Career Technical Education (CTE) prepares students to become lifelong learners and provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future careers. In this episode, Pat Keeney, CTE Champion at McGraw Hill, shares his experience in the world of Career Technical Education and how this field can help students transform their interests into viable careers.

In this conversation, Pat discusses his definition of CTE and its significance in preparing students for their future careers. Through a hands-on approach to education, CTE programs provide hands-on learning for real-world success, enabling students to gain valuable experience that goes beyond the classroom. For example, career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) like SkillsUSA and Future Farmers of America (FFA) provide experiences that allow students to practice what they're learning in the classroom. Beyond technical skills, CTE emphasizes the development of soft skills like communication and collaboration, which are essential to success in professional environments. Furthermore, there are CTE programs to support a variety of interests, preparing students to be lifelong learners. By tailoring programs to passions, students are more likely to find success in their chosen careers. Pat also discusses some of the common misconceptions about CTE and how CTE could impact the future of EdTech.

“Career education is, it's really the sum of all of the experiences that contribute to you being of value in the workplace and to you creating a workplace that's of value to you.” - Pat Keeney

Recommended Resources from the Interview

McGraw Hill’s CTE Curriculum

SkillsUSA

Future Farmers of America (FFA)