Spring 2021
A
AT I O N
ED
C AREER
A DIVISION OF THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
ND
CTE Connections
A N S AS
UC
ARK
Preparing Students for Future College and Career Success
TEC H NIC AL
Teaching the
n o i t a r e n Next Ge
IN THIS ISSUE
CO-TEACH PILOT PROGRAM Page 9 STATE-START UP GRANTS Page 5 FAFSA CAMPAIGN Page 8 CTE DAY AT THE CAPITOL Page 3 WEIGHTED CREDIT COURSES Page 4
The Pre-Educator Program of Study and the ‘Certified Teaching Assistant’ (CTA) credential allows school districts to “Grow their Own” page 10 - 11
Leadership Team Johnny Key
Secretary Department of Education
Dr. Ivy Pfeffer Deputy Commissioner Department of Education
Director Division of Career and Technical Education
Sonja WrightMcMurray
Sr. Associate Director Division of Career and Technical Education
Dr. Angela Kremers Associate Director Division of Career and Technical Education
Career & Technical Education MISSION
To prepare students for future college and career success.
VISION
The Arkansas Department of Education is committed to transforming Arkansas to lead the nation in student-focused education so that every child graduates ready for college, career, and community engagement. In our 21st century economy, the lines between college, technical education, and career have been blurred. To succeed on any of these paths, our students need more complex academic skills, including creative problem solving, synthesis, and design; they need interpersonal and teamwork skills; and they need a work ethic and flexibility to thrive in an economic and technological future where change and innovation will be constant.
CORE VALUES
This vision for excellent, student-centered CTE has five key goals that are aligned with the goals in Arkansas’ ESSA plan that was approved by the U.S. Department of Education in January 2018:
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ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR’S LETTER Welcome to CTE Connections! The Division of Career and Technical Education will publish quarterly issues to highlight student successes, districts, CTE programs, and timely information. I applaud CTE students, teachers, and administrators across the state who are empowering and reenergizing CTE to prepare students for college and career. Inside this issue you will find stories that uplift how CTE students are being prepared in a continuum of career exploration to advanced programs of study leading to attainment of an industry recognized credential. Students are well-equipped to enter a future workforce ready to move our communities, our state, and nation forward toward economic recovery. Each issue will include feature highlights and regular sections. We hope to spotlight CTE alumni, coordinators, teachers, and Guiding Coalition members along with exciting content that lifts up positive things happening! Arkansas has been recognized as a leader in student outcomes from taking CTE courses, which research shows better prepares them for college and careers. Not only are Arkansas students learning technical skills, but they are also acquiring “soft skills” or “employability skills,” which Arkansas business and industry leaders have demanded that we emphasize in workforce education. As we continue implementation of Perkins V and a statewide Professional Learning Community (PLC), we have a great opportunity to come together as a team, to be BOLD, and to re-think CTE to prepare students to fill employment needs across our great state. CTE programs of study in the state are high-quality and offer innovative and complex, technology-driven opportunities for students. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state’s and nation’s economy reminds us of Career and Technical Education’s role to be responsive to industry needs that encourage students to think critically and use information to make decisions and apply skills and knowledge for future career success. Thank you sincerely for all that you do to support preparing students to enter a high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand workforce.
Enjoy the issue! Sincerely,
Angela Kremers, Ed.D., Associate Director Division of Career and Technical Education Arkansas Department of Education
MARK YOUR CALENDARS - IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES APRIL
4/12 - 4/14: Skills USA Virtual State Conference 4/15 - 4/16: TSA Virtual State Conference 4/21: FCCLA Virtual State Conference
4/22: HOSA Virtual State Conference
JUNE
4/26 - 4/28: FFA State Convention
6/20: Last day to submit Perkins Post Approval edits for current fiscal year
MAY
6/20: All Perkins funds for current fiscal year must be obligated
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The virtual 2021 “CTE Day At
Spotlighting CTE in Action
The Capitol” was held on February 9th,
was easy with so many CTE programs
2021. While students would typically
helping to create the day’s events and
visit the capitol for this event, pre-
programming. Cotter High School’s
senting the program virtually brought
Management Program created a
the capital to students in classrooms
unique virtual experience through an
all across Arkansas. The program
escape room activity. The Academies
began with greetings from Governor
at Jonesboro High School TV
Hutchinson, Secretary of Education
Production Lab edited the
Johnny Key, Director of Division of CTE
promotional video reel. A Caddo Hills
Dr. Angela Kremers, and President of
school-based enterprise helped to
Arkansas ACTE Dr. Kelley Todd. Each
facilitate the event. Finally, 36 schools
Arkansas career and technical
produced videos highlighting amaz-
student organization recorded a video
ing projects happening in career and
greeting to viewers speaking to their
technical programs across the state.
