We, as CTAE teachers, need to fight for Perkins because it is Perkin's funds that got us going and it will be Perkin's funds that will keep us going. I always worry about how I will have to teach my classes if Perkin's funds continue to be reduced. I have 150 students and am only given a small amount of money per student for the entire year, but I survive by doing other events that will bring in revenue. The worry is that if funding is cut more, I do not believe that I will be able to continue teaching the way that I do now. What does that mean? Well, I will have to begin to teach in theory rather than hands on, but as all of us know with our careers in the industry, it is the hands on knowledge that will get you ahead. They are looking for more skilled workers to fill the jobs that are critical to the American economy but are thinking of decreasing our budget to do this. My students could memorize all of the mother sauces and their derivatives but if they cannot actually make one, then they are not employable in the industry. It is very important that I am able to continue the hands on learning that I have now to "Prepare the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow".
We can play several roles to help the cause. One is to be the best teacher we can be. Pass on your knowledge to your students so that they will be ready to go into the workforce and make a difference. Second is to show off your work. Show the community that you are a strong program and that your program will make a difference in the employability of young adults. Lastly, become involved in ACTE. I was sent an email from ACTE to support the increase of Perkin's Funds. ACTE is out their fighting for us and gives us the opportunity to help.
"Prepare the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow" - I love that phrase. Truly we are at times the cutting edge for most of our students. With English and Math and Science, the students are being taught in a traditional environment. In CTAE, we are teaching them, many times with the Perkins money, with the lastest equipment and technology. This helps set the precedent for a lot of students who come in unsure of what they want to do in life. If our program isn't up to par, we could cause a student to miss their calling or gift in life. Then we as teachers would have also missed the mark by not helping them reach their full potential. Truly we are teaching to prepare for tomorrow. That is our purpose.
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