Issuu

CAREER & EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Your complete guide to local career and education • Fall 2020

Special Supplement to The Glendale Star and Peoria Times

INSIDE This Issue

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY .......... 4 GCU teams with Glendale Chamber for discounted tuition

GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ................ 6 Seven steps to restarting your career

GLENDALE ELEMENTARY ...... 10 Increasing focus on supporting students and families

Female auto tech Cali Orr on her way to BMW BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Career & Education Opportunities Executive Editor

Cali Orr is only 18, but she is on her way to her dream job, thanks to West-MEC. The Peoria resident studied a trade that isn’t common among women—automotive technology—and earned a 4.0. “When I was growing up, my uncle was a mechanic,” she said. “My whole family was into cars. We’re a really handy family. “We try to do everything we can—if we have the right tools.” Orr discovered her passion for cars in the eighth grade. She enjoys solving problems and learning. “I learn every single day,” she added. “That was why I liked the idea of automotive and ﬁxing things.” She attended West-MEC because it was less expensive than other technical schools. While she studied there, she was inspired by her teacher, Nick Shumaker. Shumaker said he doesn’t see a lot of women in his automotive technology classes. “We usually run between 10% and 20% women,” he said. “We usually have somewhere between two and four. That’s usually on the high side. This year, I have no girls in either of my classes. It ebbs and ﬂows, obviously.” Shumaker said although the automotive classes aren’t usually something that’s appealing to females, they’re the ones who are the most successful. “The girls end up making service manager or manager before the boys,” he said.

Cali Orr studied automotive technology at West-MEC. (Photo courtesy West-MEC)

“They think differently, and they’re more analytical about stuff.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics found there are 19,236 female auto mechanics (2.1% of all auto mechanics) and a total 130,174 women in the automotive repair and maintenance ﬁeld as of 2018. Furthermore, women account for 9.7% of the 1.34 million employees in the auto

repair and maintenance industry in the United States. In contrast, there were only 12,000 female auto mechanics out of 837,000 total mechanics in 1999. Therefore, in 1999 only 1.4% of auto mechanics were women while in 2018 2.1% of auto mechanics

Career Success Tech High School Says Yes to Success REDESIGNING & REIMAGINING EDUCATION

Computer Maintenance • Certiﬁed Nursing Assistant • New Cosmetology Center Enroll Today • 602-285-5525 • csschools.com/Tech • 3816 N 27th Ave • Phoenix, AZ 85017

Cali...continued on page 2

Career & Education Opportunity

Fall 2020

Career Success Schools is education and career focused

BY NATE DETTMAR

Tech High School Principal

Career Success Schools’ Tech High School in Phoenix has been serving students for over 20 years. We pride ourselves on being able to meet students’ needs while providing a pathway to graduation and career success. When a student enrolls at our school, we complete a credit evaluation and get them enrolled in the courses they need for graduation. Our accelerated program allows students to earn up to eight credits each school year. We also offer credit recovery courses for students who have struggled with these courses

Cali...continued from page 1 were women. A Sanderson Ford lube tech, Orr said sometimes her job is challenging because she’s a woman. “There are some physical attributes that make it a little bit difﬁcult,” she said. “I’m not super tall. With big old trucks, I can only reach halfway or sometimes there are strength issues.” In January, Orr will begin BMW training at UTI. She’s working at Sanderson Ford to gain dealership experience before those sessions begin. When her schooling ends in April, she’ll work full time at BMW. She said her supervisors at Sanderson Ford were exceptionally understanding about her short stint there. “They said, ‘We’re going to try to persuade you to stay. Your resume looks amazing,’” she recalled with a laugh. “With West-MEC and getting so many certiﬁcations, it makes my resume look amazing.” Shumaker said not only is Orr’s resume amazing, her work ethic is as well. “She really came in with the want

Tune In To Your Community

previously. We are small enough to make each student a priority, yet large enough to offer students their courses and a pathway to numerous career options. One of our specialty programs is cosmetology. This course is offered on campus in our newly remodeled class and salon. Through this course students will complete all the requirements to take the state assessment and can graduate with their license in cosmetology. This program is open to male and female students. For those interested in a career in the medical ﬁeld, we have a partnership with Accord Healthcare. Through this partnership, students enrolled in Tech