individual organization’s missions and
career focus. A motivational message
the day’s events, the entire 2021 CTE
was recorded by Joseph and Matthew
Day At The Capitol catalog of videos
Moheban of “220 Leadership” about
and activities can be found on the
their entrepreneurship journey and
Arkansas ACTE Website.
goal setting. 3
Written By Patricia Graves Program Advisor, Career Readiness/WBL
Governor Hutchinson addressed virtual participants with a recorded message for this year’s CTE Day At The Capitol event.
For anyone who missed out on
Click on the play button to see the awesome highlight videos submitted by schools and programs across the state!
WEIGHTED CREDIT COURSES OFFER MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE)
is pleased to remind students, parents, and educators
2021-2022 CTE Weighted Credit Courses
that the state has approved weighted courses that
Agriculture Science & Technology:
may replace students’ math and science graduation
Principles of Agriculture Science-Animal (CASE)
credits.
Principles of Agriculture Science-Plant (CASE)
These courses were reviewed by an internal
Natural Resources & Ecology (CASE)
team at ADE’s Division of Elementary and Secondary
Animal & Plant Biotechnology (CASE)
Education (DESE) and Division of Career and Technical
CASE: Ag Power and Technical System
Education (DCTE) and include career and technical courses and newly adopted computer science and computing courses.
ADE requests that school leaders make these
options available to their students and educators communicate the benefits, which may include:
• These capstone courses are designed to increase specialization in the content area to better prepare students for careers and/or post-secondary education
• Students with grade point averages (GPAs) above 4.0 that earn an A in these courses, will enjoy continued boosts to their overall GPAs since they are based on a 5.0 scale
• Weighted courses are available as options for many DCTE programs of study and better prepare students for industry-recognized certifications
• For some of these courses, students may be awarded a math, science, or career focus credit that meets state graduation requirements
• Many of these courses allow students to have additional opportunities for enhanced hands-on projects and activities
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM): Aerospace Engineering Medical Interventions Civil Engineering & Architecture (PLTW) Computer Integrated Manufacturing (PLTW) Digital Electronics (PLTW) Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning - Year 3 Computer Engineering - Year 3 Cybersecurity - Year 3 Data Science - Year 3 Game Development and Design - Year 3 Mobile Application Development - Year 3 Networking - Year 3 Programming - Year 3 Robotics - Year 3 AP Computer Science Principles AP Computer Science A IB Computer Science SL IB Computer Science HL Computer Science Independent Study Computer Science Internship
The current list of courses approved for weighted credit, and licensure codes required for instruction, is available on the ADE Course Code Management System and at http://bit.ly/ARWeightedCredit.
ADE Commissioner’s Memo Memo Number: COM-21-103 4
PERKINS CORNER Brustein Trainings for CTE Coordinators The DCTE Office of Perkins and Accountability recently hosted two Brustein training sessions for CTE Coordinators. The training covered Perkins V and EDGAR requirements for CTE. Each part of the training, CTE Coordinators received the newest edition of the EDGAR Administrator’s Handbook. Special thanks to CTE Coordinators Cheryl Pickering and Rhonda Fowler for hosting the two virtual regional sessions.
2021- 2022
State Start-Up Grants State Start-Up grants are available annually on a competitive basis for the exclusive purpose of purchasing equipment and program specific supplies, required training, assessment, and software to support newly approved career focus Programs of Study.
