In this episode of the NCLA Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Brown, co-founder of Toolfetch.com and a fervent advocate for the skilled trades. Andrew brings a unique blend of entrepreneurship and a deep passion for vocational education to our discussion, offering invaluable insights into the stability and potential of careers in skilled trades.

Throughout the conversation, Andrew addresses how skilled trades can serve as recession-proof careers, highlighting his perspective on why these jobs provide economic stability. He shares effective ways to engage the younger generation, combating the prevailing bias towards four-year degrees with attractive alternatives in skilled trades. Andrew also revisits the "lost art" of these essential professions, suggesting strategies to elevate their status and integrate them more prominently into societal values.

From his own journey as an IT professional to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Andrew shares the entrepreneurial opportunities within the trades. He offers advice for those looking to make a similar transition. Moreover, we explore the evolution of skilled trades in the face of technological advancements and discuss the critical roles of mentorship and community in supporting newcomers.

Tune in to gain a forward-thinking outlook on the future of skilled trades and learn how aspiring tradespeople can position themselves for success in a rapidly changing landscape. This episode is a must-listen for educators, industry leaders, and anyone interested in the pivotal role of skilled trades in shaping our world.

In this episode of the NCLA podcast, our host, Rachael Mann, is joined by Frank Polen for a discussion on implementing all-day labs, using classroom reduction aids, workforce development through CTE summits, the challenges of funding CTE programs, best practices in CTE, community impact, and ensuring visibility and growth of CTE programs.

Frank Polen is the Assistant Superintendent, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Adult Education Director at Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia, Ohio. He has helped students of all ages discover their passion and prepare for their future through career and technical education. This year marks his twenty-seventh year in public education. Prior to BCC, Frank served eight years as the principal of Warsaw Elementary in the River View Local School District, leading them to the rating of Excellent with Distinction by the state of Ohio five times. Mr. Polen also served as a middle school teacher at both River View Junior High and Indian Valley Middle School. Frank also has collegiate experience at Ohio Dominican University and Denison University.

Mr. Polen is committed to schools, community development, and leadership initiatives. Active with several organizations and committees, Frank currently serves on numerous boards, most notably as the board president of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce, as a Board of Trustees Member for the Ohio FFA Association, and was chosen as one of the charter class of only twenty leaders across the United States by the Association for Career Technical Education (ACTE) as a NEXTLEVEL Postsecondary CTE Leader. He was also a past recipient of the NCLA Dave Berryman Scholarship Award for Leadership and Development.

Frank earned his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and participated in men's basketball at Ohio Dominican University. He received his Masters of Educational Leadership from Salem International University. Frank is a resident of New Philadelphia, where he and his wife Gretchen, a fourth-grade teacher at Indian Valley Schools, are the parents of two daughters, Kendall and Reese.

Connect with Frank:

X @frankpBCC

Linkedin  linkedin.com/in/frank-polen-7a22b6153

Blog: http://beingfrankwithfatherhood.blogspot.com/

Company/Work accounts:

X @BCCcareertech

Instagram @bcccareertech

Buckeye Career Center Website: www.buckeyecareercenter.org

In this episode of the NCLA podcast, our host, Rachael Mann, is joined by Glenn Cosper, a distinguished board member from Moore Norman Technology Center, who talks about the evolving landscape of career and technical education (CTE). They discuss the critical role of board members in CTE programs, personal journeys in the CTE space, challenges in starting new CTE programs, engaging with advisory committees, overcoming hurdles, and building strong relationships to benefit CTE students.

More about today's guest:

Glen Cosper currently serves on the Moore Norman Technology Center Board of Education, representing Zone 5, Office 5. Mr. Cosper has the dedication, desire, and unique perspective on public education and is the only person ever elected to the Moore Norman Technology Center Board after serving two elected terms on the Moore Public School Board of Education. He was born and raised in south Oklahoma City and is a graduate of US Grant High School, where he was a member of DECA, one of CareerTech’s educational programs, Oklahoma City Community College, and the University of Central Oklahoma.

He spent 16 years in the office technology industry during the transition from stand-alone equipment to integrated internet-based digital products. He served as Oklahoma Office Technology Association President and National board member. He later worked in radio and is a Realtor at Keller Williams Realty.

Mr. Cosper’s community involvement includes:

Glen enjoys spending ​time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also enjoys trying new restaurants and going to concerts with family and friends.

