TRANSFORMING EDUCATION: EMPOWERING STUDENTS THROUGH HANDS-ON LEARNING AND INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION: EMPOWERING STUDENTS THROUGH HANDS-ON LEARNING AND INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS

BUILDING TRADES INSTRUCTOR | MAYFAIR SCHOOL, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA

In today's rapidly evolving world, education must adapt to prepare students for the diverse opportunities and challenges they will encounter in their future careers. As a building trades instructor at The Mayfair School, I am committed to exposing my students to the vast array of career opportunities available in the skilled trades, while equipping them with the skills and certifications needed to succeed.

At The Mayfair School, our approach to education is hands-on and immersive. We cover essential topics such as safety, hand tools and power tools, which provides students with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the trades. However, what sets our program apart is our emphasis on student choice and empowerment. After covering the basics, we allow students to vote on their interests in different trades, including plumbing, electrical, masonry and carpentry. This ensures that students are engaged and invested in their learning journey from the outset.

One of the highlights of our program is the opportunity for students to earn high school certifications while still in middle school. Last year during our summer program, 29 high school and middle school students earned their HBI preapprentice certification—a testament to their dedication and the effectiveness of our curriculum. By providing students with industry-recognized certifications, we are setting them up for success and opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities.

In addition to our rigorous curriculum, we also prioritize realworld experiences and connections with industry professionals. Our classroom is a dynamic space where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions. We also host the Dope Student Podcast, a student-run platform where we connect the classroom to the industry. Through interviews with industry professionals, including City Council members and union professionals, students gain valuable insights into various career paths and the steps required to achieve success.

As we look to the future, it is clear that we need to expand access to middle school programs like ours. Waiting until the 10th grade to introduce students to the trades is simply too late. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed many flaws in our educational system, but it has also provided an opportunity for innovation and change. We must continue to prioritize student engagement and empowerment, creating learning environments that activate their senses and put them in real-world situations where they can thrive.

As an educator, I am deeply committed to changing the stigma surrounding the trades and promoting their value to our younger students. By providing them with hands-on learning experiences and meaningful connections to industry professionals, we can empower the next generation of skilled workers and create positive change in our city, classrooms, and neighborhoods.

Together, let us embrace the transformative power of education and equip our students with the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century and beyond.

In 2023, GBCA supported the Mayfair Middle School CTE program by raising funds at our annual Golf Outing. GBCA plans to continue to support the program in 2024. If you are interested in how to get involved, please email Mr.Jarrett at ejarrett@philasd.org.