Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Career Technical Education (CTE) provides students of all ages with the academic and technical skills, knowledge and training necessary to succeed in future careers and to become lifelong learners. In total, about 12.5 million high school and college students are enrolled in CTE across the nation. CTE prepares these learners for the world of work by introducing them to workplace competencies, and makes academic content accessible to students by providing it in a hands-on context. In fact, the high school graduation rate for CTE concentrators is about 90% – 15 percentage points higher than the national average. (Advance-CTE)
Please contact Lori Sexton for more information on Bedford County CTE Opportunities.
Early Postsecondary Opportunities in Tennessee
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Mike Swafford - Cascade High School
- What is your program of study?
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (Animal Systems)
- How long have you been teaching?
2020-2021 is my 12th year in the classroom.
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
My FFA Advisor in Oklahoma had a major impact on me in high school. He saw something in me that the other teachers didn't and encouraged me to pick a career where I could make the biggest impact on agriculture.
- Tell us a little more about you!
I have been involved in agriculture my whole life. I am passionate about all aspects of the industry and enjoy sharing this with the students. My family is still heavily involved in FFA with three generations of FFA members and the fourth generation on his way. Not only am I an Agriculture Education teacher and FFA advisor, but my oldest child is one of the Ag teachers at Shelbyville Central and my youngest daughter is majoring in Ag Ed at TTU.
- What are some EPSO opportunities that you are able to provide with your classes?
OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 industry certification
MTSU ANSC 1401 Dual Credit
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
Students that are concentrators of my program should be prepared to attend any technical college, community college and/or a four-year university. Graduates of my program typically receive numerous scholarships.
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
Agriculture careers are very broad including livestock and crop producers, veterinarians, geneticist, nutritionists, and even marketing and publicists.
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
The CTSO for Agriculture Education is FFA. It part of the three-circle model for my program. FFA members have the opportunity to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to their lives. Cascade FFA usually has full scheduling including exhibiting livestock, community service activities, career development events, leadership development events, conferences, conventions, chapter meetings, Leadership Camp to name a few.
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Sam Blevins - Shelbyville Central High School
- What is your program of study?
Marketing
- How long have you been teaching?
8 years
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
I came to teaching after 12 years in the corporate world. I was a Sales Rep and Sales Manager and a few different companies before going back to MTSU to get my Masters Degree in Business Education. My motivation to get into education was to have the opportunity to impact people and try and educate students about the world they are about to enter.
- Tell us a little more about you!
Originally from Alabama, I'm a big Alabama football fan, I enjoy sports especially football, baseball, and golf. My undergraduate degree is from Samford University and my masters is from MTSU. I've lived in Tennessee for 16 years now. I reside in Christiana. Super happy to be at Shelbyville Central High School and couldn't imagine a better place to work than at the CTE Annex.
- What are some EPSO opportunities that you are able to provide with your classes?
My students have the opportunity to gain a Marketing 101 credit from Motlow.
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
Students from my classroom are prepared to attend two-year community colleges, four-year universities, TCAT, or enter the workforce.
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
Marketing is a large umbrella so everything from entrepreneurship, professional selling, to marketing management.
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
I have two CTSO's that I advise. DECA and FBLA are both available to my students. Our students do all sorts of fun things! Our competitions are our main focus but we also have a chance to give back to the community in years past we have helped the American Legion raise money and we operate the FBLA Coat Drive along with the other FBLA advisers (Mrs. Haynes and Mr. Shelton). In normal years, we do a field trip for my Marketing students and we have attended the Titans Learning Lab, gone to the Ice Exhibit at Opryland, and Ruby Falls in Chattanooga.
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Ian Stitzel - Community High School
- What is your program of study?
STEM
- How long have you been teaching?
10 years
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
One of my good friends showed me a particular program called Technology Engineering during my Sophomore year and got me hooked on that area of education.
- Tell us a little more about you!
I really enjoy boating (wakeboarding and slalom skiing), construction projects, and working on vehicles when free time allows. I also enjoy sharing skills that would allow students to save money for DIY type projects.
- What are some EPSO opportunities that you are able to provide with your classes?
TCAT offers some evening courses such as Networking that would allow students an early means of gaining post-secondary credit.
