A Cut Above CTE program at Gorman ISD transforms lives by Beth Griesmer
I
t was the kind of chatter that often happens during a haircut. They talked about kids and what was going on in the schools. Then, Shawndelle Harrington was asked a question that would put her on the path to bring a new career and technology education program to Gorman ISD, a small rural district in northwest Texas. “I was cutting the school counselor’s hair and she said to me, ‘I noticed that your license says instructor and hers says cosmetologist, and I want to know what the difference is,’” Harrington recounted. “I told her that I’m licensed to teach cosmetology.” The counselor was thrilled to hear that information. She knew a few girls in the district of 250 students who wanted to take cosmetology courses and wondered if Harrington could help her. That simple request turned out to be the start of a CTE program that would transform the lives of not only the cosmetology students but would also have a positive impact on the community. “It’s the little program that could,” said Gorman ISD Superintendent Mike Winter. Districts large and small across the state are putting more resources into CTE programs to align with regional workforce needs, but there is also an awareness that these programs instill far more than occupational skills. “Cosmetology gave them a focus and direction and a little bit more motivation to do better in school in general,” Winter said of the students who have participated in the program. “So many of our students today are aimless, especially after COVID. A program like this gives them the direction they need and want.”
Building a program Landing in Gorman after her husband retired from teaching automotive CTE classes in Birdville ISD in Haltom City, the Harringtons were looking forward to returning to his hometown and being part of the farming and ranching community west of Fort Worth. A former cosmetology
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| May 2024 | issuu.com/tasb-org
Gorman teacher at Birdville ISD, Harrington rented a chair at a local salon in Gorman and jumped at the chance to expand when the opportunity came to buy the barbershop next door. As district leaders explored creating a cosmetology program in Gorman, Harrington offered her insight as a CTE and cosmetology teacher. She suggested they try to partner with a community college to offer the coursework to students and even participated in initial conversations with local colleges.
Cosmetology students visit a nursing home to give manicures.