Join host Rachael Mann in this enlightening episode of "Building the Future," as she converses with Lindsey Hoerbert, the Assistant Principal and Career & Technical Education Coordinator at the Life Ready Center at Lawton Public Schools. Dive deep into the transformative journey of CTE, from Lindsey's personal path starting in high school FFA to leading substantial growth in CTE programs district-wide. Discover the innovative Life Ready Center (LRC) and its role in addressing the evolving needs of students, offering a staggering 21 distinct programs, and nurturing future-ready individuals through partnerships with higher education and technology centers. This episode is a testament to the power of vision, commitment, and community collaboration in creating educational opportunities that empower students to be enrolled, enlisted, or employed upon graduation. In this engaging discussion, don't miss out on the insights, successes, and visionary goals that define the next generation of education.

More about today's guest:

Lindsey Hoerbert graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BS in Agricultural Education. She also obtained her MS in Agriculture and Life Sciences from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She taught Agricultural  Education for ten years in Oklahoma and in 2017, graduated with a MS in Educational Leadership from Cameron University. She is currently the Assistant Principal at the Life Ready Center and Coordinator for Career & Technology Education for Lawton Public Schools. 

As a classroom instructor, Lindsey had the privilege of coaching several students to state championship titles and five national champion titles. She was awarded the National Association of Agricultural Educators “Teachers Turn the Key” award in 2012 and the Honorary Oklahoma State FFA Degree in 2020. Her article, “Connecting Problem-solving Style to Peer Evaluations of Performance in Secondary Cooperative Learning Projects,”  published in the Journal of Agricultural Education, received “Outstanding Article” in 2017. In 2018, Lawton Public Schools named her a “Champion for Children.” She currently serves on the advisory board for the Department of Agriculture, Biology, and Health Sciences at Cameron University. 

She is married to Kasey; together, they have two children. Kahl and Maklynn are involved in rodeo, and as a family, they own and operate Hoerbert Cattle Company in Southwest Oklahoma. 

Connect with Lindsey: [email protected]

In this engaging podcast episode, our host, Rachael Mann, sits down with the accomplished Shelley Groves, Superintendent/CEO of Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools in Groveport, Ohio. Shelley brings over 26 years of experience in education, with a diverse background that spans from teaching mathematics to her current role as district leader.

Throughout the episode, Rachael delves into Shelley's inspiring journey and explores the transformative moments that led her from the classroom to her esteemed position as Superintendent/CEO. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the motivations and aspirations that fueled this transition.

Shelley candidly shares the challenges she encountered while shifting roles and offers practical advice on overcoming these obstacles. Her personal experiences shed light on the evolution of her perspective on education, highlighting the profound impact of moving from the classroom to the administration.

The conversation also delves into Shelley's innovative approach to curriculum design, where student voice and choice play a central role. Listeners will discover how this approach has shaped programs and initiatives within her district, providing a tangible example of student empowerment in action.

Lastly, the podcast explores the critical balance between career exploration and workforce development when developing curriculum, offering a glimpse into Shelley's educational philosophy. Her insights are sure to leave listeners inspired and informed about the importance of both aspects in preparing students for the future.

Join Rachael Mann and Shelley Groves in this insightful episode as they explore the dynamic landscape of career and technical education, leadership, and the evolution of educational philosophy.

Bio: Shelley Groves is the Superintendent/CEO of Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools in Groveport, Ohio.  Shelley has spent her 26+ years in education working with students enrolled in career and technical education.  She started her career as a mathematics instructor, then moved into building administration, and has been working for the past six years at the district level, this year being her first year as the Superintendent/CEO.  Shelley has presented several times to various audiences about the impact and importance of work-based learning experiences as well as best practices and pitfalls to avoid.

www.EastlandFairfield.com

A husband, and father of six, Aaron Polansky currently serves as a Superintendent in the state of Massachusetts and as an Executive Committee Member for the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Executive Board Member for the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators, and as part of an advisory council on equity in higher education for Massachusetts Governor, Maura Healey. Aaron completed his Certificate in School Management and Leadership (CSML) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Certificate of Specialization in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the Harvard Business School Online. Aaron has a Master of Science from Springfield College in Athletic Administration and earned his Bachelor of Science from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass, Amherst. Aaron has served in the capacity of coach, teacher, or administrator at all levels of education from pre-K through college.