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
At this time most opportunities are outside of the regular school day but I have had a couple of students take evening classes at TCAT. One of these students had earned several IT certificates and had a higher paying job ready after graduation.
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
The list is almost countless as STEM incorporates so many different fields. I tend to focus on the Engineering and Technology side, so most careers are related to the TE of STEM.
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
TSA - Technology Student Organization. During a normal year, we would take STEM related field trips and compete in engineering-based competitions. We also have two game nights after school on Fridays during the year.
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Kim Shatley - Shelbyville Central High School
- What is your program of study?
Business Education/Computer Science Foundations
- How long have you been teaching?
I am new to teaching just this last month; however, I have been around for the past 2 1/2 years working as a substitute teacher mainly for SCHS, Cascade Middle, and Cascade High.
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
I am a native of Bedford County and a former SCHS graduate. Me and my husband, Darron, have two girls, Carley and Kelsey, who attend Cascade Middle and Cascade High.
- Tell us a little more about you!
I am originally from Alabama, so I'm a big Alabama football fan. I enjoy sports especially football, baseball, and golf. My undergraduate degree is from Samford University and my masters from MTSU. I've lived in Tennessee for 16 years now. I reside in Christiana. I am super happy to be at Shelbyville Central High School and couldn't imagine a better place to work than at the CTE Annex.
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
Business, Information Technology, Marketing, Finance, Computer Science
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
Most of my students are in their 1st year of CTE (either freshman or sophomore). Very few have jobs at present; however, we do have a review unit on Career Planning that focuses on how/where to search for part-time jobs, preparing a resume and cover letter, and interviewing skills.
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of American).
In years past, my class, along with three other CTE teachers have students participate in local, regional, and state competitive events that help prepare students for successful careers in business. Other club activities include local career/job fairs, a trip to Nashville Titans stadium for Career Day, and various other fundraising activities.
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Sara Krantz - Shelbyville Central High School
- What is your program of study?
Cosmetology
- How long have you been teaching?
This is my 4th year at SCHS.
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
I started teaching cosmetology after becoming a brand educator in 2010. I have had the privilege of teaching adults in their career, post-secondary students, and now high schoolers.
- Tell us a little more about you!
I have been a stylist behind the chair for 18 years and had the opportunity to work with so many amazing people. I think to be a great teacher, you have to be a great student and allow yourself to constantly grow.
- What are some EPSO opportunities that you are able to provide with your classes?
My students have the opportunity to earn credit hours toward a post-secondary cosmetology program.
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
Cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology are offered at several post-secondary schools. Students may also use their TN Promise if attending TCAT.
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
There are so many opportunities in cosmetology. Hairstylist, nail technician, esthetician, make-up artist, platform artist, film & theatre artist, brand educator.
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
Cosmetology Club competes in several competitions with the chance to earn scholarships for post-secondary schools. We also host several events throughout the year including a free haircut event & prom makeup and hair.
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Wynee Haynes - Shelbyville Central High School
- What is your program of study?
Marketing
- How long have you been teaching?
18 years
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
I love working with teenagers and want to be a positive influence in their lives now and in the future.
- Tell us a little more about you!
After many years, I still enjoy working with young people and leading them in a positive way.
- What are some EPSO opportunities that you are able to provide with your classes?
Working on Personal Finance for now.
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
Choosing to attend some of the great universities that we have or selecting a wonderful career.
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
Accountants, Financial Specialists as well as Securities and Investments among others.
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) - we have student-led meetings, take the students to their student competitions and the students get the opportunity to have leadership positions which they can use in their future lives.
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Lauren Briggs - Shelbyville Central High School
- What is your program of study?
Education and Training, Educational Therapy and Support pathway
- How long have you been teaching?
This is my 4th year teaching.
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
I was always drawn to the idea of being a teacher. In high school I began taking Family and Consumer Science classes and fell in love. I knew it was my perfect fit, the idea of teaching students life skills really appealed to me! My two FACS teachers, Mrs. Jordan and Mrs. Prince became mentors to me and I believe that really helped in my success through college.
- Tell us a little more about you!
