Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Edmund "John" Janota, our new Instructional Program Manager in Automotive!

John brings with him 30 years’ experience as an Automotive Technician, Shop Foreman, Service Manager, and Automotive Instructor. He holds an A.S. Degree in Automotive Technology earned through the GM ASEP program from Polk State College and a B.S.A.S. in Industrial Operations from USF. He was born to be a car guy and given a gift that his life has evolved around since his earliest memories. The cars were not to be the only gift though.

About ten years ago, he applied for a teaching position at Traviss Technical College in Lakeland, Florida. That position has been the most fulfilling and enjoyable job so far. John touched student lives and changed their futures. In one example, he received a letter from a widowed mother thanking him. She shared his student's story of losing his father. As many do, his grades declined and the student went into depression. Right before starting in John's automotive program, the student became violent as well. John had no clue this was happening. He thought he was just doing his job but John connected with this student in ways he needed at the time. Today he is married and a father of two himself working in the automotive trade.

John discovered something else. At Traviss, he discovered what a work family is. Upon leaving he felt the pain and sadness of loss. Coming to FSCJ, John has received a warm welcome from everyone and knows he will make new friends and family here. John is looking forward to new experiences and challenges. Please join us in congratulating him and welcoming him to this position!