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The Simpson County Technical Center
CTE: Pathway to a Brighter Future
Contributing Author—Dr. Bo Huffman, CTE Director
Career and Technical Education, formerly known as Vocational-Technical Education, has helped many students become well-rounded and productive members of society since its inception. In the world we live, nearly everything you see, buy, or eat has been directly impacted by an individual who has developed the necessary skill set needed to manufacture or produce such items. Over the last decade, with the help of business and industry leaders, career and technical education has been pushed to the forefront of our minds. Many people are beginning to understand why it is necessary for our students to learn more about the mid to high level skills needed to meet the demands of a global, 21st century workforce.
The Simpson County Technical Center is an institution that prides itself on preparing young people for life after high school. Whether a student chooses to go to college, enter the workforce, or both, the skills learned in the technical programs offered through the Simpson County School District can benefit our students for a lifetime. In the 21st Century world that we live in, it is essential that our students are grounded in both academics and technical skills in order for them to be able to compete with students across our nation and the world. As the director of career and technical education, it has been one of my goals to increase opportunities for the students of Simpson County by offering a variety of quality technical programs/courses that provide basic knowledge and unique skill sets which will ultimately prepare our students for the demands of the current workforce.
Students who complete a technical skills program of study in the Simpson County School District not only learn a skill that they can carry with them for a lifetime but they can also further their education at any post-secondary institution. While students learn the unique skills offered through the various CTE programs and courses, they also gain knowledge related to the college and career readiness standards set forth by the Mississippi Department of Education. This is just another reminder that the students who choose to take technical skills programs/courses at The Simpson County Technical Center or at either high school are still able to further their education and attend the college or university of their choice.
This school year we are very excited to be able to offer yet another new CTE program and course for the students of Simpson County. The new program offered at The Simpson County Technical Center is Diesel Service Technology. Based on current workforce needs in the diesel technology industry and the fact that there are at least four tractor dealerships and two diesel injector companies in Simpson County, we have determined that it is in our students’ best interest to convert our current Auto Service Technology program to Diesel Service Technology. Mr. Dean Batton will continue in his role as the instructor for this new program as we phase auto technology out.
In addition, we are also offering a new computer science course at both high schools in the district as part of the CS4MS pilot program through MDE. Last school year we introduced the first computer science course with Exploring Computer Science. This school year we are also offering Computer Science Principles. These courses are being taught by Mrs. Stephanie Kennedy at Mendenhall High School and Mrs. Jada Deal at Magee High School. Both of these courses are one year courses that introduce students to the foundational skills needed to be proficient in human computer interaction, analyzing data and solving problems, and developing algorithms and building apps, as well as the skills necessary for programming, web design, computing, and robotics.
Before I close I also want to share that we have new faculty at The Simpson County Technical Center for the 2018-2019 school year. Although those who have retired to greener pastures are sorely missed, the new faculty is settling in quite nicely. Just so you know, all new faculty and staff joining The Simpson County Technical Center are highly qualified and are working diligently to provide their best for the students who enter our doors daily. Mrs. Magdalene Paige who brings with her 23 years of experience in the Simpson County School District will serve as Secretary-Bookkeeper, Ms. Patrice Williams, who has 8 years of teaching experience will serve as the instructor for Career Pathway Experience and Health Informatics. Ms. Crystal Smith, who has 30 years of teaching experience and is National Board Certified, will serve as the instructor for Polymer Science. Ms. Patricia Braddock, who has 4 years of teaching experience and many more years of involvement with the FFA, will serve as the instructor for Ag and Natural Resources. And finally, Mrs. JoeAnn Floyd, who brings with her 21 years of experience as an instructor of special needs students and who is also National Board Certified will serve all of our students as Student Services Coordinator.
We are proud to have each of these new faculty members with us as we continue to strive to give our best so that our students are able to achieve their best. Until next time, please remember our vision at The Simpson County Technical Center; “Career and Technical Education is a Pathway to a Brighter Future.”
