Conversation with Shelley Rust, President of Indiana ACTE.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Shelly Rust, Indiana ACTE State President.  Her journey into CTE was from a non-traditional path but she is a true champion and supporter of all things CTE!

Describe your career path. How have you progressed to your present position? 

Shelly is industry-trained in culinary arts and started at the age of 14 and fell in love with restaurants and always wanted to be a culinary teacher.  In 2002, she was asked to be an Instructional Assistant and after a year, she was offered the position of Culinary Teacher at Kokomo Career Center in Kokomo, Indiana.

When asked about why she got into the field,

At the age of 14 there were not a lot of options and McDonald’s was close to the house and that’s where Shelley began.  She was able to work in many areas.  She believes that they began her love for culinary.  Her father always had her cooking at home and was led to do this as well and became a chef.

Shelley is a member of the Indiana ACTE, National Restaurant Association, ServSafe, and is currently working on her professional certification with American Culinary Federation.  Shelley also She always reads everything CTE and also Restaurant News.  She believes it is important to keep these current and also share with students in the classroom.

When asked what she thought was personally rewarding in her career,

Shelley loves that every day is different and the fast pace of things.  She loves when her students find something that they love.  If it wasn’t for Culinary, many students may drop out of school.

What are the things you find frustrating or disappointing? 

Shelley is one of those folks that doesn’t get irritated easily but she gets frustrated if students are acting devilish or when students or people in general don’t give their all.  If you commit to it, DO IT.

What trends/challenges for Career and Technical Education do you see the future? 

Shelley believes that CTE will grow even more.  She believes that it will become a more popular and reality necessity for our country.  There are 1,000s and 1,000s of jobs to be filled because there are not enough skill-trade students and professionals available.  A lot of people will continue to realize that you don’t have to go to a traditional college.  She believes that students will continue to live by the mantra, “I can go to a trade/CTE-based school and I now have so many options.”

When asked if Career and Technical Education (CTE) has changed since she was in school?

Shelley stated a resounding, “Absolutely!”  Back in the day the courses were vocational-based and the target audience was a different type of student.  She wasn’t allowed to take CTE courses.  Watching CTE grow and develop has been a joy as it allows to students to be engaged in what they really like.

When asked about challenges she faces in reaching her leadership goals, Shelley shared that she puts a lot of pressure on herself to do more.  Earning Professional Growth Points (PGP) have allowed her to learn a lot more about CTE.  While everyone doesn’t have that opportunity at the national level, she wanted to make sure that as President there was an opportunity at the local and state level for CTE professionals to have meaningful learning opportunities.

Shelley’s Key to Success

• Networking is huge for her students and herself. Shelley’s program runs a candy store in downtown Kokomo, Indiana and they work with all types of professionals.  Also, the guest chefs that come and speak with her students always encourage her students to exchange business cards every chance they get.  Networking is Key!!

 

 

By Mari A. Swayne, Region III Fellow