November 2022 • Volume 3 • Issue 3
THE CTE "WHY?"
Career and Technical Education (CTE) prepares all students for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand careers. The experience begins with career inspiration in Pre-K, awareness in elementary school, exploration in middle school, and preparation in high school. CTE equips students for post-secondary education and immediate employment opportunities to compete worldwide successfully.
• Featured Articles •
National Career Development Month
November is National Career Development Month was established by the National Career Development Agency the month long awareness encourages career development professionals to celebrate career development. The National Career Development Association (NCDA) provides professional development, publications, standards, and advocacy to practitioners and educators who inspire and empower individuals to achieve their career and life goals. November 14-18th was National Career Development Appreciation Week, where NC Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed November 16th as National Career Development Coordinator Day! Our Career & College Managers (CCMs) and Special Populations Coordinators (SPCs) continue to work in preparing students for careers and college.
To learn more of Governor Cooper’s proclamation, click HERE.
Dr. Dorsel Edwards' Lifelong Learning Journey!
Who knew that a little girl raised in the projects of Winston-Salem would grow up to become a registered nurse with a Doctorate in nursing practice? Dr. Dorsel Edwards currently works at T. Wingate Andrews High School, teaching students in the CTE health careers pathway. She chose to work with disadvantaged students because she understands their needs. Dr. Edwards educational journey started when she received her Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification. Later returned to college at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) to receive a bachelor's degree in nursing, a Mastered degree in nursing, and, most recently, a doctorate in nursing. Along this journey, she encountered obstacles and naysayers; however, Dr. Edwards also had some positive influential teachers, who pushed her to become a woman who would reach higher goals in life, and she has lived by this motto:
"Never give up on your dream of success; your current situation does not define who you are or will be."
Dr. Dorsel Edwards, DNP, MSN, RN
National Consortium Health Science Education (NCHSE) Conference
CTE Health Science Educators attended the National Consortium Health Science Education (NCHSE) Conference in Charleston, South Carolina from Oct. 24-28th. NCHSE supports visionary leadership, promotes best practices, and speaks with one voice to promote career success for the next generation of health professionals. It also has the tools needed to develop and maintain successful health science programs in schools with the goal of promoting consistent, high-quality programs and sharing best practices. Our GCS CTE Health Science Educators embraced different tools to educate and prepare future health professionals for tomorrow's workforce. They were empowered and able to connect, collaborate, and share experiences working as a team!
Should We Hack Humanity? Ethics and Leadership Conference
Mrs. Regina Smith, the newest Cybersecurity teacher at the Kearns Academy in High Point, NC, attended the “Should We Hack Humanity?” Ethics and Leadership Conference held at the NC School of Science and Math in Durham, North Carolina last month. She along with thirteen students from Kearns Academy of Computer and Information Science and one student from A&T STEM Early College had the opportunity to hear multi-award-winning technologist and entrepreneur Noelle Silver Russell. Noelle Silver Russell shared her experiences working for companies such as IBM, Microsoft and Amazon. She shared her experience as one of the developers of the Artificial Intelligence Technology that lead to the Amazon Alexa. She discussed the ethical implications of creating a technology that can be helpful to humans and unintentionally harmful at the same time, reiterating the importance of ensuring that technology development teams are inclusive and consider all opinions and perspectives. Students also heard from Renee Cummings, criminologist, criminal psychologist, and therapeutic jurisprudence specialist. She continued the discussion about Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. Renee advised that when used incorrectly artificial intelligence can contribute to the biases that already exists in society. Lastly, students heard from Charlotte Dungan, Chief Operating Officer at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Education Project. She shared how advancing all technology has changed society and enhanced areas such as criminal investigates. Students in CTE are being taught to be mindful of others while shaping the future of technology.
• EDUCATION & BUSINESS & INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT•
Discover Your World of Work (WOW), 3.0
Last month, in partnership with ShiftEd, the Discover Your World of Work (WOW) 3.0 event highlighted various career clusters in Automotive, Business, Finance & Marketing, Government & Public Administration, Manufacturing, Information Technology, Arts, Audio/Video, Technology, & Communications, Human Services, STEM, Health Science, Law/Public Safety, Corrections & Security, and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics. High school students visited over 40 booths and networked with postsecondary and high-skill, high wage, and in-demand professionals.
