WDT instructor the whole package

Exceptional performance and contributions? Check.

Innovative teaching strategies? Check.

Involvement with business and industry? Check.

Duane Martenson has it all. And that’s why the Western Dakota Tech Business Management and Marketing instructor finished second in the race to be named the best technical instructor in the United States.

Martenson was selected to be a finalist for the 2011 Outstanding Technical Teacher Award given by the American Technical Education Association. He finished just a point from first place.

“Duane has a passion for continuous improvement in his own life and is a wonderful influence on many people in our higher educational community,” WDT President Dr. Craig Bailey said. “Duane has consistently demonstrated a rare combination of technical competency, teaching skills, and a passion to help students create both a successful vision and the knowledge required to successfully achieve that vision.”

The Outstanding Technical Teacher Award is presented to a full-time postsecondary technical education instructor anywhere in the nation whose performance and contributions are exceptional. Innovative teaching strategies must be apparent, and involvement with business and industry is essential.

Martenson’s nominators, colleagues, and students say Duane excels in every area.

Since 1999, Martenson has continually pushed the technology envelope by bringing the latest and greatest technologies to his students so they are prepared for their future careers. Some of the technologies he has brought to the classroom include electronic portfolios, wikis, and online classes long before those things became mainstream in education.

“He always seems to know the latest and greatest developments in technology before anyone else on campus, and he incorporates the technology into his classes in meaningful ways that increase learning,” said Kelly O’Brien, chair of WDT’s Business and General Education Department.

O’Brien has worked with Martenson for more than 10 years. She has seen Martenson grow throughout his teaching career and have an impact on students, staff, and other faculty.

“Duane has always pushed me to be a better instructor,” O’Brien said. “Through our talks and his questioning of my thoughts and ideas, I have grown tremendously. Duane makes me think outside the box. I will always be grateful for that.”

Dan Cahoy, Director of Client Marketing for Lee Alley Real Estate in Rapid City, graduated from WDT in 2010. Martenson’s teaching techniques left a profound impact.

“Duane taught me the skills I needed to be successful in my career,” Cahoy said. “Every day, I am able to use the tools and techniques I learned to attract buyers and sellers to our company.” 

Martenson deflects the praise he has received for being considered for the award.

“With so many instructors doing amazing things at WDT, it is a huge honor to recognized,” he said. “I feel the nomination is a reflection of all incredible things we have accomplished in the Business program and on campus.”

Martenson said he hopes students leave his classroom with inquiring minds and the ability to find, comprehend, and apply what they’ve learned.

“My goal as an instructor is have students think critically and develop problem-solving skills,” he said. “I love when I come to class and students show me a new way they have figured out to apply the concepts they learned. At the end of the semester, I am always amazed at the creativity and application our graduates achieve in all of their classes.”

There’s no doubt he’s accomplished that, President Bailey said.

“I know that that Duane has changed the lives of many students,” he said.

And that’s the best checkmark of all.

Learn more about WDT's Business Management & Marketing program!