High School can take classes on campus for a variety of programs, including certified nursing assistant, phlebotomy, EKG tech or long-term health care. Through this partnership students can graduate with a high school diploma and a certificate or license to move right into a career. These programs are just a few of the wonderful oppor- Tech High School in Phoenix has been serving students for over 20 tunities you can find at Tech years. (Photo courtesy Career Success Schools) High School. Additionally, we have programs for Visit our website, csschools.com/tech, or call students interested in computer main- 602-285-5525 to discuss how to earn a high school diploma and get started on a great career. tenance, graphic design and more.

and desire to do more in her life,” Shumaker added. “She really enjoyed the hands-on aspect of being able to take things apart, diagnose, rebuild and put back together. “She was shop foreman. She was in charge of running the shop for me, for us—on top of doing her daily stuff. She still had to do the same amount of work as everybody else.” Orr went “above and beyond consistently,” said Shumaker, who was a technician for 18 years before becoming a teacher. She stayed late and worked on her vehicle and helped other students before and after class. Shumaker said she was interested in becoming a strong team member as well as learning and Nathaniel Chavez and Cali Orr chat about automotive technology at West-MEC. Orr was one of the few female automotive honing her craft. technology students at the school. (Photo courtesy West-MEC) About 99% of the girls who enter the ﬁeld are driven and “He’s very excited,” she said. “He one for change, and I love a challenge. determined, Shumaker said. They’re likes hearing updates about my life. I That’s what this is—especially with not afraid to ask questions. really enjoy learning. That’s my big- BMW. They hold their technicians Orr said her uncle is proud of her and gest thing. If I’m not doing something to a really high standard. I’m 100% her choice of occupation. new all the time, I get so bored. I’m down for a challenge.”

Fall 2020

Career & Education Opportunity

TECH HIGH SCHOOL

FIND YOUR PASSION

Why Career Success Cosmetology?

• Dynamic Education • Work with World-Renowned Brands

• Prepare for the State Board Exam • Earn your High School diploma

Program Beneﬁts • At 600 hours students receive $100 gift card for supplies • At 1200 hours students receive State Board exam kit • At completion of hours State Board exam fee will be paid for the student. • Receive a $300 gift card for supplies upon completion and license

Become a Nursing Assistant While Getting Your High School Diploma When you’re ready for a new career, you can get a quality education at the Accord Healthcare Institute in Phoenix, located within Career Success High School. Accord offers training programs that allow you to become a Certiﬁed Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomist, EKG (ECG) Technician, and Patient Care Technician. Available for all Career success high School students.

Career Success High School Computer Maintenance Program Arizona STRUT, or students Recycling used technology, is a non-profit program with a three prong purpose: • Teaching students technology skills • Donating computers to schools • Diverting electronic waste from landfills. Career Success students refurbish laptops and desktops donated by AZSTRUT. Students who want to pursue a career in computer science can study to take two tests that earn them an A+ certificate, which gains them entry-level access to the tech field. Students who can’t afford the test fees can get financial assistance from STRUT.

• Grades 9 to 12

REMOTE AND IN PERSON LEARNING

• District provided laptops/Chrome Books + Internet Access

• Enhanced Learning + Digital Curriculum

• Cognia Accredited

• Flexible Schedule + Early Graduate Programs

• Education + Career Action Planning

• All Schools Follow CDC Guidelines

ENROLL TODAY 602-285-5525

csschools.com/TECH • 3816 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017