Guilford County Schools Free 12-week IT Career Training
Parents and guardians of Guilford County Schools students can get Free career training in information technology from a unique program the district is offering. CompTIA, a nonprofit trade association, provides the training to serve up to 40 adults, in two groups of 20, for its first 12-week session. Any parents beyond that who register will go on a waiting list and possibly be able to attend a second 12-week session. Parents who complete the training will be qualified to test for industry certification exams. The district is also partnering with GuilfordWorks, the county's workforce development board, which will provide childcare along with individualized coaching for the parents. The program represents a new move for Guilford County Schools in providing career education for parents. According to Eboni Chillis, the district's chief innovation officer. "Guilford Schools new career program isn't actually for students, but their parents Chillis said she thought the district's efforts could potentially inspire others." The idea came from discussing child poverty rates in Guilford County and what the district might do to break down racial wealth gaps. District leaders thought career training for parents might help them land higher-paying jobs. According to Chillis, technology-related employment in North Carolina is expected to grow by 3% this year — a major reason for the district choosing to offer Information Technology training.
GIIT (Get Into Industry Tours)
In November, GCS-CTE Get Into Industry Tours (GIIT) visited Honda Aircraft Company. Ten community, business, and education leaders engaged in discussion about what an innovative learning space should look like and how those spaces stimulate modern industry for the future workforce generation. CTE's emerging partnership with Honda Aircraft Company secure relevant school-to-work placements, starting at age 17. GCS is committed to fostering sustained connections with all stakeholders to shape a mutual partnership wherein investments in our young people offer impactful return for our community, at large.
GCS & Ed Farm Celebration of Learning
Last month, CTE in partnership with Ed Farm saluted the successes of our first Teacher Fellows cohort at T. Wingate Andrews High School. Education Farm (Ed Farm) is an innovative, tech-focused education and workforce development organization that envisions an inventive world in which all people have access to the technology, learning experiences, relationships, and credentials necessary to fill or create the jobs of the future. This vision aligns with CTE's purpose of preparing students for high skill, high wage, or in-demand careers.
The Teacher Fellows Program is designed to equip educators with tools, skills and strategies specifically related to integration of technology in both the virtual and physical classroom. It is a blend of innovative learning sessions, coaching cycles, and intensive school-based and teacher support. The GCS Teacher Fellows participated in 100 hours of Professional Learning and 160 hours of 1:1 Innovation Coaching Cycles. Eight teachers became Apple Teacher Certified in iPad, MacBook, and Swift earning 50 accreditation badges to date. Other significant learning gains include a 150% increase in confidence using an iPad, 150% increase in those who are very confident in using a MacBook and 100% increase in confidence with Swift Playgrounds. Teacher Fellows also participated in Ed Farm Code Clubs using the Apple Everyone Can Code curriculum. Ed Farm Code Clubs are designed to make computer science learning experiences accessible to students of all ages while inspiring confidence and teaching vital problem-solving skills that can be applied in all facets of their lives.
GCS CTE Teacher Fellow Cohort One Members and Badges Earned:
Community Collaborator, Digital Trailblazer, Creative Designer, Future Focused Facilitator, Confident Coder
Community Collaborator, Digital Trailblazer, Creative Designer, Future-Focused Facilitator, Confident Coder, Change Cultivator
Community Collaborator, Digital Trailblazer, Creative Designer, Future-Focused Facilitator, Confident Coder, Change Cultivator
Community Collaborator, Digital Trailblazer, Creative Designer, Future-Focused Facilitator, Confident Coder
Additional Teacher Fellows: Candace Kimball, Assistant Principal, Guilford eLearning University Prep; Andrea King, Technology Assistant, Foust Elementary; Candis Little, Teacher, Peck Elementary; Kelly Russell- Harris, Teacher, Foust Elementary; and Margaret Sullivan-Brannon, Media Specialist, Guilford eLearning University Prep.
Start Your Engine!
