HCC instructor wins automotive technology educator award
WATERLOO — Gerrot Jacobson, automotive technology instructor at Hawkeye Community College, has been named the 2024 Educator of the Year by the Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo.
HCC Automotive Technology instructor, Gerrot Jacobson, center, has been named the 2024 Educator of the Year by the Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo.
He was nominated by fellow educators, former students, and automotive industry professionals. The award was presented to Jacobson on March 1 during the Educator Think Tank program at the Vision conference. He has been an instructor in the automotive technology program since 2019.
The Educator of the Year is awarded to an individual whose commitment to their students and program sets them apart. They have demonstrated innovative and successful teaching methods and drive to continually adapt and move forward in their teaching field.
The conference is the premier professional development event for automotive service industry professionals. The Educator Think Tank program was launched with the goal of bringing automotive technology educators together in a learning-driven and exciting environment to brainstorm, collaborate, and learn.
For more information about Hawkeye’s automotive technology program, go online to www.hawkeyecollege.edu/automotive-technology.
10 reusable cleaning products you can use every spring
1. Everspring Microfiber Cloths
Swap paper towels for highly absorbent microfiber cloths from Target’s green brand, Everspring. The six-pack of cleaning cloths is less than $20 and can be tossed in the washing machine after each use.
Buy it here: Everspring Microfiber Cloths, $16
3. Blueland Clean Essentials
Like Grove Collaborative, Blueland makes concentrated cleaners (in tab rather than liquid form). Unlike Grove Collaborative, they come in plastic bottles. If you’re worried about glass bottle breakage, Blueland offers a reusable alternative that still cuts back on plastic waste. Their starter packs can help you replace all your disposable cleaning sprays in one purchase.
Buy it here: Blueland Clean Essentials, $37
4. Marley’s Monsters Reusable Kitchen Sponge
Once your kitchen sponge gets that mildew smell, it’s time to toss it — unless you have a reusable version like this sponge from Marley’s Monsters. When you would normally replace your sponge, you can throw this one in the washing machine or dishwasher instead.
Buy it here: Marley’s Monsters Reusable Kitchen Sponge, $12
5. Reusable Mop Pads
It’s much more convenient to Swiffer than mop, but if you don’t love the disposable mop pads, there are reusable alternatives. These reusable microfiber pads pick up dirt, dust, and pet hair, and can be thrown into the washer when you’re done cleaning.
Buy it here: Turbo Reusable Microfiber Mop Pads, $15
6. Nordhus Swedish Dishcloths
Cellulose cleaning cloths are perfect for drying dishes and soaking up spills. The cardboard-like texture softens and quickly absorbs any water. They’re machine washable, and they come in much cuter designs than your standard paper towel.
Buy it here: Nordhus Swedish Dishcloths, Pack of 5, $16
7. S&T INC. Wool Dryer Balls
Skip the disposable dryer sheets and opt for reusable wool dryer balls instead. They keep your clothes from wrinkling and reduce static and drying time while creating zero waste. You can also add essential oils to the dryer balls for your best-smelling laundry ever.
Buy it here: S&T INC. Wool Dryer Balls, $10
8. OXO Microfiber Extendable Duster
Quickly dust your baseboards and ceiling fans with this microfiber duster from OXO. It extends up to 53 inches so no corner is out of reach. Unlike traditional feather dusters, you can throw the microfiber duster in the washing machine and reuse it over and over again.
Buy it here: OXO Microfiber Extendable Duster, $18
9. Zero Wastely Reusable Paper Towels
Switch out your paper towels for un-paper towels like this 24-pack from Zero Wastely. The absorbent cleaning cloths can be wrapped around a paper towel holder and used for all the same messes. When you’re done cleaning, they can be washed in the washing machine.
Buy it here: Zero Wastely Reusable Paper Towels, $35
10. Mesh Net Kitchen Scrubber
Clean stuck-on grime off of pots, pans, and the inside of your oven with these reusable mesh kitchen scrubbers. They’re easy to wash and dry after use and come in cute pastel colors.
Buy it here: Mesh Net Dish Scrubber Pack of 4, $13
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