In 2015, Aaron was invited to the White House where he was recognized for his innovative programming in education. In 2017, Aaron was nicknamed the “Singing Superintendent” after being featured on FoxNews, CBS News, ABC News, and media outlets nationwide for his first of many musical snow day parodies. His playful music videos have become a much anticipated pick-me-up for his school community and colleagues during the harsh New England weather.

Aaron worked in the private sector as the Executive Sales Manager and designer for a multi-million dollar landscape construction company and as the Director of Massachusetts USA Wrestling (affiliate of the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado) for ten years. He was the Director of Athletics for the 2003 Dalton Award Winning Hopkinton Department of Athletics, a 2x Wrestling Coach of the Year, 2011 Wrestling USA Magazine Massachusetts Man of the Year, 2013 Virco/NASSP Massachusetts Assistant Principal of the Year, was presented with the Frederick Douglass Award in 2015 for his contributions to 'at-risk' youth, and serves as a Keynote Speaker for events nationwide.

Aaron released his first book, Dolphins in Trees: A Children's Book with Implications for All of Us, in the summer of 2018. Dolphins in Trees has been used to guide leadership teams, school systems, cultural expectations, and family values throughout the country and internationally. His second book, Beyond Us, has received national attention and was written about, and illustrated by, one of his Graphic Design and Communication students who has since graduated. Aaron’s third book, Finding Purpose, was published in June of 2021.

Aaron has served as a keynote speaker, conference presenter, and consultant nationwide. He has reached audiences in almost all 50 states and has impacted students and staff throughout the United States and beyond. Whether you are looking to expand the capacity of your team, facilitate staff or administrator development with continuity, or kick off professional development with a feeling that will resonate, Aaron will deliver.

Learn more about Aaron and his work: https://authentricityspeaks.com/

In this episode of the NCLA podcast, our host, Rachael Mann, is joined by Dr. Mark Covelle to discuss navigating leadership in career and technical education and the power of yes. Dr. Mark Covelle serves as the Administrative Director at the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) in Jamison, Pennsylvania, Bucks County. Before his impactful tenure at MBIT, he was the esteemed Director of Academics and Special Programs at the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute in Schnecksville, Lehigh County. Tracing his pathway to career and technical education, Dr. Covelle has a rich and varied 19-year career in public education that began as a high school English teacher in a classic K-12 setting. His dedication and commitment saw him rise through the ranks, holding positions such as dean of students and assistant principal. His transformative experiences and unique insights into both the academic and CTE worlds have positioned him as a sought-after speaker at national conferences.

Dr. Covelle boasts an impressive educational background, holding a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management from Drexel University. He also holds master's degrees from both Lehigh University and Wilkes University. As an innovator and advocate for technical education, Dr. Covelle's work at MBIT, including initiatives like the "power of yes," showcases his commitment to fostering a culture of gratitude and excellence. His vast experience, coupled with his educational expertise, make him an invaluable asset to the MBIT community and the broader field of career and technical education.

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Connect with Dr. Covelle:

Instagram: @mcovelle

X (Twitter): @mcovelle

LinkedIn: @mcovelle

Learn More About Middle Bucks Institute of Technology:

Facebook: MiddleBucksInstituteTech

Instagram: middle_bucks

X (Twitter): middlebucks

YouTube: @middle_bucks

LinkedIn: Middle Bucks Institute of Technology

In this episode of the NCLA podcast, the Assistant Superintendent at Buckeye Career Center shares powerful insights on effective leadership, building relationships, and having the right mindset to ensure success.

More about Frank:

Frank Polen is beginning his ninth year as the Assistant Superintendent, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Adult Education Director at Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia, Ohio. He has helped students of all ages Discover Their Passion and Prepare for Their Future through career and technical education. This year also marks his twenty-seventh year in public education. Prior to BCC, Frank served eight years as the principal of Warsaw Elementary in the River View Local School District, leading them to the rating of Excellent with Distinction by the state of Ohio five times. Mr. Polen also served as a middle school teacher at both River View Junior High and Indian Valley Middle School. Frank also has collegiate experience at Ohio Dominican University and Denison University. 

Mr. Polen is committed to schools, community development, and leadership initiatives. Active with several organizations and committees, Frank currently serves on numerous boards, most notably as the board president of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce, as a Board of Trustees Member for the Ohio FFA Association, and was chosen as one of the charter class of only twenty leaders across the United States by the Association for Career Technical Education (ACTE) as a NEXTLEVEL Postsecondary CTE Leader. He was also a past recipient of the NCLA Dave Berryman Scholarship Award for Leadership and Development. 

