Drafting teacher ranks top in the nation

Written By: Christina Cantwell

“I started drawing when I was eight years old. My grandfather gave me some pencils and craft paper and then one day I was flipping through an encyclopedia and I saw an airplane and I drew it,” drafting teacher Howard Lindsey said.

Lindsey is the drafting teacher at Citrus High School, but that is not the only reason his name is known. He is also the man that certified more students in the drafting department than any high school, technical institute, two-year school, or four-year school in the state of Florida.

He also came in second in the nation as for total number of certified students.

“We missed first place by two students,” said Lindsey.

Lindsey did not always plan to be a drafting teacher, however.

“I got started in drafting after I finished my last degree in information management, and I applied for a job down here,” said Lindsey. ”I did not get the job, but I saw an opening for drafting at the school, so I came and talked to the principle and the assistant principle.”

The drafting teacher at the time, Gene Roberts, was medically retiring due to back injuries.

“I was offered the job, and officially hired October 14, 2002,” said Lindsey.

Lindsey teaches his students the Dynamic Immersion Theory. The Dynamic Immersion Theory consists of four parts: illustration, intuition, interaction, and instruction.

“This method is the way we learn,” said Lindsey. “I use the same thing in my classroom, and I began preparing my students for the exam from day one.”

On the exam the students were required to score at least a 75 percent and they were given two hours to do so.

“I have the highest passing rate in the nation,” said Lindsey. “I don’t believe in second best.”

Lindsey loves his kids, and considers them his own. He gives them encouragement to work hard and accomplish goals.

“I am intensely proud of my students,” said Lindsey. “I have the best students in the whole school.”

To date, Lindsey has certified 17 more students in the past 16 months, and has plans to continue certifying students as they become ready.

Photo Credit: Christina Cantwell

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