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program selection has empowered both students and instructors, fostering a sense of ownership in their educational journey. Approximately 80% of instructors actively participate in this process, with all of them expressing overwhelming positivity about its impact. PGCTI Director Derek Read said, “When I became CTE Director in 2020, the choice of person to replace me was a nobrainer. Mrs. Edwards had been my mentor since I first became CTE Counselor, and is someone whose opinion I value when having to make a tough decision.” Since her transition to the role of a CTE counselor, Edwards has felt like a valuable member of Mississippi’s CTE family. Her dedication has been instrumental in focusing students on their CTE interests and giving their lives direction and purpose. When asked what motivates her in the face of challenges, Edwards simply stated, “Students.” She understands the profound responsibility that counselors carry, often as unsung heroes holding the school community together. Her inspiration to become a counselor came from her interactions with students during her years as a classroom teacher and her work with youth at her church. Seeing gaps in their education and career focus motivated her to become a counselor and bridge those gaps for students. Edwards’ advice to her students is simple but profound: “Stay focused on your goals, and when you reach your goals, set more, keep going—you can do it!” “She has what’s best for students in mind in everything she does,” Read said. “[She is] an active member and current president of MCA, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the CCTI and Pascagoula Gautier School District,” he added.
volume 21 | issue 2
| Summer 2023
BRINGING VR TO
THE
classroom
p 4
EMPOWERING
CY FOR EMERGEN 10 p PREPAREDNESS
FINDING
hope
THROUGH FOOD 18
p
CONNECTIONS read online
@ www.rcu.msstate.edu/connections
news & notes
Vicksburg Warren Students Earn Micro-Credentials
Nadia Owsley (left) from Business Marketing and Finance and Terrion Johnson (right) from Simulation and Animation Design each earned their micro-credential in employability skills. The students completed an online training that included assessments designed to illustrate mastery throughout. Communication, collaboration, critical thinking and resource management skills were part of the course providing micro-credentials in employability skills. Students at the Vicksburg Warren Career Technical Center have the opportunity to learn job skills that provide them with a microcredential. MajorClarity (MC), Mississippi’s career exploration platform, is one source of micro-credentials for students throughout the state. MC offers these credentials to help students show employers they possess specific knowledge that enables them to enter the workplace with skills for success already in place. Fall 2023 CONNECTIONS 11
