9 Career and Technical Education
Questions for Discussion
- How is Utah Tech University’s mission statement geared toward technical education?
- What are examples of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)?
- Why is experience an important part of preparing for a career?
- In what types of “on the job training” do students engage to prepare for a career in teaching?
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a type of educational program that focuses on preparing students for employment in specific industries or occupational fields. CTE programs are designed to provide students with both academic and technical skills, as well as hands-on experience in their chosen field.
In CTE programs, students can learn a wide range of skills, including automotive repair, culinary arts, healthcare, computer programming, welding, and many more. CTE programs can be found in high schools, community colleges, technical schools, and other educational institutions.
CTE programs often involve partnerships between educational institutions and local businesses or industry groups. This allows students to gain practical experience and develop skills that are in demand in their local job market. CTE programs can also lead to industry certifications and credentials, which can be valuable for students entering the workforce.
By providing students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workforce, CTE programs can help young people to build successful careers.
Teacher Feature
District CTE Director, Dave Gardner.
Teacher Feature Reflection Questions:
- Why did Mr. Gardner become a teacher and a District CTE Director?
- What does Mr. Gardner believes makes him a good teacher/administrator?
- What is Mr. Gardner’s favorite part of being a teacher/principal?
- What advice would Mr. Gardner give to new teachers?
Utah Education Flashback
Career and Technical Education
Magnet Schools
Magnet schools are public schools that offer specialized programs with a specific theme or focus, such as science, technology, engineering, arts, or language immersion. These schools are designed to attract students from different neighborhoods or school districts, and they often have a competitive admissions process. Magnet schools are intended to promote academic excellence, increase diversity, and provide unique learning opportunities for students. In some cases, magnet schools may also receive additional funding or resources to support their specialized programs. Magnet schools are transitioning into career and technical schools designed specially for students to complete a career pathway.
Career Tech High School
A Career Tech High School in St. George, Utah will open its doors to students beginning in August of 2023. It is the only campus of its kind in the intermountain west.
The following are career pathways that the school will offer:
- Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship
- Construction and Architecture
- Culinary Arts, Tourism & Hospitality
- Eary Childhood Dev. & Teaching as a Profession
- Engineering, Technology and Robotics
- Graphic Design & Digital Media
- Health Science
- Information Technology and Cyber Security
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are student-led organizations that have a focus on specific career and technical education (CTE) areas. They are designed to complement and enhance the knowledge and skills that students learn in their CTE classes.
There are many CTSOs, each with their own focus area. Some examples include the following:
DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
SkillsUSA
https://youtu.be/Q3gWlb-tI9c
HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)
FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America)
Future Farmers of America (FFA)
CTSOs provide students with opportunities to compete in events and participate in leadership and community service activities related to their chosen career field. They also offer networking opportunities with professionals in their field and help students develop important skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership.
Character Education
Character education programs involve teaching students about core values such as honesty, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship, and providing opportunities for students to practice these values in their daily lives. These programs may be integrated into the curriculum across various subjects, or they may be delivered through separate lessons, activities, or projects.
Service Learning
Service learning combines community service with academic instruction. It involves students in activities that address local needs while developing their academic and civic skills, knowledge, and values. The main idea behind service learning is that students learn by doing, and they can apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations.
Vocabulary
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Service Learning
Magnet Schools
Online Schools
Private Schools
Public Schools
CTSO
FBLA
HOSA
SkillsUSA
FFA
FCCLA
Character Education
Physical Plant
Career Pathways