Career & Education Opportunity

Fall 2020

GCU teams with Glendale Chamber for discounted tuition Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University is Arizona’s premier, private Christian university in the heart of Phoenix. As a corporate sponsor and education partner, GCU is proud to support the Glendale Chamber of Commerce by providing a 10% off tuition scholarship for employees working for companies that are members of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. (For more information, see paragraph A.) GCU’s innovative, digital platform supports dynamic online learning and connects over 81,000 online students to dedicated faculty members in small class sizes. (For more information, see paragraphs B and C.) At GCU, students can expect an outstanding level of service that provides help every step of the way, from application to graduation. The university provides a no-cost degree plan that will include any prior college credit that may have been completed. Students will also receive a

projected graduation date and estimated cost of attendance. Get started today! Visit gcu.edu/gcc. A-MOU 6583: This scholarship is only valid for applicants who are employees working for companies that are members of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce and submit a complete application for a program beginning on or before Aug. 12, 2023. By committing to start your bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree program or a single nondegree course through our online or evening campus offerings, Grand Canyon University will offer you 10% off the tuition rate per course for your program. This scholarship will be applied at the same time the tuition charges occur. B-Q4 2019 C-As of fall 2019, the average class size for online was 10.5 students, the average class size for professional studies was 13.4 students and the average class size for traditional was 26.6 students. Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment. Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (1-800-621-7440; hlcommission.org). Important policy information is available in the University Policy Handbook at gcu. edu/academics/academic-policies.php. The information printed in this material is accurate as of October 2020. For the most up-to-date information about admission requirements, tuition, scholarships and more, visit gcu.edu. ©2020 Grand Canyon University 20COBE0033

GLENDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND GCU working together for you

10 TUITION AVAILABLE* MORE Flexible online programs THAN 200 % SCHOLARSHIP OFF

online academic programs

in some high-demand employments fields allow you to attend class on your own schedule

SUBMIT YOUR TRANSCRIPTS FOR A FREE EVALUATION

Within 24 hours, we’ll contact you with your anticipated graduation date and estimated tuition costs.

PRI VATE . CHRISTI AN. AFFORDABLE . For more information, visit GCU.EDU/GCC *MOU 6584 Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment. Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (800-621-7440; http://hlcommission.org/). Important policy information is available in the University Policy Handbook at https://www.gcu.edu/academics/academic-policies.php. The information printed in this material is accurate as of NOVEMBER 2020. For the most up-to-date information about admission requirements, tuition, scholarships and more, visit gcu.edu. ©2020 Grand Canyon University 2OCOBE0061

Catholic Charities’ Westside Head Start oﬀers career opportunities BY MIKE MADSEN

Catholic Charities of Arizona Recruiter

Once you take a look inside a Westside Head Start classroom, you’ll quickly see we are educating our children in an effective and innovative way. It’s much more than the content of the curriculum that is important—critical areas of focus like relationships and routines are all intended to create a safe and welcoming environment where they can grow. Our schools offer programs for young students from 12 months to 5 years old for on-site and home-base options. The teachers and faculty work with children and parents to maximize the learning potential of each student. Parents will even share positive achievements they see at home because of HS. Simple tasks like washing hands, gathering utensils and serving their own food help to develop motor skills and

establish healthy eating habits. These are just a few examples of what makes a WSHS classroom different. Everything here serves an important purpose to prepare a child for a lifelong love of learning. Westside Head Start is a growing nonproﬁt organization that serves all of those, regardless of faith, across the Valley; and we are currently enrolling new students and families. Catholic Charities also offers a number of unique career opportunities, and we are currently hiring preschool teachers, assistant teachers, behavioral health specialists, among many other openings—please apply online at catholiccharitiesaz.org. Catholic Charities is a place where miracles happen every day in the lives of more than 22,000 individuals every year. Join us in the incredible work and be a miracle to someone today.

Fall 2020

Career & Education Opportunity

VALLEYLIFE helps to enhance quality of life BY VALLEYLIFE

VALLEYLIFE is a nonproﬁt organization that provides premier services to individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life. The agency does so by enriching their lives with rewarding experiences and valuable opportunities—and enabling them to live a life with choices, independence and dignity. VALLEYLIFE services are delivered through caring and dedicated staff, specialized programs and advocacy. VALLEYLIFE provides residential services, day services, home- and community-based services, and vocational services to people with disabilities. Residential services operate 26 group homes, which function like traditional family homes, throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Day services provide programs designed to improve independent living, social and recreational skills, and offer op-

portunities for community involvement. Home- and community-based services provide valuable support to people with disabilities and their families in the comfort of their own homes. Vocational services provide opportunities for people with disabilities to obtain and maintain meaningful employment through job search and placement, job coaching and development, and training opportunities. VALLEYLIFE members’ diagnoses range from physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities to behavioral health diagnoses, age-related conditions and traumatic brain injury. VALLEYLIFE has an in-depth understanding of how to meet the unique needs of each member it serves. Founded in 1947, VALLEYLIFE has been serving the greater Phoenix area for 70 years. For more information, visit valleylifeaz.org or contact Dede Houston at 602-216-6328.