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New Programs of Study Approved (Funded & Unfunded)
Awards are geographically distributed
58
Grants funded out of total submitted
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ALUMNI ANSWERS Four questions with Allison Nicholas, Director of Recruiting at Metova Inc. Tell us a little about your current position and job duties. A: My role at Metova is Director of Recruiting in the US. I collaborate with the technical leadership and operations team in the United States and Mexico to identify, interview, and hire employees from entry to senior level positions. As a student, what CTE courses did you take and how did those courses impact your goals for after high school? A: The Distributed Education class provided me with an opportunity to apply the business and communication skills that I had not considered as a career path when I was in high school. The course, classroom discussions, a job at a local flower shop and participation in state and regional competitions in interviewing taught me skills that I still use today in my role as Director of Recruiting at Metova. What CTE skills or knowledge have helped you along your career journey? Why are these skills important for students to learn?
Awards By Office 11 Agriculture Science and Technology 11 Business and Marketing Technology 1 Career Readiness/ Work-Based Learning 11 Family and Consumer Sciences 11 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) By Dr. Angela Kremers 13 Written Trade and Industry Associate Director, DCTE
A: I learned the value of networking with others and challenging myself to consider educational and career opportunities that were not available in my community. Career opportunities and skill requirements change constantly and many new skills are learned today in virtual environments. Your involvement in student clubs, organizations and community events are also very important. Building a personal network begins in high school and builds over time. Local employers, teachers, coaches and advisers can serve as valuable contributors and references as you graduate and seek future opportunities. Keep your references informed and share copies of your resume on a regular basis. What advice would you give to students in CTE programs in order to prepare them for real-world experiences and success? A: 1. Take the time to explore career and educational opportunities throughout and beyond high school. 2. Take advantage of summer camps, competitions, research and study abroad opportunities, local work and volunteer opportunities. 3. Don’t worry if your career interests are different from your peers or if you don’t have the skills that you might need in the jobs or career paths that you are considering. 4. It is important to continue to learn and challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. 5. Build a network of professionals, friends and family members who will serve as a support system and encourage you to consider a wide range of opportunities. 6. Everyone makes mistakes. Learn from your experiences and share with others. 7. Never, ever, give up! 6
HAR-BER HIGH SCHOOL TV PRODUCTION RECOGNITION Congratulations to HBHS for being recognized in outstanding achievement in video production by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences which promotes excellence by showcasing work created by high school students in news, craft and programming categories. Har-Ber High School Television Productions led by advisor Travis Sherman received a National Emmy for Live Event Sports Broadcasting, sealing their position as the top Sports Broadcast team in the entire country. Students competed against thousands of entries across the United States and the pieces were judged by college instructors and industry professionals. The judges looked at the overall production value and delivery, including: Pre Game Show, Halftime Show, Post Game Show, Live Reporting, Cameras, Audio and Direction. Congratulations to students Nick Luttrell, Samantha Lewandowski, Zach Greenwood, Zack Duplanti, Victor Cardoza, Jared Park, and Donald Tucker.
Watch Har-Ber’s Emmy Highlight Video
y of F Unique Testing in C hemistr
oods
Students at Manila High School learned about acids and bases in their Chemistry of Foods classes. Using the information they learned in Chemistry, Students conducted experiments in Chemistry of Foods using PH paper and a red cabbage indicator. Students tested several food items and cleaning agents to determine if they were acid or bases. The items included buttermilk, vinegar, bleach, dish liquid, alka seltzer, grape juice, Sprite, and other food or cleaning items. Students determined that acidic foods do not spoil as quickly, and numerous cleaning products are basic. Chemistry of Foods is taught by Mary Smith. Chemistry of Foods can count as a science credit. Written By Mary Smith Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Manilla High Dustin Clark tests the PH of various food and cleaning items.
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ARKANSAS FAFSA CAMPAIGN
WHAT CAN THE FAFSA DO FOR YOUR FUTURE?
