One of your assignments this semester involves interviewing either a guidance counselor or a technical school administrator. How do you think completing this assignment could effect your program, and ultimately your students?
My interview was with an administrator at a Technical college. I previously went several counselor meetings while with the Cobb County School District nurse program. I had a good idea of their role in the high school setting but I realize you can always learn more. After interviewing and touring Chattahoochee Technical college I can attest to the validity and cruciality of this technical college. One of the most interesting facts that I left with was how graduates from one particular county in Georgia usually had to place their students in lower level and some remedial college classes until they "caught up". Oddly enough, this was the county I had previously taught in. The two areas that these students required help in were Math and English. I found this so enlightening and very helpful when dealing with students.
I gained valuable knowledge regarding the various degree, diploma, and certificate programs. One of my challenges as a Healthcare Science teacher was in answering questions students had about options after HS. I was not too familiar with the technical college level. I feel more confident now when these types of questions arise. I previously tended to steer healthcare students to a 4-year college path. But I realize that this is not the path for many students and now feel much more confident when explaining the different programs of study at the technical college level.
I agree that Chattahoochee technical College is very vital to its surrounding community. I lived in the community and worked with some of the programs it offered while I worked at the local Health Department in that area. It is a great resource, especially if you know what all it has to offer. I also agree that not all students are university bound, and Technical Institutes offer other options for those students who need a certification program so they can learn a trade quickly and start getting paid, or who just would not benefit in a university environment.
ReplyDeleteHi, Linda - great to hear about your experience with the tech college as most others did counselor interviews. Your students will benefit from your knowledge of Chattahoochee Tech's programs, as will that school as well. You may want to do like Aimee does, and that is to invite them in to speak to your students on a regular basis.
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