Collaboration grants college credit while students meet high school requirements
Learn more about DCTC’s transportation programs, including Automotive Service Technology
Burnsville High School is partnering with Dakota County Technical College to provide automotive classes for their students.
The collaboration started Spring 2026 when Burnsville High School reached out after having difficulty replacing their retired auto teacher. DCTC instructor Jeff Copeland stepped in.
“The fun is working with students who’ve never worked with cars,” Jeff said. “It gives them the experience of gaining confidence so they can fix stuff.”
College courses in high school
Jeff is teaching 53 students across three courses this spring. The students are fulfilling high school requirements while earning credit for special topics with the college. If the students enroll at DCTC, the credits will be counted as electives.
Anthony Rivera-Wagener is a senior in Jeff’s class. “Jeff is a great teacher,” Anthony said. “Anytime we are working our own cars, he shows us what to get done and how to fix it.”
Senior Michael Tovar agrees. “It’s pretty fun. It’s interesting to learn how things work.”
Interest in the program has exploded. There are about 130 students signed up to take classes next year at Burnsville High School, but there will be a different DCTC instructor teaching.
Jeff is taking a sabbatical to work on developing high school classes that can offer specific college credit and lead directly into various transportation programs at the college. He also hopes to develop curriculum that will help prepare students for any trade they may consider.
Jeffrey Copeland: 2026 Hall of Fame, Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence
Jeff Copeland, Automotive Technology Instructor
Jeff is a distinguished Automotive Service Technology educator whose career represents nearly four decades of technical mastery and a profound commitment to the next generation of technicians.
A 1988 graduate of Des Moines Area Community College, Jeff spent his early years in the dealership circuit, honing his skills across brands like Ford, Dodge, Porsche, and Audi.
In 1991, he earned his ASE Master Technician certification—a credential he has maintained for 35 years—and became a specialized expert in Jeep diagnostics and repair.
For more information on Automotive Technology and all DCTC programs, contact:
Admissions
admissions@dctc.edu
651-423-8266