The State of Arkansas Division of Higher Education
(ADHE), Federal Student Aid’s Outreach Team, a division within the U.S. Department of Education (FSA) and other organizations collaborated to encourage FAFSA completion between February 22, 2021 and April 1, 2021 in the State of Arkansas. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form students need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. According to the College Board, each year over 13 million students who file the FAFSA get more than $120 billion in grants, work-study, and low-interest loans
Examples of Social Media
from the U.S. Department of Education. While completing
Posts for “FASFA Fridays”
the FAFSA doesn’t necessarily mean students will attend college, it is one important indicator.
DCTE’s Career coaches around the state were the
main drivers of the FAFSA push and participated in various ways to support their students. The customized FAFSA completion initiative included social media messaging, a texting campaign, mailers, and other methods of communications for counselors, parents, and students.
Kanesha Evans, the career coach for El Dorado
School District along with others in the district developed an event to support the “FAFSA Fridays” campaign. A “FAFSA Friday” event was held in the El Dorado High School library the first three Fridays of March. To allow parents to have better access to the opportunity, they made arrangements to shift their availability from 11 am to 7 pm those days. Mrs. Evans and her team worked with the principal and lead counselor to make sure this event was possible for students and parents. The events provided information and helped students complete the FAFSA and other financial aid applications in a socially-distanced environment. They promoted the FAFSA Friday events on social media and flyers were placed at local business and organizations.
The Arkansas Department of Higher Education has
also been promoting “FAFSA Friday” on social media. With
fun, virtual content linking to information about the application, they hoped to engage a wider audience across the state.
The FAFSA is not loans, but it is also used to deter-
mine eligibility for federal grants and loans but is also used to determine eligibility for various financial aids through states or institutions of higher education. For instance, in Arkansas, the Arkansas Division of Higher Education requires the FAFSA to be completed for the Arkansas Academic Challenge (Lottery) Scholarship and the Arkansas Future (ArFuture) Grant. Many colleges and universities may also require the FAFSA to be completed to determine eligibility for financial aid options through the institutions. This campaign’s goal is to make students understand the possibilities the FAFSA can provide to them as they look to higher education. Written By Patricia Graves Program Coordinator, Career Readiness/WBL 8
Magnolia Co-Teach Pilot
Creating positive outcomes for students with disabilities
When students with disabilities participate in career and technical education classes, there is a better chance
that they will have positive post school outcomes. This predictor is an area of focus for our state Core Team which includes representatives from special education, career and technical education, vocational rehabilitation, division of services for the blind, and higher education. One of the barriers to ensuring this happens on a regular basis is that many CTE teachers don’t feel they have the preparation to support students with disabilities.
Brooke Bradford, Arkan-
sas FFA State President Arkansas is fortunate to have a strong partner in the Division of Career and Technical Education. Sonja stands in front of the
Wright-McMurray, Senior Associate Director for the Division of Career and Technical Education, has been advocating for students with disabilities for a while now. When she first became part of the Core Team working with the National
show ring.
Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT), she understood the need for students with disabilities to have more representation in the CTE classrooms, but she also understood the need for more professional development for CTE teachers to be able to support those students to be successful in the course.
After many conversations, reading through survey results, and listening to local transition teams around the state,
Wright-McMurray pushed an idea to the team: a co-taught CTE course! Enter the AR Co-Teaching Project who were willing and enthusiastic from the start! We weighed the options and considered approaching different schools, but decided to ask one of our district leadership teams because of their leadership support, the location and size, availability of a classroom and willingness of an administrator to try it out, but mostly because of the work ethic of the Magnolia team in general—from their top administrators to the students themselves! We really believe they will make this work with great successes to report!
The Magnolia co-teaching team will begin by participating in Boundless Learning Co-Teaching, a year-long
professional development, provided by the AR Co-Teaching Project in partnership with Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Technology in Education. They will receive training in how to best support students with disabilities in the general education classroom. The team will be supported throughout the year with additional training and classroom support using the Team Based Cycle of Instruction, as well as the framework of Universal Design for Learning. The 9th grade students in the Agriculture class at Magnolia High School will be the winners when they begin reaping the benefits of this important endeavor. We look forward to reporting on the positive results achieved and letting you know how your school Written By Bonnie Boaz Arkansas State Transition Coordinator, DESE 9
can participate in this opportunity and turn it into positive post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.
