CTE Teacher Preparation Program

CTE Teacher Prep News and Updates for January 2025

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR

A New Year, Another Reminder: The Ripple Effect of Teaching and Mentoring

As we step into a new semester, I want to celebrate the incredible work that happens in your classrooms each day. Your job is so much more than academic lessons—it’s about building students' confidence in their potential, providing stability, exposing them to new ideas and perspectives, and instilling character and values that last a lifetime.

In rural communities, educators wear many hats—teacher, mentor, role model, and community leader—forming bonds with students and their families that can influence generations. As rural educators, you often have the opportunity to work closely with families, local businesses, and organizations, creating a network of support that enriches your students’ experiences. This collective effort fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

I was reminded of this impact through a recent experience. Last fall, I enrolled in an Adult Education Woodshop class at my former high school. The course is taught by one of our program’s mentors, who mentors two new teacher candidates. These candidates attend each week to observe his instruction and support the adult learners. Not only have I stretched myself to learn new skills, but this class has also served as a way to connect and network. I’ve reconnected with former classmates, former teachers, parents of friends, and current school staff and made new connections. We’ve shared many conversations and anecdotes about our fond memories of the school and its teachers. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn about their current roles and the impact they are now making as adults in our community.

I encourage you to take a moment to recognize the incredible ripple effects of your work. The daily work of education is challenging, but every small act—whether it’s a warm hello, a listening ear, a shared joke, or an encouraging word—is appreciated and remembered by your students. Thank you for the incredible work you do every day to support our students and our communities.

Jillian

UPDATES AND RESOURCES

Upcoming CTE Conferences and Opportunities

Workshop Designed for CTE Instructors

The Pathway Coordinators of the North Far North Region are offering a series of workshops designed for CTE instructors. The workshops will be virtual, using a collaborative format with time for CTE instructors to meet, share ideas, and exchange resources.

Goal: To create an interactive environment where Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors can come together to learn about and share innovative teaching strategies, best practices, and discuss industry trends, while building a supportive professional network.

For more information or questions please contact:

Teckla Johnson - K12 Pathway Coordinator, North Far North Region

tjohnson@shastacoe.org

Informational Flyer and Registration

Workcon 2025 Registration is Open!

WORKCON 2025, hosted and designed by the California Workforce Association (CWA), will aim to showcase innovative and strategic collaborations, partnerships, programs, ideas, and principles that highlight the remarkable work of California's Workforce Development Boards, Community-Based Organizations, Educational entities, WIOA partners, and all those who are invested in the success of their local communities and the people who live in them.

Registration Link

Career Compass Summit- February 5 in Redding!

Experience the North Far North Regional Consortium's 2nd Annual Career Compass Summit --

Calling all students, parents, K-12 & community college Board of Trustees and counselors, and local workforce development board members - this event is for you!

The Summit promises a day filled with insights, connections, and inspiration. We will have exciting keynote speakers - and we will also delve into career technical education pathways, early career exploration, adult education, workforce trends, regional offerings, and other important topics. This is your opportunity to connect, learn, and lead.

Link to Register

Forestry Institute for Teachers (FIT)

Registration is now open for the Forestry Institute for Teachers (FIT) 2025 summer program! Join fellow educators and natural resource professionals at one of FIT’s immersive, week-long professional learning sessions. FIT’s teams of credentialed instructors and local experts weave environmental education curricula with unique forestry field experiences to help you explore forest stewardship for current and future generations. Expect an enriching week of outdoor learning that will expand your perspectives and teaching practice!

PreK-12+ educators (formal and nonformal) of any subject matter are encouraged to participate. Consider attending with colleagues from your school site or district to enrich your experience. Registration covers room, board, and materials.

Participants receive: 50 hours of interdisciplinary instruction aligned with state teaching standards, certifications in Project Learning Tree (PLT) and Project Water Education Today (WET), and upon program completion become eligible for a $300 stipend, 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

For more information & registration steps please visit https://www.forestryinstitute.org

2025 High School Manufacturing Tic Tac Toe Challenge

Eligibility: Open to high school students in the Greater Sacramento region

Please share the attached flyer with your high school manufacturing, welding, ag mechanics, robotics, and engineering instructors and students, as well as school and district leadership. The flyer includes a clickable QR code so that teachers and students can register to participate. For questions, contact Julie Muir muirj@scc.losrios.edu

FLYER

8th Annual North State Together Summit- March 13

Mark your calendars and register today for our 8th Annual North State Together Summit as we gather for a day of connection, collaboration, and innovation. This year, we’re excited to present “The Sustainability Blueprint: Tools for Long-Term Success“, a summit focused on equipping our community with the strategies and resources needed to build a sustainable cradle-to-career pathway.

northstatestogether.org Conference Details

CANDIDATE AND MENTOR RESOURCES

Professional Development Resources!

Don’t forget to explore our PD Padlet, where you can find a variety of resources to support your professional growth on your cycle of inquiry goal. We’ve gathered upcoming online trainings, recorded sessions, and classroom resources to assist you.

Be sure to take advantage of these valuable resources!

Teacher Self-Care: MindfulTeachers.org

Self-care is vital in teaching because professionals devote so much of themselves to the well-being of students that they can neglect themselves or even be unaware of stress. Here there are links to high-quality resources about exercise, diet, daily habits, mindfulness, establishing boundaries for work, and other topics.

Looking for Online Volunteer Service Hours?

Missing Maps is a great organization to volunteer with! Each year, disasters kill nearly 100,000 people and affect or displace 200 million more. Many affected areas are not visible on open maps, leaving first responders without crucial information for effective relief efforts.