Meet Emilie Cherry (PLSP-ECMC Foundation fellow)
Meet Emilie Cherry, director of high school collaboration at the Community College of Baltimore County. Emilie Cherry’s interview appears as part of a spotlight series on 2020–21 fellows in the Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation.
What leadership skills do you hope to develop as part of the Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation?
The leadership skills I would like to develop as part of the PLSP– ECMC Foundation program are writing for publication, adaptability and dealing with changes in management. The writing requirements in this program have helped me strengthen my written skills for publication, and they’re getting me out of my comfort zone. I need to work on being more adaptable to last-minute changes, altering priorities and unexpected events. In the past five years, there have been shifts in management at my institution. I plan to seek guidance from my other fellows on dealing with changes and keeping the focus on CTE opportunities.
How do you anticipate your participation in the program will better equip you to support career and technical education (CTE) students, particularly underserved groups, toward career success?
Participation will link me to other fellows and guests who share their experiences and resources on CTE programs. Networking throughout the program will allow me to learn about CTE program highlights and challenges. With this information, I want to strengthen the connection between CTE programs at the Community College of Baltimore County and the state high schools. I would like to create a structured pathway for our students, especially the underserved populations and those who wish to enter the workforce right away. It would start with the secondary CTE program leading to college’s CTE industry certifications with local workforce input.
In your opinion, what are the most important elements of professional development for postsecondary leaders?
Professional development (PD) should focus on a certain content area. It should support collaboration among the participants, to discuss, give feedback and reflect. The PD needs to engage participants in the content — an example being the use of visuals and writing exercises. The PD should include current examples of effective methods from which to learn and gain resources. It should offer support with coaching and end with an assessment for improvements.
Learn more about the PLSP–ECMC Foundation.
The Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation presents a yearlong professional development experience. The program is intended to develop the organizational leadership and management skills of postsecondary CTE professionals, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of underserved populations. Applications for the third cohort open Oct. 1.
