Career Tech Talk

Interview with Brenda Dann-Messier, assistant secretary of the U.S. Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), and Sharon Miller, director of OVAE’s Division of Academic and Technical Education. Dann-Messier and Miller discuss OVAE’s plans for the future and collaboration with other agencies, describe how CTE fits in to the Race to the Top grants and address how we can better promote CTE.

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Interview with John Ratzenberger, actor from Cheers and the Pixar films and a founder of Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, an organization dedicated to the value of tinkering. Ratzenberger explains how Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs encourages children to explore hands-on activities, shares his thoughts on what can be done to interest students in careers in the trades, and gives his own take on green jobs.

Subscribe to Career Tech Talk to have interviews with leaders and innovators in CTE delivered directly to your computer or mobile device. Choose a service under the “Subscribe” button on the right side of the page. You can also learn more about ACTE and its member benefits.

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Interview with Don Brunning and Ray Grimard, CTE teachers and co-creators of the new PBS television show Enviropals!, which teaches young children about sustainability issues. Don and Ray talk about how they crafted the show, how they integrate their students into the production and the difficulties media students can expect in the entertainment industry. (To skip the intro and get straight to the interview, move the gray bar on the player ahead to 0:54.)

Register by today, October 19, to save 20 percent on the 2009 Convention in Nashville in November. Catch the new rhythm of CTE at this year’s Convention, with college credit opportunities, Chef Jeff, Friday’s panel session on CTE in high school reform, a packed expo floor and the recently announced unConference.

Subscribe to Career Tech Talk to have interviews with leaders and innovators in CTE delivered directly to your computer or mobile device. Choose a service under the “Subscribe” button on the right side of the page. You can also learn more about ACTE and its member benefits.

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Interview with Chef Jeff Henderson, award-winning chef and the opening keynote speaker at the 2009 ACTE Convention and  Career Tech Expo. Chef Jeff gives a taste of what he’ll talk about in Nashville. He also shares his thoughts on the best training for a culinary career and the state of the culinary workforce during the economic downturn.

Register by October 19 to save 20 percent on the 2009 Convention in Nashville in November. Discounted airfare and ACTE’s room and ride share forum can also help you save. This year the ACTE Convention will include a green industry strand as well as college credit, in addition to a full menu of sessions, pre-Convention activities and exhibitors.

Subscribe to Career Tech Talk to have interviews with leaders and innovators in CTE delivered directly to your computer or mobile device. Choose a service under the “Subscribe” button on the right side of the page. You can also learn more about ACTE and its member benefits.

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Interview with Matthew Crawford, a philosopher and motorcycle mechanic and author of Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work, available from the ACTE Book Store. Crawford makes the case for the intellectual challenges inherent in working with your hands. He also discusses the value of apprenticeships and the future of the skilled trades in America. (To skip the intro and get straight to the interview, move the gray bar on the player ahead to 0:52.)

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Interview with Edward Gordon, teacher, workforce development consultant and author of numerous works, including the recently published Winning the Global Talent Showdown: How Businesses and Communities Can Partner to Rebuild the Jobs Pipeline, available in the ACTE Book Store. Gordon discusses the talent shortage in technical careers, describes how the shortage came about and shares several solutions such as career academies and community-business partnerships. He also makes some dramatic predictions about workforce development in the 21st century. (To skip the intro and get straight to the interview, move the gray bar on the player ahead to 1:10.)

Look for an article penned by Gordon to appear in the September issue of Techniques!

Subscribe to Career Tech Talk to have interviews with leaders and innovators in CTE delivered directly to your computer or mobile device. Choose a service under the “Subscribe” button on the right side of the page. You can also learn more about ACTE.

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Interview with Byron Garrett, CEO of the National Parent Teacher Association. Garrett talks about career and technical education, career-technical student organizations and parents’ perceptions of CTE. He also details the PTA’s 2009 policy agenda, describes the PTA’s relationship with the new administration and shares how the organization is faring in tough economic times. (To skip the intro and get straight to the interview, move the gray bar on the player ahead to 0:51.)

Just a reminder–Register by July 15 to save 30 percent on the 2009 ACTE Convention and Career Tech Expo in Nashville in November. Take advantage of any set-aside funds you might lose at the close of the school year! (Registration requires log in. Members should already have their accounts set up; new users can obtain a username and password by clicking “Sign up as new user.”)

Subscribe to Career Tech Talk to have interviews with leaders and innovators in CTE delivered directly to your computer or mobile device. Choose a service under the “Subscribe” button on the right side of the page. You can also learn more about ACTE.

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Interview with Butch Spyridon, president of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). Spyridon talks about Nashville as a tourist destination for the 2009 ACTE Convention. He also addresses how the economic downturn has affected the hospitality and tourism industry in general, and specifically in Music City, and provides feedback on the preparation hospitality and tourism students are receiving and whether it’s enough to succeed in the field.

Registration for the 2009 ACTE Convention and Career Tech Expo is open, and early-bird discount rates end July 15, so register now!

Subscribe to Career Tech Talk to have interviews with leaders and innovators in CTE delivered directly to your computer or mobile device. Choose a service under the “Subscribe” button on the right side of the page. You can also learn more about ACTE.

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Interview with Jim Scott, current ACTE National Teacher of the Year. Scott talks about the awards process and opportunities the award has brought him. He also shares his thoughts on trends in agriculture education and turf, landscape and greenhouse management; describes the business advisory committee he set up for his program at Tolles Career and Technical Center; and shares some of his philosophy on being an effective teacher.

May 8 is the deadline to nominate colleagues for ACTE awards the Arch of Fame, Award of Merit, Carl Perkins Humanitarian Award and Outstanding Service Award, and the deadline to nominate a celebrity who supports CTE for the ACTE Image Award. Recognizing movers and shakers in CTE is important as we work to bring more attention to CTE in this year of upheaval.

Subscribe to Career Tech Talk to have interviews with leaders and innovators in CTE delivered directly to your computer or mobile device. Choose a service under the “Subscribe” button on the right side of the page. You can also learn more about ACTE.

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Interview with Guy Cecil, a Technology Student Association (TSA) alumnus who served as national political director for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Cecil talks about the impact TSA has had on his career and how he participates as an alumnus. He also describes his work for the Clinton campaign and addresses how CTE supporters can get the ear of policymakers to increase funding for CTE.

Subscribe to Career Tech Talk to have interviews with leaders and innovators in CTE delivered directly to your computer or mobile device. Choose a service under the “Subscribe” button on the right side of the page. You can also learn more about ACTE.

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