Michael Northern

I learned that industry business partnerships play a vital role in capitalizing in those resources needed to build a successful program.

I have learned from this topic that it's going to require more components to stay on top of this issue. Our Business Industry Partners, Advisory Board members and Day Trade Instructors can and will become more proactive in promoting for resources and volunteering to help make equipment repairs or donating more updated equipment needed.

I learned that safety is the responsibility of everyone and one of the resources I use to accomplish students working in a safe environment is OSHA-10 and consistently including safety in my lesson plans.  

I have learned from this module that you have to become even more resourceful gathering tools needed to accomplish the learning outcomes needed for the students. I will use more safety videos for welders and share my work experience as a welder for over 20 years dealing with safety issues on the job. 

I learned the importance of staying in alignment with my program curriculum and my Advisory Board members helps with that process. I also attend courses through DPS to help me stay compliant with the State of Michigan regarding the program curriculum and making sure its compatible with advancing technology.

I learned that these components, facility, equipment, technology, and materials help benefit CTE students tremendously. These components allow the students to transition from the school lab to a similar real world work environment. I like to enforce a few more of the practices and procedures used in the real world of work!    

Soft Skills are used to build character, self-confidence, and fostering good relationships. Our students trust and respect grow from this foundation as they go forward.

There are so many gems that come out of these Soft Skills, and I will continue to work on them all because all of them help me to become a better professional as well as serve the students, staff, and community with resilience. The effective teaching strategies bring about added value to all parties involved.

Interpersonal skills are so important when interacting with others, it builds rapport in relationships which reflects on one's character. This soft skill involves gaining students trust, managing classroom dynamics, engaging students, and creating a positive collaborative productive environment. 

Teachers must possess soft skills to work with people as leaders and soft skills set the example for our children when interacting with one another in the classroom.