A quarterly newsletter bringing you highlights and success stories from the wonderful world of CTE in Florida. Greetings,
welcome letter
As we continue to navigate the opportunities caused by the pandemic, I would first like to express my gratitude for how our career and technical education (CTE) community has responded. I would also like to briefly reflect on what guides our work during these challenging times. In the lobby of the Department of Education building here in Tallahassee, there are two large plaques with quotes from Frederick Douglass and George Washington on the topic of education. Both speak to the transformative nature of education: “To deny education to any people,” Douglass said, “is one of the greatest crimes against human nature. It is to deny them the means of freedom and the rightful pursuit of happiness, and to defeat the very end of their being.” Washington argued the same. He also observed that education, particularly a “higher education,” mattered for the future of democracy and public well-being, since “knowledge is in every country the surest basis for public happiness.” Certainly, this year has been a difficult one for all of us, but in a particular way it has been an inspiring one for our students. With them in mind, I would like to express my gratitude for how our CTE community has responded. I truly appreciate the hard work, innovation, ingenuity and resiliency shown by our CTE faculty, staff and administrators in view of helping our students maintain progress toward their academic and professional goals. Their continued education is so important. Secondly, if the pandemic has taught us anything, it has taught us that valuable workforce education and training matters now more than ever. For example, we saw that those with just a high school diploma or less were twice as likely to be laid off or find themselves struggling to become employed. This has prompted the Governor and Commissioner to double down on efforts to accelerate an equitable recovery. Their recommendations are exciting. In short, CTE matters and is of real value for residents and our great state. Lastly, I want to thank those who have helped compile our first newsletter! The stories contained here are a testament to the resilience and commitment of our faculty and administrators—from K-12, technical colleges and centers, and our Florida College System institutions. Congratulations to all involved! If you have suggestions for enhancements or things you would like to see included in our next issue, please do not hesitate to reach out. Lastly, please know that I am available, day or night, for you and your team members. I am excited about what we have accomplished over the past two years, and what is to come. Together, we will all Get There! Henry Mack Chancellor Division of Career and Adult Education
STUDENT SENSATION By Ashley Thoron, Former Agriculture teacher at Trenton Middle/High School, Gilchrist County Public Schools and Ronnie Simmons, Florida FFA Executive Secretary.
This past fall at the 93rd National FFA Convention and Expo, Lauren Roberts, a former Trenton FFA member, was celebrated as a finalist for the American Star in Agriscience award for her research with honey bees. This award is for FFA members who demonstrate the top agrisciencebased Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in the nation. Her research has led to several awards and accomplishments within the National FFA organization. Lauren also presented her research at the Southeastern Watermelon Conference and the American Association of Agricultural Educators National Conference. Lauren continues to have a passion for the agricultural industry and is currently enrolled as a freshman at the University of Florida majoring in Entomology. Lauren’s SAE journey was sparked by a speech she wrote in the 7th grade about honey bees. She began her apiculture production SAE through a foundational project, involving researching and educating younger students on the importance of honey bees. In 10th grade, she expanded her SAE and purchased her first hive and began her business “The Pink Hives” where she sold honey and beeswax products. Through her business, she experienced hive loss and developed a research project to determine non-lethal repellents for honey bees. Her research led to a mentorship program with Dr. Jaime Ellis at the University of Florida. Lauren has since collaborated with faculty and graduate students to develop a non-lethal repellent for honey bees that is currently in the patent process. For more information on programs in the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster, please contact CTE State Supervisor Kaitlin Vickers at Kaitlin.Vickers@fldoe.org. 2
CTE MOVERS AND SHAKERS Life-Changing CTE program turns Student into Life Changer: Meet Bay County’s 2021 Teacher of the Year, Paul Richardson. By Anne Nymann, Division of Career and Adult Education, Florida Department of Education
Interviewing Paul Richardson was like diving straight to the core…getting to the good-stuff, the AWE of teaching. Understandably, as Paul is a no-nonsense, straight shooter, as well as the 2021 Bay County Teacher of The Year. During a recent conversation with Paul, he shared his story of the pathway that led him back to the classroom; and ultimately I learned his “WHY.” I was continually inspired and soon was scribbling down key snippets and silently yelling “YES!” and “Awesome!” These motivators were only a preview, building me up for the one thing that tied it all together for me: a video of Paul teaching in his welding lab. Would you like to know another reason I know Paul is the “real deal,” one that goes beyond reiterating pithy educational narratives? This is his life; Paul has lived and learned through CTE. He has experienced life through the lenses of a student, industry worker (welding), and now full-circle as an instructor at Tom P. Haney Technical Center in of one of the most respected and highly regarded welding programs in the nation. Continue reading to learn how Paul created a “Fiscal Responsibility” curriculum and embeds it into his welding program. Each student in his classroom will learn from Paul’s hard-knock lessons. Now, that’s what I call making the world a better place!