VALLEYLIFE members’ diagnoses range from physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities to behavioral health diagnoses, age-related conditions and traumatic brain injury. (Photo courtesy VALLEYLIFE)

VALLEYLIFE VALLEYLIFE organization that provides programsthat and VALLEYLIFE isis aa non-profit non-profit organization services to men, women, and children with developmental disabilities. provides programs and services to men, women, and children developmental disabilities. Fullwith Time and Part Time

Launch Your Career! POSITIONS AVAILABLE: POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

BENEFIT ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES RECEIVE:

Center Director – $44,595 - $53,497 annually • Center• Director • Health, Dental and Life Insurance Teacher/Supervisor – $19.01 - $22.52Disability per hour, full-time $44,595• -Master $53,497 annually • Short-Term Insurance Teacher — AA or BA – $18.26 - •$20.77 per hour, Paid Vacation andfull-time Sick Leave • Master• Teacher/Supervisor $19.01 -•$22.52 per hour,Teacher full-time – $12.50- $13.53 • Paid Holidays on credentials) Assistant (depending • 403 (b) Retirement • Teacher — AA or BA • Kitchen Aide/Custodian – $12.24 - $12.48 per hour,Plan part-time • Pension Retirement Plan $18.26 - $20.77 per hour, full-time • Employee Assistance Program • Assistant BENEFITTeacher ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES RECEIVE: $12.50- $13.53 (depending on credentials)

• Health, Dental and Life Insurance • Short-Term Disability Insurance • Paid Vacation and Sick Leave • Paid Holidays

• Kitchen Aide/Custodian

$12.24 - $12.48 per hour, part-time

• 403 (b) Retirement Plan • Pension Retirement Plan • Employee Assistance Program

Apply today at CatholicCharitiesAZ.org/employment Apply today at CatholicCharitiesAZ.org/employment

Catholic Charities serves people of all faiths and backgrounds and is an equal employment opportunity employer. Catholic Charities serves people all faiths and backgrounds andfingerprint is an equalclearance employment opportunity employer. All candidates mustofmeet education, background and requirements.

All candidates must meet education, background and fingerprint clearance requirements.

Caregivers Needed!

Full Time and Part Time Caregivers Needed! We are currently looking for caregivers throughout the Phoenix metro area including Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Applicants must pass a We are currently looking for caregivers background check and drug throughout test. the Phoenix metrotransportation area including is Glendale, Peoria, Reliable required. Phoenix and Scottsdale. Please apply at www.valleylifeaz.org Applicants must pass a background check and drug test. Reliable transportation is required.

Seven steps to restarting your career 6

Career & Education Opportunity

BY JOHN HECKENLAIBLE GCC Public Information Ofﬁcer

Entering the job market after a long absence or making a career change can seem daunting. To make your job search easier, here are some guidelines for you to follow. We’ve broken the process down to seven basic steps that you can follow that can get you the job you want. Step 1—Identify what kind of job you want. If you are undecided, take a job-related assessment test to determine your skill set. Either way, developing a game plan will help you stay focused and on track. Step 2—Based of the job you choose, identify if there are any skills gaps. If so, consider updating your skills by going back to school so you can get training; earn a degree or certiﬁcate; or take specialized classes. Step 3—Write a resume and connect with free employment programs that can assist you, such as the career ser-

Glendale Community College serves the West Valley with two campus locations. (Photo courtesy Glendale Community College)

vices team at Glendale Community College and Arizona@Work. Step 4—Tell people what your career goals are. You might know someone who has connections with people who

can help you. Networking has always been important in one’s job search, but is now more important than ever. Step 5—Consider taking a job to get your foot in the door. If you have iden-

