities to my classroom every semester, giving students a firsthand look at the tools and technology they’ll use in the industry.  

What’s your super skill? 
I asked my wife for help answer this one. She said it’s my calm, collected nature and my ability to take a student who’s never opened the hood of a car and make them feel comfortable doing it. It’s about building confidence. Taking a student who’s never done this kind of work and helping them succeed is incredibly rewarding.

What’s your dream car/vehicle? 
1957 Chevy Bel Air. That was the one I remember from all the car shows I used to go to when I was younger. Mr. Ecker, my shop teacher at LaFollette, also owned one.