Q&A with Paul Richardson What inspires you as an educator? I was 17 and my wife was 15 when we had our first child. To provide for my family, I became a welder at age 18. Welding literally lifted me out of poverty, and I worked in the industry for 25 years. I initially entered the teaching profession six years ago for a better schedule. But then I saw people in my previous situation, and realized that I can change their lives through vocational education just like it changed mine. In January 2019, Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 19-31 which states that by 2030, Florida will lead in the nation in workforce education. We must all believe that Career Technical Education is a GREAT option—not just an “alternative” option for people who aren’t going to a four year college. CTE is for people of all ages, socioeconomic statuses and academic levels. Students in my welding program range from age 17 to 45. Some graduated from college, and some were unsuccessful in the traditional academic setting. Others experienced a major life change, were stuck in an unfulfilling job or retired from the military. Many existed on public assistance with the preconceived notion that a lucrative career is not within their grasp until they realize that a satisfying, profitable occupation can be obtained in less than two years of training. What inspires me as an educator is seeing the transformation made by students looking for an opportunity to succeed leave my program with the needed skills for a great career. Please share a recent “success story” I had a young man who dropped out of middle school come to Haney several years later to earn his GED after realizing he was handicapped without a high school diploma. He had no exposure to the opportunities presented by skilled careers with high-paying salaries. After he earned his GED, I convinced him to join the welding program. In three years he went from seventh grade dropout to earning six figures as a welder at a nuclear power plant. He said, “When I didn’t believe in myself, my welding teacher was determined to see me succeed. My life and the life of my family is forever changed because my teacher saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.”
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Going above and beyond: Students can complete Welding Technology in one school year and Welding Technology-Advanced in an additional seven months. Most students need remediation in math and reading to meet the minimum adult basic education test scores required for program completion. During this time, I don’t just teach welding, I also teach math, reading, science, and employability skills. Welding requires high-level math skills and the ability to read advanced, content-specific vocabulary; therefore, I provide basic skills remediation so students can master the welding content. Many students also require significant mentoring because they typically have little experience beyond minimum wage jobs and require significant training in employability skills such as professionalism, harassment prevention and attendance. These skills will allow them to keep a job once they obtain it. My top student is a female in the advanced program. It thrills me to be part of opening doors in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated. She is currently weighing the offers received by six national companies after passing all of their entry weld tests. My lesson reflects a typical day in the welding lab. With 38 students in various welding courses and 50 welding booths, instruction often takes place in small groups. Strengths include easily comprehensible explanations that use common vocabulary, differentiated instruction and guided practice. I recognize when students learn differently and have various skill levels, adjust the teaching method and correct the process immediately so students can experience success. Positive reinforcement is a strong tool in my arsenal. Students who are experiencing first-time academic success through hands-on learning in my shop need specific praise that promotes good practices and keeps them engaged. I treat my classroom like a shop in the industry--the positive reinforcement and promotions through welding modules are their currency. Student outcomes: When students enter my room for the first time, they see the “Wall of Fame” which has posters of former students as well as their job titles and salaries on view for all to see. Students see that individuals who were once sitting where they are