Frank earned his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and participated in men's basketball at Ohio Dominican University. He received his Masters of Educational Leadership from Salem International University. Frank is a resident of New Philadelphia, where he and his wife Gretchen, a fourth-grade teacher at Indian Valley Schools, are the parents of two daughters, Kendall and Reese. 

Tap into these additional resources featuring Frank's expertise and sound advice:

2023 Leaders of Tomorrow

Radio interview Tusc Talks - Manufacturing Camp

Partnership  Agency Podcast

Connect with Frank:

X @frankpBCC

Linkedin  linkedin.com/in/frank-polen-7a22b6153

Blog: http://beingfrankwithfatherhood.blogspot.com/

Company/Work accounts:

X @BCCcareertech

Instagram @bcccareertech

Buckeye Career Center Website: www.buckeyecareercenter.org 

For 20 years, Brian Ruttman has been instrumental in building Oklahoma’s workforce through

his visionary leadership for Oklahoma CareerTech. With a passion for helping others improve

their lives through education and employment, Ruttman is a true innovator and inspiring

community servant.

Ruttman’s service to the Oklahoma CareerTech system began in 2003 at Metro Technology

Centers in Oklahoma City, where he served as chief officer, executive officer and associate

superintendent. Since 2019, he has led the Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC) district

as superintendent and chief executive officer. Ruttman’s strong vision for the future and

transformational leadership has empowered his team to develop innovative programming to

fulfill the workforce needs of the communities they serve.

Through Ruttman’s collaborative approach, MNTC has developed strategic partnerships with

public schools, police and fire departments, hospitals and other industry leaders to identify

training and educational opportunities that prepare students for success and benefit the

community. Under Ruttman’s leadership, MNTC has pioneered the way for first-of-a-kind

training programs in transportation, public safety, health and aviation industries.

Ruttman was recognized by the Oklahoma Career and Technical Education Equity Council

(OkCTEEC) for his communication and leadership skills during the COVID-19 pandemic. He

prioritized the health and safety of students, faculty and staff to ensure a safe learning

environment. In 2021 and 2022, MNTC received the Great Places to Work certification that

measures employee survey results against best practices from leading companies worldwide to

recognize employers who create an outstanding employee experience.

A strong advocate for economic development throughout the greater Oklahoma City

metropolitan area, Ruttman is involved in several chambers of commerce. He has served on the

executive board of the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the

board of directors of the Norman Economic Development Coalition.

Ruttman is a longtime supporter of United Way of Norman, championing the cause through

MNTC’s pacesetter campaign that creates opportunities for employees to give back to their

community. Additionally, he prioritizes support of the MNTC Foundation, providing scholarships

for students, grants for teachers and emergency funding for students or staff facing financial

hardships.

His commitment to improving the quality of life for fellow Oklahomans extends beyond his

professional endeavors. In his personal life, Ruttman and his family are active in the Laotian

community, connecting individuals with English language learning and other education to help

increase employment opportunities and family resources.

A graduate of University of Central Oklahoma, Ruttman has a master’s degree in adult

education and training and a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He and his wife,

Nunu, reside in south Oklahoma City with their son and daughter, Ashleigh and Aubrey.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Christopher Bonn to discuss the role of Career and Technical Education in getting failing schools out of trouble. Dr. Bonn is a highly accomplished educator and leader with over 32 years of experience in various roles, including as an educator, athletic coach, culinary arts teacher, special education teacher, principal, university faculty, mentor, and superintendent. He is the President and CEO of Bonfire Leadership Solutions, a renowned authority, and speaker on transforming failing schools and school districts using innovative and non-conventional practices. Throughout his career, Dr. Bonn has worked in Arizona, California, and New Mexico and has contributed his success to Career and Technical Education, Extra-Curricular Activities, and Classrooms without Walls. He firmly believes that Career and Technical Education is the future and will repair antiquated educational systems that are failing miserably. Dr. Bonn's extensive experience has equipped him with the knowledge and expertise to provide practical and effective solutions for schools and districts facing challenges. His passion for education and commitment to improving students' lives has made him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Website:  www.bonfireleadershipsolutions.com

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbonn/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bonnfire.L.S

Twitter: @azbuckshot

Free Professional Development Group for School Administrators https://www.facebook.com/groups/bonfireprinciples