Dear friends,
Since day one, I have been committed to providing the best education for Jefferson County students. Education in public schools now includes not just strict academic pursuits but also career exploration and employability skills training. Without a competent workforce, communities and economies suffer. Jefferson County Schools strives to be part of the solution.
To that end, our Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program at the K-12 school, headed by Mr. Tim Meinsen, is building on what was in place when he came aboard this year and is adding exponentially to CTE offerings for students.
According to the District CTE plan, “the vision of Jefferson County Schools Career and Technical Education Department is to create a culture of learning that encourages all students to identify, select and pursue a career pathway to develop 21st Century skills in preparation for a post-secondary career or a post-secondary education.” Meinsen has already added additional certification options to the Digital Information and Technology (DIT) Program, enhanced the Agriculture Technology Program by offering three certification levels, and will retain and add a certification level to the existing Culinary Arts Program. His goal is that students graduate with a career path and certifications that will help them find employment right after graduation, if not before.
Jefferson County Schools is also re-building the Adult Education Program. We just started a GED Math Prep intensive course, a 10-session class for those who are close to taking the Math section of the GED or who took it and missed the mark by a close score. Our new adjunct instructor, Janet Bailey, has a talent for presenting concepts in comprehensible chunks, putting nervous learners at ease and sharing testing tips that will boost success on the GED. The course breaks for Thanksgiving week, and it is not too late to enroll. Contact us at (850) 342-0100, ext. 103, and watch for more offerings in the new year, some of which will be Workforce Training, Industry Certifications and Employability Skills. We welcome any adult who is changing careers, re-entering the workforce after staying home as a caregiver or after being incarcerated, or just continuing their education for any reason. Those interestedd can check out https://ged.com/ for more information online.
Rebuilding a school district is a huge undertaking and a process that I fully embrace. Working together for the best outcomes for our students, both children and adults, drives me each day, especially knowing that I can count on you, the Jefferson community, for input at any time.
Go Tigers!
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