Arkansas Career Readiness Certificate Program Pictured Left to Right: Chris Haywood, Logan Miller , Kennedy Womble, and Daylan Haley
The primary purpose of the Arkansas National
Students across the state are earning these cer-
Career Readiness Certificate Program is to positively
tificates, allowing them to be job ready upon graduation.
impact the economy in Arkansas by helping job seekers
Several employers in Arkansas are using this national
build their workplace skills. Individuals who earn an ARN-
recognized credential as a pre-employment requirement
CRC are automatically eligible for the National Career
for the application process. Individuals will carry this ben-
Readiness Certificate (NCRC). This program is available to
efit throughout their career; there is no expiration date. As
all public school students free of charge under the state
counties in Arkansas are moving toward being Work Ready
contract and can be offered in a variety of areas. The
Communities, the recognition of the NCRC is a vital part
NCRC is a portable credential based on the ACT WorkKeys
of that process. The partnership between school districts
assessments that document and verify to employers that
and business/industry is strengthened by the implemen-
an individual possesses the basic workplace skills they are
tation of this program within the school setting. As a result
seeking. The students must work through the WorkKeys
of the collaboration between educators and local indus-
Curriculum, developed by ACT, which is a Pre-WorkKeys
try through stakeholder meetings hosted by DeQueen/
instructional tool that helps prepare individuals for
Mena Educational Service Cooperative, there has been
assessments in:
an increase in participation of the program from districts
- Workplace Documents
in that region. Foreman High School recently offered the
- Applied Math
- Graphic Literacy
great success rate. The two largest employers in Little River
This curriculum benefits all students college or
nity for employment upon graduation. The pictured seniors
certification opportunity to some of the seniors with a County require the NCRC thus giving students the opportu-
career bound by increasing the success on the ACT exam
achieved bronze
as well as developing proficiency in employer requested
through platinum
employability skills.
certificates.
Written By Stacey Southerland DCTE Coordinator, Dequeen/Mena Ed Coop
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Teaching the Next Generation
The Pre-Educator Program of Study and the ‘Certified Teaching Assistant’ Credential allows school districts to “Grow their Own.” The Pre-Educator Program of Study prepares students for careers in the field of education and training. This Family and Consumer Sciences program of study has been offered for almost 20 years. In the past year, DESE and DCTE have collaborated to join the Teacher Cadet Program and the Education and Training POS into the new Pre-Educator POS. This collaborative effort has also strengthened the Certified Teaching Credential (CTA). There are approximately 1,430 students enrolled in the Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 courses for the Pre-Educator Program of Study for the 2020-2021 school year and is taught in over 1/3 of Arkansas school districts. The following graphic shows the growth of the Pre-Educator Program, by number of school districts, over the past six years.
100
75
80 60
76
75
82
89
61
40 20 0
2015-2016
2016-2017
2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021
In 2019-2020, six Pre-Educator students earned their Certified Teaching Credential (CTA). With the new collaboration between DESE and DCTE there is a potential of over 300 CTA candidates for the 2020-2021 school year. Students that earn the CTA, meet the qualifications for paraprofessional, have received pedagogical training and have completed 100 hours of field experience. This makes them qualified to fulfill instructional support roles within the school district and puts students on a pathway to licensure. This is a true opportunity for school districts to “Grow their Own.” For more information on the CTA credential please visit the following link: https://dcte.ade.arkansas.gov/Page/Licensing
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Pre-Educator Success Stories Twenty-four Pre-Educator POS have partnered with institutions of higher learning to offer concurrent credit to students. Fayetteville High School had 20 students in the last two school years pass the ParaPro Praxis.
Beebe High School had two of three students take the ParaPro Praxis this fall pass.
A Pottsville High School alumnus is currently teaching Middle School science at Russellville Middle School. He credits his Pre-Educator classes and FCCLA competitive events with preparing him to be a successful educator.