now are in the workforce with education-backed, stackable credentials needed for success in the industry. Making money very quickly can often lead to disastrous financial decisions. The statement I make at least once a week and have students repeat after me is, “It’s not what you make, it’s what you save.” Not only do welders draw a hefty salary, but the ones on travel are eligible for untaxed per diem for food and lodging. Individuals who were once dependent on public assistance and didn’t even have a bank account come to my classroom with a limited concept of budgeting money. I once was the person who was barely scraping by and then became employed by a good company only to later mismanage my money. Based on my personal experiences, I developed a financial responsibility curriculum that is embedded in my program beginning on the first day of class. I teach students everything from making a basic family budget to planning for retirement.. My mentoring of other teachers has influenced and advanced the learning of students in classrooms that are not my own, which will in turn help our community’s economy. When our students succeed, we all succeed. Be on the lookout for exciting things to come! I am also spearheading the first Welding Apprenticeship program in the state and the only Orbital Welding Specialist apprenticeship program in the nation, which will combine classroom instruction, paid on-the job training, and begins this spring. I am developing a curriculum for the apprenticeship program to provide specialty training for a large local employer Any last words you would like to share? On January 30, 2019, Governor DeSantis said, “Florida has many students unprepared for college and workforce success, limiting both their career opportunities as well as employers’ ability to grow their business. I am committed to making sure students in Florida are able to acquire the knowledge and learn the skills they need to earn a good wage and provide for their families here in our great state.” Students start thinking about what they want to be when they grow up as early as elementary school. Great educators assist students as they move through the education system by providing youngsters with materials and research to help them reach their goals. For more information on programs in the Manufaturing Career Cluster, including welding, please contact CTE State Supervisor Bob Blevins at Robert.Blevins@fldoe.org.
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GRANTS IN ACTION CARES Act Grant Funds Forklift Training for Haney Technical Center Students By Suzanne Vann, Media Specialist, Haney Technical Center
As a community recovering from Category 5 Hurricane Michael, Bay County, Florida has thousands of ongoing construction and repair projects. When COVID-19 hit, it became even more difficult for contractors to find qualified workers and for many local residents to keep their current jobs. Students enrolled at Tom P. Haney Technical Center were been given an opportunity to receive free training that can lead to instant employment opportunities at a solid wage. Haney was the recipient of a CARES Act Rapid Credentialing Grant in fall 2020. The awarding of the grant allowed Haney to purchase a forklift and pay for student training to earn an OSHA Forklift Operator Credential. After receiving the forklift, training began in December 2020. To date, 61 students from four of our career technical programs—Electricity, HVAC 1 & 2, Marine Service Technologies and Welding Technology, have earned this credential. With the forklift credential in hand, Haney students can apply for skilled jobs as operators to replace minimum wage positions or to find initial employment. Haney Director Ann Leonard recognizes the importance of providing training to earn industry certifications. “We are constantly looking for opportunities to strengthen our curriculum and expand the career prospects for our students. The forklift training--made possible through the CARE Act Rapid Credentialing Grant--helps our students gain skills that will help them immediately with employment opportunities at a strong wage. It will also benefit them in the long-term as they complete their programs and move into their career field because a specialized OSHA credential will give them a competitive edge as they join the workforce.” KUDOS to Haney Technical Center! For more information on programs in the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Career Cluster, contact Bob Blevins at Robert.Blevins@fldoe.org.
