CTE – Classroom to Employment!

Being a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator has provided me the opportunity to witness the immediate benefits of the CTE classroom being directly applied in the workplace.  I have spent 11 years as a Work-Based Learning Coordinator and these placements exemplify career and college readiness.  Students are able to relate the academic, technical, and employability skills learned in the classroom and directly apply them to the worksite.  This is a continuation of the students’ education and learning experience, it is an opportunity for students to utilize their talents to advance an employer and themselves. 

I have been fortunate to work with employers that have provided instruction, support, supervision, and guidance to these students.  I have been fortunate to work with students that bring their knowledge, enthusiasm, energy, and innovation to the employer.  There is also an advantage to the school district.  We are able to have a direct connection to the business community and to determine their interests and needs for their workforce and assure we are properly preparing our students for this. 

Students are applying their skills learned from the CTE classroom, are engaged in the workplace, are passionate to further progress, and are demonstrating the rigor and relevance all educators seek to achieve.  This validates the WBL program! 

I have worked with all levels of students from special education through honors students, each of which excel in these placements.  I have also seen all levels of students develop, progress, and transform in these experiences.  I have witnessed students determine their aptitudes and abilities, set future goals, develop career plans, and gain the necessary employability skills sought by employers. 

I am fortunate to have worked with such dedicated employers who partner in this opportunity for students!  I am fortunate to have worked with such impressive students who take this opportunity to excel!

I cannot think of any other position I have held that has allowed me to be a part of such collaboration, cooperation, and productive and direct results!  I cannot think of any other program that demonstrates more the motto “CTE Learning that Works for America!”

Nicole Lord the CTE Director of Flushing High School in Flushing, MI and ACTE Region I Fellow