Rockdale Career Academy’s Broadcast Video instructor and maestro James  Dinsmoor  was honored for the second year in a row with the prestigious SkillsUSA Advisor of the Year award for the Georgia region. The award honors dedicated career and technical education instructors who serve as SkillsUSA advisors.  

Dinsmoor was taken by surprise with the announcement at a spring competition. His family, students, co-advisors were present when he was given the award at the national SkillsUSA conference in June.

Since Dinsmoor took over the broadcast video production program at the Rockdale Career Academy, it’s grown from 35 students to more than 250.  There is also a waiting list to get into the program which has garnered more awards at his state conference than any other program in Georgia. Dinsmoor has served as a SkillsUSA advisor for more than six years.

Many of his students have started successful careers in the industry because he has helped train them to succeed. 

Dinsmoor’s supervisors and sutdents wrote letters of nomination. 

Former student Amanda Moreno, gave a heartfelt description of the influence Dinsmoor  had on  her formation as a leader. “Mr. Dinsmoor knew the way to motivate me was to challenge me and that he did.  He’s particularly strong at connecting with students in a way that is most effective to them as an individual. As chapter president, he helped guide my decisions and walk me through the process but would never make them for me. The year had to be about serving others and the chapter, something Dinsmoor held very dear to his heart. At the time, I did not understand what he was doing, but 3 years later, I now understand. Mr. Dinsmoor taught me the decision making process and how to influence others in the best possible way.”

He was chosen as the RCA Teacher of the year for 2012-2013 and has won numerous others awards and recognition related to his field.

“James Dinsmoor is a natural born teacher,” said Tim Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA.  “He is dedicated to improving his craft every day in an effort to improve the education his students receive.”

The SkillsUSA state directors association created the Advisor of the Year award to recognize and honor dedicated career and technical education instructors who serve as SkillsUSA advisors. State winners are submitted to the regional competition and at the 50th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference, held June 23-27 in Kansas City, Mo., regional winners were interviewed and a national winner was selected.