Oregon ACTE Newsletter

A BIG THANKS to all who came to our annual ACTE Oregon Conference. For the third year in a row, this was the largest ACTE conference in history, with over 600 registrants. (For reference, our 2022 conference in Seaside was around 325 people!) We have also grown to be the 6th largest ACTE state in the country, a fact that illustrates how important CTE is becoming to Oregon education.

We want to thank all who took time to present in breakouts, to our vendor sponsors, and to all who made this conference possible. It was rewarding to see so many people from throughout the state collaborating together to learn about and enhance CTE in Oregon. We will continue to work to advocate for CTE in Oregon, and to offer opportunities for growth and connection among our members. Our next annual conference will be April, 2025 in Seaside. We hope to see all of you there!

-Alan Kirby, Oregon ACTE President

Sheri Carson has made significant contributions to high-quality CTE programs at Roseburg High School over her 26-year career. She has particularly enhanced the Culinary Arts program by providing students with work-based experiences and applied sciences, leading the school's Catering Program through FCCLA. Additionally, Sheri played a pivotal role in developing the Advanced Health Sciences Program and the Pre-Nursing Program in partnership with Umpqua Community College and Mercy Medical Center. Through these initiatives, students receive standards-aligned content and gain practical skills in health management, CPR training, and phlebotomy, with opportunities for internships and Nursing Assistant Certification.

Sheri's innovation in CTE is evident in her creation of the Student Catering Program, providing students with real work-based experiences at various community events. Furthermore, her leadership has expanded and innovated numerous CTE programs at Roseburg High School, including Foods, Hospitality & Tourism, Advanced Health Sciences, Childhood Development, and many more. As the Department Leader for the CTE Department, Sheri ensures that each program receives support, resources, and guidance for optimal success. She actively engages with industry partners, serves on advisory committees, and mentors incoming CTE educators, fostering strong connections within the local community.

Sheri's dedication and efforts have been instrumental in the growth and success of Roseburg High School's CTE Department. Her commitment to supporting staff, facilitating internships and job placements, and guiding students to achieve major accomplishments in FCCLA events and contests showcase her invaluable contributions to CTE education. Sheri's tireless advocacy for students' employability skills, technical skills, and work-based learning expansion exemplifies her exceptional leadership and makes her highly deserving of recognition for the ACTE Teacher of the Year Award.

Adam Randall's contributions to implementing high-quality CTE programs in Southern Oregon demonstrate a comprehensive approach to supporting both students and teachers. Through collaboration with regional coordinators, school districts, and industry partners, Adam has facilitated the development of CTE programs aligned with local needs and industry standards. His involvement in planning and building new CTE programs at multiple schools, along with his support for teacher licensing and professional development, has enhanced the quality of CTE education in the region. By leveraging data from aptitude testing and needs assessments, Adam has empowered students to make informed decisions about their career pathways, resulting in increased enrollment and engagement in CTE classes.

Adam's leadership in securing grants has enabled the establishment of state-of-the-art facilities and programs, such as the Center for Construction and Pre-Apprenticeship at Henley High School. He has also spearheaded initiatives like the greenhouse project, which provides hands-on learning opportunities for agriculture students and benefits the local community through produce sales. Adam's collaboration with Sky Lakes Hospital to create a "Earn-to-Learn" pipeline and other direct-to-job pathways reflects his commitment to connecting students with meaningful career opportunities. Furthermore, his involvement in community partnerships and engagement with civic and business leaders has led to increased internships, mentorships, and other valuable experiences for students, contributing to their overall success.

Adam's influence extends beyond his own institution to schools throughout the region. His success with CTE expansion and engagement has garnered attention and interest from other administrators, school board members, and industry partners. By sharing best practices and providing support to other schools, Adam has played a key role in promoting Career Connected Learning initiatives and securing funding for CTE programs. Through his dedication to student success and his collaborative approach to CTE leadership, Adam has made a significant impact on the local and greater CTE community in Southern Oregon.

CT Earnest has significantly contributed to implementing high-quality CTE programs focused on engineering at their institution. By blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences, CT fosters an engaging and innovative learning environment that equips students with essential skills for success in engineering. CT designs curriculum aligned with industry standards, incorporating real-world applications and cutting-edge technologies. Through projects like the Robot Olympics, students not only reinforce classroom learning but also develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. CT promotes collaboration and inclusivity, encouraging students to explore ideas and share perspectives, ultimately preparing them for the challenges of the engineering profession.

CT goes beyond traditional lectures by incorporating project-based learning and leveraging advanced technologies like computer-aided design (CAD) software and virtual reality applications. By integrating STEM concepts and fostering industry partnerships, CT creates a holistic learning experience that mirrors the collaborative nature of modern engineering projects. CT's commitment to professional development ensures that instructional practices remain current and relevant, enriching the classroom experience and preparing students for the evolving landscape of the engineering field.

