Our Instructors

Meet the dedicated, experienced educators who develop and teach MTEC’s programs

At the MEMA Technical Education Center, we are 100% focused on preparing you for a successful career in the HVAC-R industry. Our school and its curriculum are supported by industry leaders. The instructors leading you in lectures, class discussions, video simulations and hands-on lab work are heating, cooling and refrigeration authorities.

Here are the knowledgeable and experienced educators who will guide you through your program toward a challenging, rewarding vocation:

Roger Mitchell – Dean

Roger began his heating career in the U.S. Air Force and obtained his Maine Oil Burner Technician License during his enlistment. A seasoned veteran of the HVAC industry for more than 30 years, Roger was instrumental in creating the training program at MTEC. As dean of technical education for 10 years, Roger wrote our curriculum and developed hands-on training methods for many programs. He enjoys working with renewable-energy heating equipment. He was a System 2000 authorized dealer until December 2022, when he accepted the role of MTEC’s dean.

David Cupka – Instructor

David has been in the HVAC industry for more than 40 years, first starting in the US Air Force as an air conditioning and refrigeration specialist. Since then, he has held multiple positions for different HVAC companies across the US, including working as a service manager for Trane Heating and Air Conditioning for 11 years. In 2006, he started his own company, Aircon, Inc. He is experienced with service and sales engineering, has a vast knowledge of any HVAC system, and is certified in handling propane, natural gas, and EPA Refrigeration. Most recently, David taught HVAC/R courses at the Northeast Technical Institute.

Mike Hedge – Instructor

Mike has been in the HVAC business since 1979 when he started working at his father’s business in the 8th grade. After graduating from Rutgers University in 1987, Mike went to work for Carrier and then Trane in the commercial HVAC market. Since then, Mike has owned and operated his own contracting business focusing strictly on heat pumps. He began teaching HVAC basics and sales to HVAC distributors in 2012. He then taught at tech schools and a community college beginning in 2018. At MTEC, Mike is an instructor for our 40-Hour Heat Pump Training, which teaches students heat pump installation and service best practices with an emphasis on safety, flaring technique and system evacuation.

Roger Mitchell – Dean

David Cupka – Instructor

Mike Hedge – Instructor

Radio interview

Dan Weber, our prior Dean, introduces you to the school and the hands on training that students receive in working toward their license as a HVAC/Heat Pump technician.

The top priority of our instructors and administrators is to provide you with the tools to pass your certification exams and transition seamlessly to a career in the heating, cooling and refrigeration sector.

We’re here to answer your questions about our programs and the boundless opportunities in the HVAC-R industry. Feel free to call or contact us online.