November proved to be a rewarding month for the CTE Automotive Services Career Pathway Students at Weaver Academy. Associates from Rice Toyota visited Weaver Academy CTE students to speak with them about the automotive industry, and internship opportunities within the company. In addition, for students’ enjoyment and real hands-on experience, Rice Toyota brought a 2021 Toyota Supra to the visit to showcase a high-powered sports car. Students were encouraged to sit inside, start it up, and hear the engine roar. To top off this career awareness visit, the pièce de résistance involved Rice Toyota donating a Toyota Prius to the Weaver Academy CTE Automotive program. This will allow students to learn skills related to hybrid vehicle technology and remain up-to-date with industry trends. Rice Toyota is looking to double their automotive service workforce in the next few years. Interested students are encouraged to inquire about the apprenticeship opportunity, even if they have little or no automotive experience. More information can be found through their website at https://www.ricetoyota.com/toyota-technician-career-training-opportunities.htm.
Mr. Ray Dove Automotive Instructor, and Mr. Brett Sides Career and College Manager (CCM) of Weaver Academy continue to ensure CTE is the Ultimate Classroom Experience!
Last month, Career and Technical Education (CTE), in partnership with Fannie Mae Safer Together Green Housing Project, hosted its third celebratory iteration of a collaboration between education, business, and civic organizations to address the affordable housing crisis. In North Carolina over one million households are paying more than one-third of their income for housing. Through this partnership, Guilford County Schools’ CTE Carpentry Pathway students applied their career pathway knowledge and skill to help ensure innovative housing applications lead to affordable housing solutions. This diverse student cohort, under the esteemed instruction of their CTE Trade & Industrial teachers Mark Adkins (Weaver), John Hensley (Grimsley), and Bruce Lockwood (Southern Guilford High School)}, labored to renovate single-family homes within the Greensboro and High Point communities. Students enhanced their technical skills, gained industry-recognized credentials, built professional networks, earned $15 per hour, and are more ready for their postsecondary career pathway of choice.
Special guest, Jasmine Roth a HGTV celebrity, moderated the evening, creating the best atmosphere to vibe and engage with all things relating to the Construction and Carpentry trades. GCS CTE was appreciative of Ms. Roth’s appearance and contribution to help make this night a greater success. This night marked the conclusion of this project; however, future partnering opportunities remain on the horizon.
To hear reflections from our CTE Carpentry Pathway Fannie Mae student cohort, click HERE .
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) Empower
Future Farmers of America (FFA) National Convention and Expo
Mrs. Veronica Nelson, CTE Career and College Manager (CCM) at Southeast High School (SEHS), had the pleasure of attending the 95th National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention and Expo in Indianapolis with the (SEHS), FFA chapter officers. There were more than 69,500 FFA members and supporters from across the country who participated in general convention sessions hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. Students were inspired by their peers, recognized for their accomplishments, and encouraged to continue to achieve by the keynote speaker, Tamika Catchings, WNBA player and 4-time Olympic gold medalist. Convention attendees explored various career paths at the National FFA Expo, participated in career success tours, spoke with college recruiters and employers even had the opportunity to attend a country music concert and rodeo. A special noted tour was to the Cummins Technical Center which is the home to research and development conducted on diesel and alternate fuel engines, components subsystems and other advanced power systems.
Southern Guilford High School(SGHS) Future Farmers of America (FFA) Veterinary Science Curriculum Development Events (CDE) Team
The Southern Guilford High School (SGHS) Future Farmers of America (FFA) Veterinary Science Career Development Events (CDE) team placed first in the West Central FFA Regional Competition, and then went on to place third, out of 61 teams, in the state competition! They will walk across the stage at the North Carolina FFA State Convention and add a state plaque to the wall in the Agriculture (AG) Hall of SGHS! This is an extremely complex competition that requires them to know roughly 120 pieces of medical equipment (large and small animal), 30 different parasites (larvae and adult), as well as 40 dog breeds, a 25 question timed math exam, a 25 question test covering eight chapters, a Clinical demonstration, and a Handling and Restraint demonstration. All four of these students are a part of the Southern Guilford CTE Veterinary Assisting program. Students spent many hours before school practicing for this competition and we are so incredibly proud of them! Jason Creech placed second in the state out of 260 members, and Isaac Cravey placed fifth.
