This year, Rebecca Fenton became the first female auto technology teacher in the history of the Marshall Academy.
Fenton came to Marshall looking for a change. Before coming to Marshall, Fenton worked in the automotive industry and at Alexandria City High School for seven years.
“I taught in Prince William for two years and I worked for Mercedes Benz for five,” Fenton said. “I also worked for Ford for a couple of years.”
Fenton says she enjoys the environment at her new school. She expressed the positive impact the staff and students at Marshall have on her feelings about the school.
“Everyone has been very friendly, very welcoming,” Fenton said. “I think the students are great. You can tell the motivation levels of the students are different. [Students] seem like you’re happy to be here.”
Fenton hopes for change in the autotechnology industry. As the first female autotechnology teacher, Fenton urges more women to explore the industry and join the Auto Technology classes.
“A lot of electronics need to be diagnosed and women have those skills,” Fenton said. “I’d love to see more girls in this class.”