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social media shoutoutS
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Miami Dade College’s Rapid Credentialing Courses Help Unemployed Get Back to Work By Miami Dade College
In its ongoing efforts to support economic recovery and furloughed workers devastated by COVID-19, Miami Dade College is offering online professional development courses designed to provide skills and certification for in-demand jobs. The courses, which are available at no cost, fall into four categories: business, medical, public safety and technology. Technology offerings include Amazon Web Services (AWS) courses such as AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect Associate, as well as Oracle Certified Associate (OA), Java Programmer, and Certified Internet Web (CIW) JavaScript Specialist. These and other rapid credentialing programs are funded in part by a $2.3 million grant from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Marieli Socorro, who lost her job in the hospitality industry due to the pandemic, completed a certified professional biller course that provides students with the knowledge and skills to take the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Professional Biller Certification exam. “I had to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity since I’m at home and had the time,” she said. “Pro7
fessionally, this will help me grow and enter the medical industry. This was my first course online and it was a great experience. Now I’m studying for the test.” The workforce development courses, and more than 150 other workforce training programs offered at MDC, are available through the College’s Kick-Start Your Career and Upskill programs for rapid credentialing. North Campus student Olubukola Majaro is taking prerequisite classes for MDC’s associate degree in nursing, which she expects to complete in 2022. Wanting to work in the medical field while she’s in school, Olubukola enrolled in the certified nursing assistant (CNA) course and passed the CNA Industry Certification exam. Her hard work quickly paid off — Mercy Hospital hired her as a CNA. “The course was awesome. It was one of the best decisions I made in 2020,” she said. “Everything went smoothly and I am so glad to have had the opportunity.” The rapid credentialing courses are just the latest incentives MDC is offering to help the community and assist in the county’s economic recovery. Last summer, as tens of thousands of people were losing their jobs, more than $49 million in federal and private funds were made available to MDC students so that they could start or finish their studies and follow pathways to new careers. “These online classes are an excellent way to earn a certification in a short amount of time,” Majaro said. “Hopefully, there will be a lot of people getting certified and changing careers.” For more information on programs in the Information Technology Career Cluster, please contact CTE State Supervisor Elizabeth Winger at Elizabeth.Winger@fldoe.org.
Welcome to our new DCAE employees: Mallory Martinez - Educational Policy Analyst, Bureau of Grants Administration and Compliance Jane Greenfield - Program Specialist IV, Bureau of Adult Education Anne Everly - Apprenticeship and Training Representative, Bureau of Standards, Benchmarks and Frameworks 8
guess who? Get to know your DCAE Colleagues! (Answer in the next CTE Newsletter) My Children were born on Valentine’s Day and I was Captain of my high school basketball team. Who Am I? • • • • •
Lee Chipps-Walton, Program Specialist, State and Federal Initiatives Elizabeth Moya, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Articulation Anne Nyman, CTE State Supervisor Michael Swift, Grants Program Specialist Dave Mueller, CTE State Supervisor
VOTE
FCCLA Student Executive Council FCCLA Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO) recently held their Virtual State Leadership Conference in Orlando. Check out these pictures of the Student Executive Council in action!
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teamwork makes the dream work
Orange Technical College, Westside Campus’ new Medical Assisting Apprenticeship program was recently created with the funding from the Governor’s Pathways Apprenticeship grant. “Even through the pandemic we have been able to create a top tier training program and an excellent partnership with Orlando Health. We are excited to be kicking off recruiting our 2nd cohort this week that will begin in August” shares Crystal Davidson, Sr. Director. Program Details: The Medical Assisting Apprenticeship Program (MAAP) provides a great opportunity to place highly skilled medical assistants into the workforce. MAAP apprentices will go through the Medical Assistant program at Orange Technical College Westside two days per week, while working part-time in an Orlando Health medical office three days per week. Apprentices are placed in a medical office where they are trained on the skills that are introduced to them during classroom instruction. This scheduling model allows apprentices to master all necessary clinical and administrative skills needed to be successful and begin a career in their field as they complete the program. They get to “Earn While They Learn.” The program is 12 months long and all training/tuition costs are covered by Orlando Health, allowing MAAP apprentices to complete the program and remain debt free. For more information on programs in the Health Science Career Cluster, please contact CTE State Supervisor Pamela Gilman at Pamela.Gilman@fldoe.org. 10
what’s your
story?
CTE Administrators: We know you have Success Stories, and we would love to hear them!! View instructions to submit your Success Story to be considered for publication in an upcoming CTE Successes newsletter at CTE Newsletter Submission Guidelines. If you have questions, comments or feedback, please contact Anne. Nyman@fldoe.org.
Get There promotes Career and Technical Education (CTE) as a modern approach to higher education and training for students in every walk of life. What CTE offers is a way for students to gain skills and earn credentials in some of Florida’s most critical and desirable industries. And unlike traditional higher education, CTE programs set students on the right path in less time with less cost. That means they can get into a career today without the worry of debt tomorrow.
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