This month, ResponsiveEd joins schools nationwide in celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. CTE courses prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers in various fields, including healthcare, information technology, architecture, construction, and many more. Thanks to an ever-expanding CTE program, students at several campuses across our district can receive industry-recognized certifications upon high school graduation.
Director of Career and Technical Learning Dr. Craig Shapiro
In honor of this celebration, we are honored to recognize ResponsiveEd’s Director of Career and Technical Learning, Dr. Craig Shapiro. Dr. Shapiro leads the expansion effort to give more students access to meaningful career training. Before ResponsiveEd, Dr. Shapiro was the Assistant Superintendent for high schools in Austin ISD, creating 17 PTECH programs and overseeing seven early college high schools.
Long gone are the days when students only had one track to success. The use of career and technology programming prepares students for the 21st-century job market in a supportive learning environment.
“I want to get people to dream,” said Dr. Shapiro. “The question will no longer be, where did you get your degree? It will be what practical skills the student has that will benefit the company. We want to create opportunities for students to add value to their high school experience.”
ResponsiveEd’s mission has always been to provide hope for students through educational options. With enhanced CTE programs, like those at our Premier High Schools, that allow students to earn an associate’s degree or industry-based certification while earning a diploma, students can choose the academic or career pathway that better fits their needs.
“We want to provide a seamless pathway into the workforce or education, whatever works best for the individual student,” says Shapiro. “We want our students to see the ‘why’ instead of an aimless approach.”
Why Career and Technical Education (CTE)? Students can begin training for a career while earning their diploma. CTE gives students the skills and training to further their education and pursue meaningful careers in high-demand professions.
I enjoy working with Dr. Shapiro. He brings a wealth of experience to our team. He is a CTE “specialist,” and he has a heart for students.