The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) is proud to recognize the individuals who successfully completed the June 2025 NORA Accredited Instructor Program (AIP). These dedicated professionals represent a broad cross-section of the liquid heating fuels industry and are now certified to deliver high-level technical training across the country.
The newly accredited instructors are:
- Josh Dunton, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School
- Christopher Tooley, Stafford Technical Center
- Isaac Phelps, R. W. Beckett
- Richard Thompson, JP Keefe High School
- Doug Zerbe, PPATEC
- Raymond Conte, New Hampshire School of Mechanical Trades
- Josh Hodson, Advanced Trade School
- Thomas Leonetti, Carlin/Hydrolevel
Training was conducted at NORA’s state-of-the-art Research & Education Center in Plainview, NY, under the expert guidance of professional education trainer Brenda Huber.
The NORA Accredited Instructor Program was created to raise the quality and effectiveness of technical education in the liquid heating fuels industry. Participants began the program by delivering prepared presentations, which were evaluated by both the instructor and fellow participants. This initial assessment served as a foundation for the program’s in-depth instructional development.
Throughout the course, participants were guided through advanced teaching methodologies designed to move beyond simple information delivery. The goal was to empower instructors to create dynamic, engaging, and effective learning experiences—ensuring that students not only understand the material but internalize and apply it with confidence.
In the liquid heating fuels industry, service professionals are often the primary point of contact with customers. Their expertise and communication directly influence customer perceptions of system efficiency, safety, renewable fuel adoption, and continued use of liquid fuel heating. The NORA AIP ensures that instructors are fully equipped to train these critical professionals to the highest standards.
