People often think of general education courses as superfluous or a necessary evil. At NTI, we use our general education courses to compliment and strengthen our technical coursework. We use national skills standards, such as those developed by the Occupational Network (Onet), and feedback from area employers to determine the non-technical skills needed to be successful drafters and designers. Courses emerge from these needs and are continually refined to ensure student success upon graduation.

Students at NTI are required to earn 20 general education credits: 6 credits of math, 3 credits of communications, 3 credits of humanities, 3 credits of social science and 5 credits of natural sciences. Students who already have an associate or baccalaureate degree, or have completed college level coursework in high school can transfer those credits to NTI if they choose. NTI also grants credit to students who earn a score equal to or greater than the ACE Recommended Score on CLEP exams.

Instructors

Glenn Geissinger
Mr. Geissinger has been an NTI instructor since 1990. Prior to joining the staff at NTI, Mr. Geissinger worked for 4 years as a CAD Drafter with Sirny Architects and EOS Architects developing commercial construction documents and as-built drawings. Before entering the architectural field, Mr. Geissinger worked for 12 years as a counselor in the human services field.

Education Credentials: MA, United Theological Seminary; BA, Psychology, Goshen College, Indiana; Diploma, Architectural Drafting, Minneapolis Technical College. Allied Member, MN Society - American Institute of Architects.

Paul Devine
Mr. Devine has been teaching mathematics at NTI since 2002. Prior to joining our staff, Mr. Devine was teaching at the college level and was an actuary with General Motors. Mr. Devine also tutors high school students in preparation for taking the ACT and SAT exams.

Education Credentials: BS, Mathematics Education, Eastern Michigan University

Carolyn Lent
Ms. Lent joined the mathematics department in 2007. She brings to NTI extensive math teaching experience at the middle school and high school level.

Education Credentials: MS, Curriculum & Instruction, Minnesota State University Mankato; BS, Mathematics Education, Northwestern College, St. Paul, MN.

Dr. Amy Nelson
Dr. Nelson brings a wealth of experience to NTI, including that of a tool designer, technical trainer, NTI instructor (1st and 3rd semester engineering), University of Cincinnati instructor (business, software and GD&T), training manager, and Dean and Provost at Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical.

Education Credentials: PhD in Education, Capella University; MS in Educational Change and Technology, Walden University; BA in Business and Training, Metropolitan State University; Diploma in Engineering Drafting and Design Technology, Dunwoody Institute.