I married my high school sweetheart, Ben, in 2016 and we welcomed our first child, Beau, this past March. We live in Lynnville where my husband helps run our family’s multi-generational cattle farm. The farm is a huge part of our lives and we love it! I attended the University of Tennessee at Martin where I majored in Family and Consumer Sciences. I am still very passionate about the mission of traditional Family and Consumer Sciences. I believe it is important to learn the life skills necessary to lead successful and productive lives both in and out of the home. Regardless of industry changes, the basic life skills required will remain the same so I try to instill that in my students.
- What are some EPSO opportunities that you are able to provide with your classes?
We currently do not offer any EPSO but my ETS 3 class has the opportunity to travel to Learning Way elementary and be immersed in the classroom before they ever leave high school.
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
Students enrolled in my program would typically be planning to attend a 4 year university.
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
My pathway sets students up for careers in teaching, counseling, social work, psychology, and child and lifespan development related fields.
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
FCCLA, Family Career and Community Leaders of America. We have a focus on creating well-rounded individuals through community involvement, competitive events in a multitude of areas, and social activities for students to gain confidence during their time in high school.
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Wendy Williams - Cascade High School
- What is your program of study?
Teaching as a Profession / Work-Based Learning
- How long have you been teaching?
16 years
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
I graduated from MTSU in 2005 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I taught at Cascade Elementary School for twelve years before moving to Cascade High School to teach the Education and Training pathway. I enjoy working with high school students who are interested in the field of Education.
- Tell us a little more about you!
I am the sponsor of Cascade Interact, Cascade LEAD, and Co-sponsor of FCA. I am a mother of three which means that the majority of my time outside of school is spent taxiing children from one practice/event to another and I LOVE IT. I enjoy reading (when I have downtime); I especially enjoy dystopian fiction.
- What are some EPSO opportunities that you are able to provide with your classes?
None are available for my program.
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
My program prepares students to seek an associates degree or bachelors degree in areas such as education, social work, psychology, or any pediatric field - Motlow & MTSU both offer education degrees. We visit MTSU yearly so students can see the exciting opportunities in the education department.
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
Guidance counselor, teacher, social worker, school board member, etc.
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
Students in my program work closely with Cascade Elementary School. Some of the teachers at the Elementary school have become great mentors for my students. I believe it is important to keep the relationship strong between all three Cascade schools. We help chaperone field trips with the elementary school - it is great experience for my students and the elementary children love it. Teaching as a Profession III students are able to get real-life experience in the classroom helping with day-to-day activities on a regular basis. LEAD - our community service club that focuses on service with children - is heavily involved in activities at Cascade Elementary such as AR night, Harvest Festival, Bingo for Books and Field Day. My students are also active in FCCLA.
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Larry Shelton - Shelbyville Central High School
- What is your program of study?
Information Technology - Networking Systems
- How long have you been teaching?
7 years
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
I always knew I wanted to teach someday. After spending more than 20 years in the IT field, I went back to school to complete a degree in Business Education. After teaching at SCHS for 1 semester, I was given the opportunity to start an IT program here. The program grew quickly. Now I get to teach what I practiced for so many years.
- Tell us a little more about you!
I am a huge New York Yankees fan. I like to go to the beach every chance I get.
- What are some EPSO opportunities that you are able to provide with your classes?
Computer Systems students can take the CompTIA A+ / Networking students can take the CompTIA Network+ / AP Computer Science Principles students take the AP exam
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
Many of my students pursue post secondary degrees and certifications. I have had several students enroll in TCAT Shelbyville's IT Program. Several of my former students attend MTSU and Tennessee Tech working toward a Computer Science or Engineering degree.
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
Computer Support Technician, Network Administration, Computer Programming, Database Design and Support
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). The main focus of my CTSO is competitions at FBLA conferences. Students compete at the regional, state, and national levels. Regional competitions take place in Manchester, TN. State competitions are in Chattanooga, TN. National Conferences are held in a different city each year. In the past I have taken students for the week long conference to Atlanta, Anaheim, Baltimore, and San Antonio. In addition to competition, FBLA has sponsored the Bedford county coat drive for students. We also collect soda tabs for the Ronald McDonald House.
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Chris Tocchio - Community High School
- What is your program of study?
Agriculture Education
- How long have you been teaching?
