Vocational education has long had a bad rap in the U.S. For years, voc-ed was written off as Plan B for underachieving kids. But the idea of using high school to better prepare students for a changing workforce has undergone a slow and subtle transformation.

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For one, it's not called voc-ed anymore. It's career technical education, and the tent's bigger than it used to be. CTE isn't just about auto repair or construction. Career-tech programs across the country are also preparing kids for jobs in fields like health care, design, engineering, and early childhood education.

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Please join us to hear about the plus side of a vocational education. 

Moderator: 

Diane Carver

Director of Career and College Readiness Clover Park

Diane Carver is the director of career and college readiness for the Clover Park School District. She has worked extensively with career and technical educators providing professional development in curriculum integration, instructional techniques and student engagement strategies. 

Diane received a BS in business education from the University of Akron, OH; an MBA from City University of Seattle, WA; and a PhD from Old Dominion University, VA.  Dr. Carver has published several articles in professional journals and contributed to a book on online teaching. Her doctoral research involved online education at the secondary level.

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Panelists:

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Mabel Edmonds 

Vice President for Instruction Clover Park College

Mabel’s experience includes a distinguished 33-year career as teacher and administrator with the St. Louis Public School District; Her education and training programs at Clover Park Technical College have received state and national awards for their success in helping low-income adults and under-represented populations find employment.

Erin O’Neil  

Director of Career Readiness Peninsula School District

Erin is Executive Director of Career, College & Life Readiness in Peninsula School District.  She has been a teacher, a supervisor for an Intensive English language program, a principal of a progressive alternative setting, an administrator for career and technical education, and an International Baccalaureate Secondary School administrator.  Her passion and work lay with innovative ways to build and clarify student aspirations so they not only have direction but a plan to do what’s best and next for them.  Erin understands the critical power of partnerships and career-connected learning.  Her priority since arriving in the area has been to build relationships and the important partnerships needed to foster higher-level learning and experiences for students. 

Rebecca Wallace

Executive Director Career and Technical Education (CTE) OSPI

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Rebecca works to promote the quality and rigor of Career and Technical Education and Secondary Education courses, provide students with options that link middle school to high school and to post-secondary opportunities, blend academic and technical studies, and most importantly, connect students to their goals for the future.

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June 6th, 2018

6:00-8:15pm

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University of Puget Sound

Upper Marshall Room

1500 North Warner Street

Tacoma, WA 98406

No refunds will be issued after Monday, noon, prior to the program.