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Piedmont Triad Regional Leadership Conference
CONGRATULATIONS to our Southern Guilford High School (SGHS) Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) students! All 31 HOSA members took a huge leap and competed in various testing events last month. This month, twelve students were able to attend HOSA’s Piedmont Triad Regional Leadership Conference in Winston-Salem. This is the first time SGHS has participated in a HOSA event in over three years!
Please congratulate our SGHS HOSA finalists (placed in the top ten in their contest) – and our THREE top two finishers!
- Itzel Perez - Clinical Nursing - 1st place
- Chelsea Garland - Cultural Diversity and Disparities - 2nd place
- Hailey Garcia-Cortes - Healthy Lifestyle - 2nd place
- Olivia Wilson - Finalist - Dental Science
- Hadiqa Ali - Finalist - Emergency Medical Technician
- Hasan Khan - Finalist - Emergency Medical Technician
- Zainab Khan - Finalist - Emergency Medical Technician
- Maryum Zaman - Finalist - Emergency Medical Technician
- Taylor McDonald - Finalist - Medical Spelling
- Julia Picone - Finalist - Medical Spelling
- Paola Miranda - Finalist - Medical Spelling
- Estrella Decigo-Rigo - Finalist - Nutrition
click HERE to see all of the CTE HOSA finalists from Guilford County Schools during the Piedmont Triad Regional Leadership Conference held in November.
National HOSA Week at Southwest Guilford High School
In celebration of National Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) week, November 14-18th, Mrs. Nita Canon, a CTE Health Science Education Teacher at Southwest Guilford High School (SWHS), scheduled a weeklong series of health professionals to share information with students about the world of work in the medical field. This full week of career speakers included SWHS alumni who are working in the Health Science field. Current SWHS students were excited to hear from their peers, who not that far off walked the same hallways, come and share their career journeys in the health care professions pathway, filled with both triumphs and trials, with the overarching theme to pursue your career goals and when you fall, just get back up and try again. Many students were able to share their career aspirations with the guest speakers and receive encouragement and career tips. Many students were able to share their career aspirations with over 15 guest speakers who provided essential career tips.
U.S. Presidential CTE Scholars School Nominees-2022-23
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964, honoring outstanding high school seniors to encourage high attainment among all students. Excellence in Career and Technical Education (CTE), defined by the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, is academic rigor, technical competence, employability skills, and a strong sense of ingenuity, creativity, and problem-solving. Students were nominated by staff wherein each nominee completed an application embedded with four essay prompts to demonstrate work-based learning, community service, leadership, Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) competition placement, industry-recognized credential attainment, and dual/articulated college credit earned. Guilford County Schools (GCS), CTE Department received four high school senior nominations for the CTE U.S. Presential Scholars Program:
Based on Grade 12 student enrollment for GCS, two nominees will be able to continue to the next round. Shaylah Patillo (Academy at Smith) and Zachary Riley (High Point Andrews) will advance, based on application rubric score, and represent GCS at the state competition. North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) will submit names of the state selected nominees to the U.S. Commission on Presidential Scholars by November 30, 2022. All state nominees will be added to the larger pool of national nominees wherein finalists are announced and invited to apply directly to the U.S. Commission on Presidential Scholars in mid-January 2023. Completed applications are due in February, and final U.S. Presidential Scholars will be announced by early-May 2023. We congratulate all four student nominees and wish Shaylah and Zachary luck in the round(s) ahead.
Out of the Garden Project
In celebration of the Thanksgiving Holiday, CTE gives back to its community. This month CTE donated non-perishable canned food items to the Out of the Garden Project. Throughout the year, many people experience food insecurity, and making positive impact is GCS CTE’s core. Out of the Garden Project is the largest organization of its kind within the Piedmont-Triad Region purposed to stop chronic hunger. CTE understands that teaching children cannot happen most optimally until their basic survival needs are met. CTE is a part of a great village in Guilford County Schools and labors to serve students and families in all the ways it can...service is a high privilege. To learn more about this organization call HERE.
A LOOK AHEAD....DECEMBER 2022
GCS CTE Staff
Dr. Holly Pore • CTE Executive Director
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
GCS Teachers/Students/Staff: Click HERE to submit an article.
Business/Community Partners: Click HERE to submit an article.
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