22 years
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
I graduated with my BS in agricultural business and made the decision that education was the right choice for me, so I went back completed a second minor in education. I really enjoy the teaching aspect of my job and the daily classroom interaction with students.
- Tell us a little more about you!
I have been married for 24 years to my wife, Kristy, who is also a teacher. I have a daughter who is 17 and a son who is 11. We own and operate Twinponds Kennels and Stonewall farms in Petersburg TN. I am an outdoorsman and distance runner. I have been blessed to have served the students of Community High School since my start in education in 1999.
- What are some EPSO opportunities that you are able to provide with your classes?
We will be giving the OSHA 10 certification to the 9th grade agriscience students so they can receive their certification. This will take place after spring break. In addition, I am work based learning certified and we offer WBL to students who wish to utilize the opportunity. Kathy Gregory is our sites WBL instructor. I am also TSIG certified and plan to offer that opportunity for students to receive college credit in the future.
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
A large portion of our graduates continue their education at tech schools like TCAT or Lincoln College of technology. Common focus areas are welding and industrial maintenance. We also have a large number of graduates continue their education at 4 year universities focusing on studies in the field of agriculture. Tennessee Tech and MTSU receive the lion share of our students seeking a 4 year degree with UT Knoxville and UT Martin also receiving quite a few students. We do send a lot of students to Columbia State Community College seeking a 2 year degree in the field of Veterinary Technology.
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
We have students pursue a wide variety of career options after leaving our program. Some of the most common are agriculture service jobs like Tractor Supply and Tennessee Farmers Cooperative.
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Madison Smith - Shelbyville Central High School
- What is your program of study?
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
- How long have you been teaching?
This is my fourth year teaching, but my first in Bedford County!
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
I have always known I wanted to be a teacher, just ask my poor sisters that had to be my pretend students when we were growing up! Though I had always known I wanted to be a teacher, at the age of 10 being an agriculture teacher was not what I had in mind. Going into my freshman year of high school I refused to take an ag class because I did not want to have my dad as a teacher! Well the first day of theater class with a bunch of senior boys made me want to change my schedule real fast, and what was the only class available for me? Principles of Agriculture with none other than my dad. After a few weeks I fell in love with agriculture and my heart began to bleed National Blue and Corn Gold for FFA. Once I got to college I realized that I could pursue my dreams of teaching and share my passion for agriculture and FFA. If it wasn’t for all of the amazing teachers I had along the way and that theater class freshman year, I would not be where I am today!
- Tell us a little more about you!
I grew up in Bedford County and attended Cascade High School were I met my husband, Cody, on the first day of freshman year in ag class! After high school I attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where I got my Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Sciences. Once I graduated from college I moved back home to Bedford County. I now live in Flat Creek on our small cattle farm with my husband and our (almost) two year old son, Walker. Agriculture is an important part of my families lives and I enjoying being able to share that passion with my students.
- What are some EPSO opportunities that you are able to provide with your classes?
My agriscience students have the opportunity to get their OSHA 10 certification.
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
Students enrolled in my program have many post secondary opportunities from attending tech school, community college or a four year university that has an agriculture program.
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
My program sets students up for any career in the agriculture industry including careers in animal science, plant science, forestry and natural resources, agribusiness, food science, communication and many more. Agriculture is the base of everything we do from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, so there are many different career opportunities from the production side to the marketing and selling our products and everything in between.
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
The CTSO of Agriculture Education is FFA. The mission of FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The Bedford County FFA Chapter does this through competing in Career and Leadership Development Events, attending leadership conferences and camps, as well as participating in community service activities.
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Jordin Ray - Shelbyville Central High School
- What is your program of study?
Veterinary and Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering and Applied Technologies
- How long have you been teaching?
I am currently in my third year of teaching. This is my second year at the CTE Annex.
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
Growing up on my family's farm in Shelbyville I always had a passion for agriculture, but I never thought that I would end up teaching. I was extremely active in the Bedford County FFA Chapter the four years I was at SCHS and I loved every minute of it. I really set my mind on teaching my sophomore year in college at MTSU. I had a major in animal science and was already minoring in secondary education. It was after doing multiple in-school observations that I realized how much I truly missed FFA and being involved in agriculture education. After teaching for a year at Moore County High School in Lynchburg, an agriculture position came open at SCHS and I jumped at the opportunity. I have now been at SCHS for two years and cherish every minute of it.
