By: Jordyn Fierro
After 20 years of teaching automotive skills at Redwood High School, Mr. Cox is preparing to retire
After years of teaching students under the hood and beyond the classroom, auto teacher Mr. Kenneth Cox prepares to close the garage doors for the final time.
For many students, Mr. Cox’s classroom was more than just an auto shop. It was a place filled with life lessons, hands-on learning and a teacher they won’t forget.
Cox didn’t always plan on becoming a teacher, but his interest in cars led him in that direction. He says, “I never aspired to be a teacher. When I owned my Engine Rebuilding business, Mr Rice the Automotive teacher before me would send me a lot of work. When he was in his last year here at Redwood he asked me if I was interested in teaching. I told him I really never considered it. But I applied for the job and got hired! That first year was as much a test, for me as it was for the school. I didn’t know if I was going to like this, and they didn’t know if I was going to be a good fit. It turned out to be the best job I ever had! I guess the principle was happy enough with me to keep me on so it all turned out okay.”
Even though Cox never imagined himself becoming a teacher, the decision changed his life. Over the years, he became known not only for teaching automotive skills, but for creating a classroom where students felt supported, challenged, and inspired.
Cox has noticed a major shift in classrooms since he started teaching at Redwood 20 years ago he says, “In the twenty years I’ve been teaching here, probably the biggest change I’ve seen is the use of technology in the classroom. It’s gotten to the point that paper books are foreign to students,” Cox said.
Cox said the shift reflects how much education has evolved over the past two decades.
Photo courtesy; Brown/Gigantea
Throughout the years, Cox has worked on countless cars and projects alongside students, creating many memories. When asked if there was one project or car that stood out the most, Cox said, “We had an old VW Beetle that we converted to electric power a long time ago. I drove it around for a while and decided it just didn’t have any character…I need a rumbling, smelly engine!”
This was one of the many memorable cars that stuck out to him the most. While the electric Beetle was unique, Cox said he still preferred the roar of a classic gas-powered engine.
After years in the classroom and shop, he shared what he will miss most about Redwood he says, “That’s easy I’ll miss the people! Mr. Rooney and I have became very close friends. I’ve come to appreciate so many staff members here…they all mean so much to me. But even more important to me are my students. I love the connections I’ve made, and the joy they bring me. I’ll hold those relationships forever in my heart.” For Mr. Cox, it wasn’t just about cars or classrooms it was about the people who filled them.
Beyond what he will miss, Cox also shared some advice for students who are interested in automotive work. He says, “It can be a rewarding career you’ll never stop learning and growing because the industry is always changing. You’ll never be bored.”
The advice shows how much he values students who are willing to have determination, patience, and who are committed to learning by doing.
To summarize Cox’s teaching career in one sentence he says, “I am blessed beyond measure to have had this opportunity!”
As retirement is approaching Cox shares one last thing, “I could never have imagined what changes and challenges this job was going to bring. But I’m glad that I was willing to go for it. I know God placed me here for a purpose to have a part in guiding hundreds of kids through their years here at Redwood High School.”
Jordyn Fierro
Tags: features, Mr. Cox retirement, redwood gigantea, redwood high school