Lakeside High School in Hot Springs has 11 alumni of the program who are studying to be educators at various colleges throughout Arkansas.
Cabot High School Pre-Educator POS has also produced several Arkansas educators.
White Hall High School students completed training in Child Maltreatment and 15 students passed ParaPro Praxis last school year. Benton and Bryant High Schools Pre-Educator POS have produced several Arkansas educators through the years.
Tyler Daily, 6th Grade Science Instructor Russellville, Middle School
Written By Amanda Porter Program Coordinator, FACS 12
CTSO Celebration Weeks Take Over Social Media
As a part of National FFA week, held February 20th through 27th, FFA Chapters and members across the state of Arkansas celebrated with a variety of different activities. Even though COVID-19 restrictions caused many activities to look different this year, chapters and members still worked hard to provide opportunities for students to celebrate the future of Agriculture. From dress-up days to community service projects to Elementary school activities, the Blue and Gold was well-represented and on display across the Natural
Arkansas joined more than 182,000 members across the nation in raising awareness of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and advocating for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) during FCCLA Week, February 8-12, 2021. Held annually during the second week of February in conjunction with Career and Technical Education Month,
Monday, February 8th’s theme was “Grow Beyond Measure.” Arkansas kicked FCCLA Week off by growing beyond measure. Chapters posted photos of activities they were involved with so far this year and showed off how they’ve grown! Clinton High School FCCLA members made treats for teachers and students during FCCLA Week.
FCCLA Week celebrates the accomplishments of FCCLA and the positive impact FCS has on our society. Each day had a daily social media challenge and activity.
State. To conclude the week, over 2,100 members state-wide participated in the Arkansas FFA Online CDE Practice Contest. Even though
Future Business Leaders of America
the contest was completely virtual,
students across Arkansas were en-
members and advisors alike were
couraged to post content about var-
happy to have students actively in-
ious leadership and business career
volved in these Career Development
topics during FBLA Week, February
Event activities.
14 - February 20, 2021.
Drew Central FFA Students pose with young lambs for a social media picture during FFA Week.
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Valley View High School promoted FCCLA and leadership by advocating and educating the City of Jonesboro.
FBLA Week Activities Posted to Social Media.
Arkansas High Media Students Earn National Recognition for RTV
Arkansas High School’s Razorback TV News has been recognized by the Student Television Network for earning the program’s third consecutive Broadcast Excellence Award.
Arkansas High School’s Razorback TV News received national recognition from the Student Television Network, earning the program’s third consecutive Broadcast Excellence Award. Previously, schools were required to submit one show to be judged by industry professionals. This year, the judges reviewed a variety of student content that was produced during the first semester of the 2020-21 school year, before awarding just 12 schools in the nation with The Student Television Network’s most prestigious broadcast journalism award. Razorback TV was the only representative from
Front row from left: Callie-Jo Brookes and Carly Irvin. Middle row from left: Ava Price-Gentry, Abbie
the Southwest Region, which includes
Wren, Evey Martin, Evin Burton, Kloe Witt, Haylee Bustin and William Haltom. Back row from left:
Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and
Gaylon Williams, Garrett Pendergraft, Hannah Smith, and Demonte Jamison. courtesy of Genia
Texas to earn recognition this year.
Bullock
Welcome to DCTE!
HELP US WELCOME OUR NEWEST STAFF MEMBERS YOLANDA ANZORA
Yolanda Angora has worked for nonprofits and education in a variety of roles. She has worked for UAMS Head Start / Early Head Start, UALR, Sheridan School District, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. We are delighted to welcome her to the DCTE team as the new Perkins Program Advisor. She will be joining Dr. Lydia McDonald, Program Coordinator in the Office of Perkins and Accountability.
SHANTA CALHOUN Shanta Calhoun worked in higher education for many years. Most recently she taught business and computer science classes for Pine Bluff School High School. She also served as advisor for FBLA and TSA chapters. We are excited to welcome her to the DCTE team as a new Business and Marketing Program Advisor. She will be joining Chris Davis and Jennifer Boyett, Program Advisors in the Office of Business and Marketing. 12 14
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