CT demonstrates leadership in improving CTE and student opportunities by actively engaging in professional development activities and collaborating with local industries. By advocating for CTE education and participating in outreach initiatives, CT promotes the value of CTE within the broader community. CT's proactive approach to industry partnerships and curriculum development ensures that students gain practical insights and experiences that align with industry expectations, ultimately enhancing their career readiness. Overall, CT's leadership extends beyond the classroom, contributing to the advancement of CTE education and preparing students for successful careers in engineering.

Madeline Kokes has effectively utilized various components of high-quality CTE to connect students with opportunities for success. One notable area is her commitment to Access and Equity. Through initiatives like Rock the Street Wall Street (RtWS), she addresses gender imbalances in finance by establishing a local chapter at Grant High School (GHS). Madeline collaborates with sponsors like Arnerich Massena and engages diverse students, including those from the ELL class, providing translated materials and interpretation. By fostering partnerships and mentorship, she ensures students benefit from the program, promoting inclusivity and exposure to the financial world.

Madeline demonstrates innovation in career exploration and development. She embraces new ideas such as UrbanPlan, a program promoting experiential learning in land-use decisions, which she helped introduce to GHS, marking its expansion in the Portland Metro area. Madeline also spearheads the creation of Career Journey Maps, enhancing career awareness by involving students in designing maps for various professions. Through collaborations with affinity groups and alumni panels, she fosters a supportive environment for diverse career talks, ensuring all students receive tailored career-connected learning experiences.

Madeline exhibits leadership in advocating for CTE as a viable option for all students. She actively engages with future students and parents during events like GHS 8th Grade Night, highlighting the benefits of CTE in preparing students for high-demand careers. As a committee member of the Portland Workforce Alliance and a founding member of PPS’ Career Coordinator Advisory Group, Madeline plays pivotal roles in organizing career-awareness opportunities and sharing resources to enhance CTE experiences. Her dedication to staying informed about Portland's trends ensures she effectively connects students and teachers with current standards and opportunities, ultimately empowering students to explore diverse career pathways.

Solomon Singer has been instrumental in implementing high-quality CTE programs at Lane Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program, enhancing student success through strategic partnerships and innovative curriculum design. His dedication to industry standards and collaboration with employers has provided Lane UAS students with valuable internships and industry guidance. Solomon's Autopilot Career Pathway Certificate and stackable Career Pathway Certificates have enriched the program's offerings, ensuring students receive a comprehensive education aligned with industry demands. Additionally, his commitment to accessibility and equity has promoted inclusion, diversity, and advocacy for underrepresented students.

Innovation is an important part of Solomon's approach to CTE. His collaboration with federal regulators has earned Lane UAS Program recognition as an official UAS Collegiate Training Initiative Training College. Solomon's foresight in adapting the curriculum to industry changes, coupled with impactful projects like the Capstone class redesign, demonstrates his commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges. Initiatives such as the Professional Development Lab and student organizations like the Drone Club showcase his dedication to enhancing students' practical skills, while collaborations with prestigious institutions like Stanford University underscore the program's reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and application.

Solomon's leadership extends beyond the classroom, as he forges partnerships with local industries, high schools, and community organizations. His commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the program's diverse student body, and his outreach efforts have significantly increased the program's enrollment and industry relevance. Solomon's student-centric approach, evidenced by impressive retention rates and a culture of respect and engagement, highlights his dedication to student success. Solomon Singer's impact on Lane UAS Program, the broader UAS industry, and CTE in Oregon is undeniable.

Oregon ACTE was able to award 15, $1000 scholarships to students both entering and currently in CTE programs around the state. Here are the winners!

• Josiah Campbell, Chemeketa, Nursing
• Jaiden Horton. Lebanon High School, Health Care
• Kailee Durant, Columbia Gorge Community College, Construction Technology
• Kyrene Gorman, Lane Community College, Diesel Technology
• Corey Moon, Mt. Hood Community College, Fisheries Technology
• Julianne Jones, Pendleton High School, Aviation
• Jenna Schurter, Silverton High School, FFA
• Ahnalya De Leeuw, Oregon Charter Academy, Media Arts and Marketing
• Austin Rice, Thurston High School, Culinary Arts
• Quentin Makinson, Mohawk High School, Applied Science in Business
• Mari Tokuda, Southridge High School, Computer Science
• Ernesto Pila Torres, Benson Polytechnic Highschool, Entrepreneurship, Computer Science
• Honglin Guo, Liberty High School, Electrician
• Andraya McNary, Crook County Highschool, Graphic Design
• Aaron Smith, Rogue Community College, EMT

Don't uninstall that app! The Whova app link you used for the conference will remain open, so that you can continue to connect with others from the conference, create discussion, and build the CTE community in Oregon.

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