Fall 2020

tified a job that can take you where you want to go, take a chance. You will earn experience, learn about the organization, make connections and gain skills. Step 6—If you are able to, volunteering is a good way to get your foot in the door while developing skills. Nonprofits can be very rewarding for people who are pursuing a particular purpose. Step 7—Use social media such as LinkedIn to promote your professional profile for hiring teams to find. Include a profile picture, update your experience section to state what you have done, and state the type of opportunity you are looking for. The more robust profile, the more likely your profile will be reviewed by others, including recruiters. Following these steps can increase your chances of getting the job you want. Have questions or unsure on how to get started? Contact the career services team at Glendale Community College at careerservices@ gccaz.edu or by phone at 623-845-3283.

Pendergast: ‘We believe in you’

BY PENDERGAST DISTRICT

Make your future happen Now Enroll at GCC

It’s never too late to get a new start. Get the training and education you need for a new career. Register today enroll-gcc.com

623.845.3333

The Maricopa Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit: www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination

Pendergast District is leading the way with a variety of new and exciting learning opportunities to choose from for children. Parents looking for innovation and excellence can look at the district’s 12 award-winning preschool to eighth-grade campuses. They offer personalized learning and the opportunity for each scholar to succeed and develop to his or her greatest potential with: • Science, technology, math, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) academies • Dual language academies • Free, full-day kindergarten • Preschool education • Dedicated teachers • High student achievement • Free and reduced breakfast and lunch • Be Kind character education program • Student leadership and community service

• Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life Youth Empowerment Movement • State-of-the-art technology for each student In the Pendergast District—located in Avondale, Glendale and Phoenix— innovation, discovery, teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, leadership and excellence happens every day. “I ﬁrst learned about Pendergast

Pendergast...continued on page 7

Fall 2020

Career & Education Opportunity

First responders charity golf tournament returns

BY PEORIA CHAMBER STAFF

Recognizing the significant impact associated with the work first responders do, the Peoria Chamber of Commerce dedicates an annual event to show appreciation for each of them. The second annual First Responders Charity Golf Tournament is slated for Feb. 1, 2021, at Blackstone Country Club at Vistancia. Donations made through this event enable the police and fire organizations, demonstrate gratitude, and show ongoing commitment for their tireless work. The Peoria Chamber is partnering with Law Enforcement Specialist as the title sponsor for the charity golf tournament, working alongside sponsors whose visions align with the mission of the tournament. “We are so pleased to partner with LES as our 2021 title sponsor supporting our first responder golf tournament. (LES) CEO Bonnie Lucas and her team believe in the sacrifice and dedication

our first responders bring to the communities they serve every day. We look forward to a great event with LES and showing our gratitude towards our first responders,” said Scot Andrews, president and CEO of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce. Lucas founded the security firm to address this important need of “putting the law on your side” by providing the resources to coordinate police officers for off-duty work. “The success of LES is only possible because of our brave police officers— they are the best humans on this earth. We have the privilege of helping supplement their income by doing what they love while providing better lives for their families, reaching their financial goals and fulfilling their dreams,” she said. Registration for the golf tournament is now open at peoriachamber.com/events. Don’t golf? Sponsor a first responder to participate in the tournament. For more information, contact events@peoriachamber.com.

Law Enforcement Specialist gives the Peoria Chamber of Commerce a check to partner as the charity golf tournament title sponsor. From left to right, Art Miller, Peoria chief of police; Scot Andrews, Peoria Chamber of Commerce CEO; Bonnie Lucas, CEO of LES; Lisa Norman, Peoria Chamber of Commerce business development manager; and Robert Brewster, deputy chief of the Peoria Fire & Rescue Department. (Submitted photo)

2ND ANNUAL FIRST RESPONDER’S

CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT FEBRUARY 1 2 0 2 1

Pendergast...continued from page 6 District as a member of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, for which Dr. DeBlieux, the Pendergast superintendent, served as board chairwoman,” said Cindy Jarnagin, business owner and community leader. “Attending school and district events and becoming involved opened my eyes to all of the amazing educational

opportunities, services and events offered by the district and its 12 schools. I am continuously impressed by the people I have met who put students ﬁrst. Come and check out the district, you’ll be amazed and want to be part of the Pendergast family.” Now enrolling. Call 623-772-2302 for more information or visit pesd92. org. In the Pendergast District, “We believe in you!”

