CTE Student Perspectives
Understanding the N.E.I.R. Model for Creating Equitable Learning Environments
The following five videos were offered in a series in 2020 - 2021 to help educators better understand the concept of an equitable learning environment (ELE) and the indicators behind the ELE. Through the development of normalizing, empowering, inclusive, and relevant (NEIR© 2021) elements, all students have full access and are more likely to be retained in Career and Technical Education (CTE), particularly traditionally underrepresented students.
The video series presents the stories of four students who enroll in nontraditional programs by gender. They have different experiences in the programs and different personal and cultural backgrounds. The fifth video explores the roles of administrators, teachers, counselors and other staff in creating equity (synonymous with fairness) for all students.
Christina is a student who loves learning and working in the building trades. Her openness to the career was due to the "normalizing" of the career by her father from a young age, the relevance of the program to her interests, and the supportive classroom environment that made learning engaging. The teacher also empowered her by supporting her in teaching others. Her experiences from watching her father made her a natural leader. Thanks to a lot of factors, Christina is resilient to bullying and misinformation and has a great career ahead of her.
Javier's life experiences convince him that a nursing field is right for him. His sister is a nurse, and he meets role models that encourage him to consider medical practice. Ultimately he decides to enter the career because of the need in his community for qualified Spanish speakers that can really help people in a medical crises. Commonwealth Career and Technology Center does a great job helping him gain medical experience by volunteering at a Covid-19 site. By translating for the the doctors and nurses, he learns both processes and protocols for medical practice now. The medical professionals all treat him well and appreciate his work, and that is exciting!
Lamar Watson and his friends are high school students at a Career and Technical Center (CTC) in the Cosmetology program. Growing up, they had a wonderful experience at the community barber shop, and as a result, they were excited to enter the CCTC cosmetology program on a pathway to become owners of their own full-service barber shop. But the gender, racial, and economic biases and bullying from other students have created tension and frustration among the boys with the teacher, the program and the school. Making the video is the last, best effort by Lamar to create change. Will the teacher and the school community listen?
Kate finds her career interest in plumbing because of a trip provided through her school to a natural disaster area. She and other high school students are elected to travel to an area in aid of need. While there Kate makes new friends, learns about her gifts and talents, and finds a career area she decides to pursue.
Sharon (an educator) experiences the challenges of improving access and retention outcomes for underrepresented students in Career and Technical Education due to a lack of interest and engagement by her colleagues. The good news is her experiences are all just part of a bad dream. Her school equity team are all deeply engaged, committed, and working hard to make sure all students experience access, equity, and inclusion in CTE.
Interview Preparation for CTE Educators and Employers
CTE Student Interview Equity/Reciprocity Model
This brief video may be used with employers and others who are preparing to interview Career and Techical Education (CTE) students for careers or specific jobs. Use this video as part of a brief training of both students and potential employers or counselors prior to interviews for internships, apprenticeships, or open positions. Recognizing Generation Z students’ assets can open minds, overcome biases, and help employers recognize the many gifts and talents new employees can bring to the workplace.
Download the accompanying “Reciprocal Interviewing Toolkit” by clicking the button below
Career Fair Preparation for CTE Counselors and Parents
CTE Career Fair
This brief video is designed for school counselors to use in collaboration with CTE employers and parents as they prepare for career fairs and job interviews. It serves as part of a training session for school staff and parents to ensure a smooth and impactful event. The video provides valuable strategies for organizing career fairs, establishing meaningful partnerships with employers, and preparing students for successful interactions. Recognizing the unique strengths and talents of Generation Z students can help employers overcome biases and appreciate the potential of new employees.
Mini-Professional Development Sessions
Creating Equitable Learning Environments
For Secondary and Post-Secondary Educators
A 5-part mini professional development series that helps science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and career and technical education (CTE) educators with the knowledge and skills they need to create equitable learning environments (ELE) for all students. The series focuses on four key indicators of an equitable learning environment: normalize, empower, inclusive, and relevant (NEIR). Click the button to access the videos and download the supplemental resources for each video.