For Azella Bartlett, welding, Automotive Pathway ignite a passion for hands-on learning

When Azella Bartlett moved from Arkansas to Burnsville a few months ago, one of the first things she did was check what courses were available at Burnsville High School. 

Bartlett was pleased to find out she’d be able to start her sophomore year taking two classes focused on things she’s passionate about: Intro to Automotive and Welding. 

“That was absolutely one of the first things I looked at before anything else. My number one things I wanted were welding and auto mechanics,” she said. “It made me pretty excited and ready for the school year to start, for sure.”

Bartlett developed an interest in mechanics and welding through her family. Her dad works on cars and her brother is a welder. She took a welding class at her previous school and realized doing things hands-on suited her learning style.

“I don’t have the best attention span for sitting down and working on the same things for hours, so I think being able to work with my hands and my brain and being involved with everything around me is really interesting to me,” Bartlett said. “I can pick up on things so much quicker than I do on paper.”

At BHS, Bartlett is picking up on things in both classes. With the help of teacher Russ Tesmer, she’s learning the basics of how various automotive systems work and sharpening her welding skills.

“I’ve learned how to work with a lot of tools, which has been nice, and where everything works on the car. I’ve been able to learn a lot of that. And I learned a different type of welding that I hadn’t been introduced to yet, so I’m pretty excited about that. I have the hang of it now,” she said. “Mr. Tesmer has been great. He’s always there if you need help or have questions, but it’s likely once he shows you something, he doesn’t have to repeat it because he’s pretty good at explaining it and breaking it down thoroughly.”

Bartlett is already looking to take more classes in the Design, Engineering and Manufacturing Technology career field. She plans to sign up for Automotive Technology, an eight-credit course that spans four semesters. Through Automotive Technology, students can earn their Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification for Maintenance and Light Repair. 

After high school, Bartlett plans to attend a trade school and earn a welding certification, as well. With both an ASE and welding certification, Bartlett feels she will have the knowledge and skills she’ll need to be successful in a career field she’s passionate about. 

“It’s a really good thing to have that knowledge about automotive, too,” Bartlett said. “I think both (career fields) are great and if welding doesn’t work out I can go into automotives, or find a career that requires both.”

Pathways in District 191

From preschool through graduation, District 191’s Pathways model provides all students with age-appropriate experiences through which they explore possibilities, develop the skills and attributes they’ll need to succeed, find their passions and prepare for their futures. 

Being a Pathways district means we:

• Remove barriers and ensure equitable access for all students,
• Center students as decision makers in their learning journeys,
• Promote a future-focused mindset, ensuring students have a plan for meeting their next challenge,
• Engage in partnerships to maximize resources and opportunities, and 
• Provide real-world benefits, including professional certifications and college credits by graduation

Learn more at pathways.isd191.org.