Career & Education Opportunity

Fall 2020

Diamond Jim’s oﬀers discreet collateral loans BY ROY SCHOTT

Diamond Jim’s Director of Operations

Diamond Jim’s Jewelry Store in Sun City recently added an in-house discreet collateral loan service to its business. “I’ve been thinking about the stresses facing our customers with the current economic and pandemic situations,” owner “Diamond” Jim K said. “They may need money but don’t want to sell their cherished and treasured possessions. By adding collateral loans (pawn), they are now able to get short-term loans and still retain the ownership of their jewelry. It’s a great win-win situation for everyone.” After 33 years in the jewelry business, adding collateral loans is a big plus for Diamond Jim’s business mod-

el. Diamond Jim’s has always been a local leader in the jewelry business, with an in-house watchmaker, master goldsmith, laser-welder system, and accredited jewelry professionals on staff. “We work hard at maintaining our ﬁve-star service for our customers,” he said. “We are the kind of store that our customers travel far out of their way to visit. You can expect, always, the highest level of personal service and quality; in fact, since we are experts in jewelry, customers can expect a higher valuation.” Diamond Jim’s Jewelry Stores 10001 W. Bell Road, Sun City, 623-977-2299 6005 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, 602-279-0561 diamondjims4cash.com

SAVE BIG EVERY DAY! Diamond Gifts for all Occasions starting at

10001 W Bell Rd, #127 • Sun City SW corner of Bell & 99th Ave

DiamondJims4Diamonds.com

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30am-4pm Saturday 10am-3pm • Closed Sunday & Monday

Full Service Jewelry Repair

Chains Mended

Stones Set

Appraisals

623-977-2299

Military Discounts

Bracelets Soldered

facebook.com/DiamondJims4Cash Laser Welding

FREE JewelryCleaning Inspection

Fall 2020

Career & Education Opportunity

Pendergast BEE lieve in You! We BEE-lieve

Elementary School District

3801 North 91st Avenue | Phoenix, Arizona 85037 | Phone: 623-772 623-772-2200 623 772--2200 | Fax: 623-877 772 623 623-877-8188 877-8188 877 8188 | www.pesd92.org

The Pendergast Elementary School District offers... DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMS FREE & REDUCED BREAKFAST / LUNCH STUDENT LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY SERVICE BE KIND CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

DEDICATED TEACHERS

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS & MATH (S.T.E.A.M.) ACADEMIES

at the Pendergast Learning Center 3841 N. 91st Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85037 623-772-2302

Career & Education Opportunity

Fall 2020

GESD increases focus on supporting students, families BY DR. LOUIS LAFFITTE

GESD Assistant Superintendent of Behavioral Health and School Safety

As the Glendale Elementary School District (GESD) works to foster an environment of academic excellence through innovative learning and building tomorrow’s socially responsible leaders, the district has begun to reimagine what learning looks like. GESD has been intentional in this work by offering comprehensive social and emotional resources and support for students, staff and families. In addition to providing direct services, GESD partners with various outside agencies to offer wraparound services to those who require additional support. A goal for GESD is to cultivate a school and work environment that supports learning and social-emotional growth. GESD sustains and strengthens this commitment through the promotion of new strategies and continuing to serve the community. The district has

developed a structure for the teaching of social and emotional learning lessons to ensure a rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction. GESD continues to advance services for social and emotional growth through several vital positions. The social and emotional learning specialists, who play a role that has existed in GESD for more than 10 years, serve as the case manager and central support for this work. They are complemented by several recently hired staff members, which include four counselors, three social workers and one behavioral specialist. These roles are here to provide students with the social and emotional learning support they need to learn and thrive as well as to help strengthen the family and community partnerships. For more information about GESD’s commitment to social and emotional learning every day, contact Assistant Superintendent of Behavioral Health and School Safety Dr. Louis Lafﬁtte at 623-237-7135.