- Tell us a little more about you!
I grew up in Shelbyville and graduated from SCHS in 2015. I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2018 with a bachelor's in animal science (minor in secondary education). I am currently back at MTSU pursuing my master's degree in administration and supervision with a primary focus in agricultural leadership. I married my husband, Tyler Ray in 2019 and we are expecting our first child in May 2021.
- What are some EPSO opportunities that you are able to provide with your classes?
All freshmen in agriscience complete OSHA 10, students in third year courses complete OSHA 30, students in the veterinary and animal science program have the opportunity to take an MTSU dual credit veterinary science class their senior year and earn 3 hours of college credit.
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
Students in agricultural pathways have diverse opportunities for post secondary education. Many of the students completing our agricultural engineering and applied technology pathway choose to further their education at the local TCAT. We have several students graduating this year that are going to 2 and 4 year universities across the state majoring in areas of environmental science, pre-veterinary medicine, animal science, pre-med, and marine biology to name a few.
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
To name a few of the careers that a person concentrating in agriculture might pursue: Veterinarian, marine biologist, farmer, machinery technician, arborist, soil scientist, natural resources conservationist, agriculture marketing representative, etc. The opportunities really are endless with this program.
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
The National FFA Organization is our CTSO. Through this organization, students are able to compete in CDEs (career development events), LDEs (leadership development events), and multiple leadership conferences and conventions throughout the year. Just to name a few of the competitions that we have competed in over the past several years: Meats evaluation, soil judging, livestock judging, dairy judging, farm business management, veterinary science, food science, forestry, employment skills, etc.
CTE Teacher Spotlight - Becky Davis - Shelbyville Central High School
- What is your program of study?
Health Science Education - Emergency Services
- How long have you been teaching?
This is my 15th year teaching with 10 years prior experience in health care in the field of laboratory medical technology. I hold a Professional and an Occupational teaching license, having taught Physical Science, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Therapeutics, Health Science Education and Emergency Services in my career.
- Please give a little information on how you came to teaching.
During my 10th year of working in health care, a program called Teach Tennessee became available through the TN State Department of Education. Governor Bredesen started this initiative to bring experienced professionals from industry into education and train them to be teachers. The purpose in doing so was to bring real-world experience and connection to students in the classroom in high need areas of math, science and foreign language. Being a teacher was one of my childhood career wishes, so this brought my love of science and education together.
- Tell us a little more about you!
I am a Shelbyville native and proud SCHS Eagle alumni (Class of 1990). I attended Middle Tennessee State University where I double-majored in Chemistry and Biology, then Vanderbilt where I completed my Medical Technology program training, receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in 1995. I began working at Shelbyville Central High School in 2006. I love my job, my co-workers and have a heart for educating teenagers. My husband and I have three daughters… Kaitlin and Khloe on Earth, along with Korley who is now in Heaven. We enjoy raising goats on a small farm here in Bedford County.
- What are some EPSO opportunities that you are able to provide with your classes?
My Medical Therapeutics students have the opportunity to get their OSHA-10 for Healthcare certification and my Emergency Medical Services students have the opportunity to take the First Responder certification exam.
- What are some post-secondary opportunities for students that are interested in your program?
Students in the Health Science Education Career-Technical focus area have various post-secondary opportunities that range from attending a tech school or community college to a four year university where they can continue their education and fulfill their dream of having a career in health care.
- What types of jobs do people have that would fit into your program?
A health science focus prepares students with background knowledge for entrance into any and all careers in health care.
- What is the name of your CTSO? What types of things do you do with your student organization?
Our CTSO (Career Technical Student Organization) is HOSA-Future Health Professionals. HOSA is a global student-led organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services and several federal and state agencies. HOSA’s mission is to empower students to become leaders in the global health community, through education, collaboration, and experience. HOSA promotes career opportunities in the health industry and enhances the delivery of quality health care to all people. SCHS students in HOSA organize 2 blood drives per year for the American Red Cross, helping to deliver the gift of life. Students also participate in community service activities and various educational field trips, which we hope to get back to in 2022!
2020-2021 CTE Student Spotlights
