Creating educational programming that is both inclusive and effective is no small task, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) is no exception. CTE has the potential to equip career-curious students with real-world skills, but transforming that potential into a successful program takes more than good intentions; it requires thoughtful planning and a solid foundation.
As CTE programs grow in popularity, especially amid the widening skilled labor shortage, schools must ensure students have equitable access to the in-demand industry skills that will set them up to become future leaders. From overcoming recruitment challenges to developing curricula catering to today’s students’ diverse needs, school professionals should take important steps to build CTE programs that are sustainable for teachers and impactful for students.
How to overcome common CTE challenges
The biggest barriers to building a successful CTE program often revolve around recruitment and retention — issues familiar to many in education. Addressing recruitment should be the first step for any school professional starting a CTE program. This can be done by looking to industry partners as a valuable resource to connect with post-secondary training programs to help spread the word and offer relevant industry insights. Advisory board members, often experienced industry professionals, can offer their connections to recruit potential teachers with industry-specific skills who may be interested in teaching the next generation. These boards can also provide feedback on industry trends, educational needs and future equipment requirements.
Retention, on the other hand, requires ongoing attention and support. CTE teachers can often face heavier workloads than their peers in other disciplines, as they are sometimes required to teach a different class every period of the day across subject levels, leading to burnout and turnover. Regular check-ins, professional development opportunities and access to consistent training and professional resources can also go a long way in keeping teachers motivated and well-equipped to support students.
Another challenge facing CTE programs is ensuring sufficient, high-quality work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for students. The demand for WBL is growing, but the capacity of industry partners to host multiple students at a time is often limited. For this reason, it’s important for schools to think creatively, exploring other options beyond traditional internships. Schools can develop their own district-based programs or explore virtual learning opportunities that still give students valuable hands-on experiences.
What makes an effective CTE program
An effective CTE program is built on two core elements: supporting instructors and focusing on student outcomes. Prioritizing both can position programs for long-term success.
Supporting instructors:
- Build a sense of community. One way to do this is by encouraging participation in professional organizations at the local level, such as the state affiliate of the ACTE. These groups connect teachers with others who understand their role and offer advice and support based on common experiences.
- Set clear expectations. Teachers need to know their role and how their efforts tie back to the program’s goals. Advocating for the program, whether sharing the importance of site visits or encouraging them to bring more business partners on board, helps teachers see the bigger picture and feel confident in their contributions.
Focusing on student outcomes:
- Lead into collaboration. Students are at the heart of these programs, and their success depends on the combined efforts of school and district leadership, CTE teachers, business partners and credentialing organizations. From experience, when all of these entities combine and work together to map out clear student pathways from the classroom to the graduation stage and beyond, students are better prepared to transition into their careers after their secondary education ends.
- Celebrate short-term wins. Recognizing students’ accomplishments can simultaneously boost their confidence and strengthen the program’s reputation. CTE teachers should feel encouraged to share their students’ successes, whether at school board meetings, on social media (when appropriate) or through other channels. Celebrating milestones is common for athletes and academic achievers, and it should be the same for students in CTE programs. Even small steps forward can inspire them to stay motivated and keep working hard toward their goals.
Prioritizing inclusivity in CTE programming
CTE programming can offer hands-on career experience to all students, making it a valuable pathway to success. Unfortunately, CTE programs have historically faced stigma as being a lesser alternative to colleges, but in reality, these programs can help prepare students for a wide range of jobs, whether they require a degree or a professional credential, and provide life skills that benefit all students.
To create CTE programs that are accessible and inclusive to all students, schools should adopt open enrollment policies to ensure that no students are excluded so long as space allows. Differentiating lessons to accommodate all learning styles is also a key aspect, whether that means hands-on tasks for kinesthetic learners or collaborative projects for those who thrive in group settings.
Addressing participation gaps helps you plan for the future of your programming. It is imperative to track the number of nontraditional CTE programs and focus on outreach to balance representation. An example would be to encourage female students to explore traditionally male-dominated fields (and vice versa) to help diversify the classroom and normalize broader participation. Inclusive CTE programming has curricula that meet students where they are and ensure all students have equal opportunities to grow and explore their interests.
Conclusion
Creating impactful and tangible outcomes for students is a collaborative effort. While CTE programs are experiencing significant growth, their success depends on careful planning, collaboration and equitable access to resources. Empowering teachers and prioritizing student success is essential for any district looking to integrate CTE into their schools, prepare students for real-world job opportunities and cultivate more responsible community members. With the right support, CTE programs can inspire students to reach their potential and build rewarding futures, ensuring they are equipped for success no matter what their future holds.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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