Erik Silverman

I learned that the CTSO advisor’s role is to guide and support students while allowing them to take the lead. Advisors help connect CTSO activities to classroom learning, provide structure, and make sure events run smoothly and safely.

I learned that giving students leadership roles within the CTSO helps them take ownership of their learning and develop important career skills. When students lead meetings, organize events, or guide competition teams, they build confidence, communication, and responsibility.

I learned that service and volunteer projects are a great way to connect CTSO activities to real community needs while reinforcing career skills. They help students see the impact their work can have beyond the classroom and build pride in their program.

I learned that competitions and fundraising are both key parts of a strong CTSO program. Competitions push students to refine their technical and leadership skills, while fundraising helps build teamwork and responsibility. I plan to apply this by involving my Culinary Arts students in more SkillsUSA competitions and by organizing fundraisers, such as catering school events, to support travel costs and build pride in our program.

I learned how valuable industry partnerships are in strengthening CTSO programs and student learning. Working with local chefs, restaurants, and hospitality professionals helps students see real applications of their skills and builds connections for future careers. I plan to expand these partnerships by inviting more industry guests into the classroom, organizing job shadowing experiences, and involving professionals in CTSO events and competitions.

I learned that CTSOs are powerful tools for connecting classroom learning with real-world skills. They help students develop leadership, teamwork, and professionalism while reinforcing technical knowledge. I plan to include more CTSO-based projects and tie daily lessons to SkillsUSA standards so students can see how what they learn in class relates directly to industry expectations.

I learned how CTSOs can strengthen what we teach by connecting classroom lessons to real industry skills and expectations. Moving forward, I plan to include more CTSO-based projects and leadership opportunities in my Culinary Arts classes. This will help students see the value of what they’re learning and give them more confidence applying their skills in real-world settings.

I learned that CTSOs like SkillsUSA are meant to be part of what we already teach, not something extra. They give students a chance to apply what they learn in class through real projects, competitions, and leadership roles. I plan to connect more of my lessons and lab work to SkillsUSA events and standards so students can see how their classwork ties into career skills. I’ll also make sure every student gets a chance to take part, whether through class activities, school events, or competition prep.

Self-awareness is key – recognizing your own assumptions, biases, and experiences helps you teach more equitably.