PA ACTE

PA-ACTE Newsletter

Fall 2011

Where does the time go? It seems like a few weeks ago that school started and then, in the blink of the eye, it was Thanksgiving. Clearly, the time flying by the way it does is a function of all the work we are involved in and underscores the need to budget our time and plan ahead in order be involved in activities and  events that have personal and professional meaning to us. To this end, you might want to use some of the following information to plan ahead to make the most of your time.

CTE Month Planning

February 2012 is CTE Month. So with this “heads-up” please consider participating in the events coordinated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Career and Technical Education in Harrisburg which includes CTE student exhibits in the Capital Complex, the CTSO luncheon, and the CTE Awards breakfast. For more information on specific dates and to participate, contact Dick Steinmeier at PDE. He can be reached at 717-783-6991 or rsteinmeie@pa.gov

In addition to activities in Harrisburg, you may also wish to consider planning your own ways to celebrate CTE month at the local level. To assist you with your planning, please visit the ACTE webpage www.acteonline.org/ctemonth.aspx  to find a host of resources that can enhance your CTE month activities.

This site will provide you with a host of valuable resources you can to facilitate your CTE Month events. These include downloadable links to the new the CTE Month “Careers Through Education” Logo and a student produced public service announcement video. Other resources on this site include hot links to: suggestions for CTE Month activities, Internet advocacy, social and traditional media techniques, tips on reaching out to legislators, a sample proclamation, suggestions for involving the business community, and an electronic fact sheet on CTE data. Also included is a listing of CTE Month Products available from ACTE for purchase.

Recognition

I am taking this opportunity to extend recognition and congratulations to Christopher Tully, recipient of the 2011 C. Thomas Olivo Outstanding Service Award.  Chris teaches Multimedia Technology at the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, Jamison PA. He is passionate about changing the current public perception of CTE and highlighting the positive impact that CTE has on today’s youth.

An example of the work done by Chris and his students can be seen at www.cteduonline.com a website which was designed to assist his fellow educators in creating learning environments that promote CTE as well as academic excellence.  Other examples of work done by Chris and his students can be seen in the form of videos posted to YouTube on their “Multimedia Channel”   http://www.youtube.com/user/mmtmbit
The Olivo Award, established in 1980, is NOCTI’s highest honor and is reserved for those individuals who have demonstrated leadership in the areas of career and technical education (CTE) and occupational competency assessment.  Criteria for the award include credibility, expertise, dedication, leadership qualities, knowledge of NOCTI programs and services and participation and contributions to professional associations.

Regards, Chet Wichowski, President PA-ACTE