Administrator’s Corner by Johanna Thomas

February is Career and Technical Education month. Career and technical education programs offer academic and technical skills, knowledge and training to succeed in future careers. CTE programs prepare learners for their future by providing learning experiences spanning the following career fields: 

• Agriculture, food and natural resources

• Health sciences

• Engineering manufacturing and technology

• Human services

• Business, management and administration

• Arts, communication and information systems

At Albert Lea High School,  CTE is alive and well and also seeking ways to improve and grow. There are courses in each of the career fields students may take. This allows students to explore career areas they may be interested in pursuing. Students may also take a course they want to learn more about as a life skill or interest.   

Often, there is a misconception that CTE courses are for students who may pursue certification programs or technical schools after high school. This is certainly a pathway that has so many benefits and student success stories.

In reality, CTE courses enhance any student’s overall high school choices and provide foundational coursework in any post secondary path a student may pursue. A common thread in all CTE courses, as established by workplace and business industries as well as educators, are the foundation knowledge and skills important to the success of any future job and career a student may pursue. These skills include but are not limited to: problem solving, critical thinking, citizenship, ethics, academic foundations, communication, leadership, career development, teamwork, creativity and innovation. 

There is a direct connection between partnerships with area business and industry and our schools that allow for  continued improvement and growth of CTE opportunities for our students. The goals of all Minnesota CTE programs is to partner with business, industry and local communities, provide a continuum of programming and transitions to students after high school, and improve services to special populations. CTE — celebrate today and own tomorrow!

Johanna Thomas is an administrator with Albert Lea Area Schools.