At Glendale Elementary School District (GESD), the teaching philosophy is in alignment with the idea of teaching to the whole child. In addition to providing quality instruction, teachers and staff engage students in social and emotional learning. GESD realizes and understands that before students can be ready to learn, they must first be in a state of mind where they feel safe, comfortable, and ultimately in a supportive environment. (Photo courtesy Glendale Elementary School District)

Midwestern University expands health care career choices BY MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Midwestern University is branching out and offering master’s degree and doctoral programs in new health care specialties. The additions are slated to begin admitting students as early as fall 2021, and the new programs are targeted toward specialties with particular relevance to current health care trends. The university’s College of Health Sciences has announced new adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) master’s degree and post-master’s certiﬁcate programs, a master’s degree in nurse leadership in global health, and a doctoral program with AGNP and nurse executive tracks. The programs provide advanced training and credentials for experienced, licensed registered nurses interested in specialized and/or private practices via online training resources with minimal on-campus requirements. An AGNP is an advanced practice nurse with a clinical focus on treating people from adolescents through adult

Dr. Misty Pagan, left, is the program director for Midwestern University’s new graduate-level nursing programs. (Photo courtesy Midwestern University)

ages and into advanced age. AGNPs work across a broad patient population and therefore have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as diabetes,

palliative care, HIV/AIDS care and more. AGNPs are also able to work in private practice outside of physician supervision.

Meanwhile, the Midwestern University College of Graduate Studies has added a Master of Public Health hybrid online/in-person dual-degree program as well as a Master of Arts in precision medicine degree to the college’s offerings. The public health program offers interprofessional opportunities in traditional clinical and public health practice, global health and government service in specialties such as environmental health, food safety, epidemiology, zoonotic disease and vector control, health service management and more. Precision medicine is an emerging approach for personalizing disease treatment and prevention strategies that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment and lifestyle for each person. More information regarding these programs can be found at Midwestern University’s website, https://www.midwestern.edu/academics/ degrees-and-programs.xml.

Fall 2020

Career & Education Opportunity

You Want to be a

[Healthcare Professional.] We’ll Build Your Future. Midwestern University’s eight colleges offer diverse opportunities in graduate health professional degree programs. All programs feature a collaborative, interprofessional One Health approach, leading-edge technology, extensive hands-on experience in outstanding clinical rotations, and foundational training for compassionate patient care.

Midwestern University Colleges Arizona College of Optometry Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine College of Dental Medicine–Arizona College of Graduate Studies College of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy–Glendale College of Veterinary Medicine

Midwestern University Clinics

New Graduate Degrees in

Nurse Leadership | Nurse Practitioner Precision Medicine | Public Health

Midwestern University Tomorrow’s Healthcare Team

Dental Institute Eye Institute Multispecialty Clinic Therapy Institute Companion Animal Clinic Equine and Bovine Center

888-247-9277 admissaz@midwestern.edu www.midwestern.edu

Career & Education Opportunity

7301 N. 58th Avenue, Glendale AZ 85301

(623) 237-7100

GLENDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT CONTINUES TO SUPPORT ALL KIDS VIRTUALLY AND IN PERSON

Fall 2020

gesd40.org

Cindy Segotta-Jones, Superintendent

Glendale Elementary School District remains focused on meeting the needs of all kids. Students are connected with GESD teachers, support staff and administrators through our Hybrid A/B In-Person Learning model, our Distance Learning model, and also through GEO Learning (Glendale Elementary Online Learning). In an effort to address gaps between learning in person and online, we recently launched concurrent teaching in the hybrid model. GESD made the decision to transition to concurrent teaching and learning after listening to feedback from our families, teachers and staff. This model of in-person and virtual instruction benefits our students by helping them stay on pace academically and by supporting personal connections with their teacher. Concurrent learning focuses on the teacher planning instruction so that all students receive four days of simultaneous teaching and learning: two days face to face and two days while distance learning. Teachers are working with technology tools in the classroom to reach students in the classroom and at home. We also have technology mentors supporting schools and teachers with concurrent learning. The concurrent approach ensures that our students have daily contact with their teacher. This will help to close the divide for students who are learning virtually so that all students continue to receive quality academic instruction and social-emotional learning. Our hope is that this new method will continue to support quality teaching and learning for all our GESD students.