The breadth and depth of NISD’s Career & Technical Education program were on display Wednesday at Rotary Club of Nacogdoches.
Coy Van Valkenburgh, Nacogdoches ISD’s Director of College and Career Readiness, outlined what the district offers its students. The CTE department employs 30 teachers, provides 16 programs of studies and includes more than 1,800 students, mostly at Nacogdoches High School but also in grades 7 and 8 at McMichael Middle School.
On Wednesday, Van Valkenburgh showed Rotary Club members a promotional video from the CTE Showcase in January, when eighth-graders visit NHS and see everything the program offers, with presentations made by high school students themselves. CTE ambassadors – juniors and seniors in the program who provide student leadership – joined Van Valkenburgh at the Rotary meeting.
Van Valkenburgh emphasized how closely NISD works with Nacogdoches-area employers to craft programs that will prepare students to fill the most needed jobs in the county. That includes an advisory council of industry partners in Nacogdoches that provides guidance for the NISD program.
Whether bound for college or straight into the workforce, NHS students can obtain valuable certifications that prepare them for post graduation opportunities.
“These industry-based certifications, we want [students] to obtain them by their senior year,” Van Valkenburgh said.
The program's three initiatives – a CTE advisory center, dual credit programs and expansion into McMichael Middle School – were outlined for Rotary Club members. This year, NISD debuted dual credit programs for cosmetology (with Lamar State College-Orange) and law enforcement (Angelina College).
The success of the school’s student groups associated with CTE was also described. Students in organizations routinely compete against other schools in regional and state competitions. Many of those contests take place this month and include a wide range of the CTE programs at NHS.
Van Valkenburgh also featured key events of the CTE program, including next week’s Youth Career Summit at NHS, where area employers will meet with juniors and seniors. A number of those students will receive job offers. And in May, near the end of the school year, NHS will hold its CTE Signing Day. Those CTE students who gained employment and/or college admission in the programs they received certifications will be recognized.