Kevin Kitchen, a Trades and Industrial Education Teacher at Monroe High School, was in the middle of a lesson when a group of people unexpectedly entered his classroom. As the door opened and more familiar faces appeared, Kitchen realized something special was unfolding. Brian Davis, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) director, announced that Kitchen had been named the UCPS CTE 2025 Teacher of the Year and presented him with a plaque. Surrounded by his students, peers, Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan, board members, senior leaders and colleagues, Kitchen was surprised by the unexpected recognition.
“I didn’t expect it at all, but what means the most to me is that it came from my peers,” Kitchen shared with a smile.
Kitchen’s career in the electrical industry spans decades of hands-on experience. He began his career as an apprentice in 1987, progressing through roles such as a journeyman electrician, foreman, superintendent, project manager and estimator. He worked on various commercial and industrial projects, which included detention centers and government buildings. He also served as an electrical inspector for the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. However, it was through an apprenticeship program that Kitchen discovered his true calling: teaching.
“I realized early on that I truly loved this field,” Kitchen explained. “When I got into the apprenticeship program, it dawned on me—this is something I can enjoy for a lifetime. I tell my students, ‘If you find something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ That’s the mentality I want them to have.”
Now in his 13th year at Monroe High, Kitchen continues to inspire his students with the same passion he has for the electrical field. While he misses the variety of working on different job sites, he finds fulfillment in his role as an educator.
“Teaching is different. I don’t have the constant change of construction projects, but I’ve found new rewards in watching my students grow,” Kitchen said. “The best part is seeing them graduate and land well-paying jobs. Right out of high school, they can start at about $21 an hour. That’s more than $40,000 a year at just 18 years old. It’s life-changing.”
Kitchen’s program is grounded in real-world experience and practical learning. He frequently brings industry professionals and contractors to speak with students, providing them firsthand insights into the electrical trade and valuable networking opportunities. Through his apprenticeship program, students gain a solid foundation in electrical work and graduate with the first two years of their apprenticeship already completed. It gives them a significant advantage in the workforce, making them highly sought after by contractors.
“This gives them a head start in the industry. The contractors love it because they don’t have to train them from scratch,” Kitchen explained.
The curriculum Kitchen teaches follows the National Electrical Code, ensuring students have the knowledge and skills to excel in the electrical trade. His focus is not just on technical proficiency but on preparing students for a successful career, whether they continue their education, enter an apprenticeship or jump into the workforce.
“When I see the excitement in my students’ eyes as they realize they’re starting a career before they even graduate, it makes all the hard work worth it,” Kitchen said. “It’s about preparing them for the opportunities ahead.”
As the UCPS CTE Teacher of the Year, Kitchen received a $500 award, in addition to the $100 he earned as a finalist. He will now represent UCPS in the Southwest region and submit a portfolio to the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT). If he wins the regional competition, he will attend the NCCAT Program in the fall where he will receive professional development opportunities and continue the selection process for the North Carolina CTE Teacher of the Year.
02/28/2025
