Michael Derr

It is important for educators to take the time to assess causation when determining the status of a behavioral problem. Knowing that trauma can inhibit learning and increase emotional instability is key to identifying students who need greater trauma informed support. 

at least 25% of students have experienced sexual trauma with the vast majority of these cases being unreported. It is crucial that we recognize this disconnect when identifying concerns about student experience.  

Mental health concerns amongst students has risen dramatically. Much of this concern can be attributed to trauma that informs the experience that these kiddos have endured. Trauma informed teaching is critical to allow teachers to provide necessary assistance earlier than later. 

In CTE, project-based learning is KEY! Project-based learning is the fundamental strength of CTE.

Curriculum planning is crucial to determining the best method by which to scaffold instruction. Mapping out a course, it's alignment, and the end results will prove a much stronger method of curriculum creation than hopes and dreams.

Establishing strong and representative assessment is critical to the process of providing usable feedback for students. Utilizing these assessments to match industry needs is performed by providing opportunities for students to earn relevant industry credentials.  

Planning allows a teacher to both be prepared with necessary content, but also allows for easier adaptation when the plan goes off-book.

It is important to understand that credentialing students into an approved safety curriculum provides both  critical safety training to students in a technical setting, as well as documentation to prove that a student has received and passed assessment related to shop/tool safety. The second part of this is important to protect teachers from being held liable assuming all reasonable effort was made to ensure a safe working environment.

The most important tactic when navigating challenging students is to make a concerted effort to understand WHY the student is acting out. Discovering the underlying issues contributing to the ineffective behavior.

Mentorship in my first year of teaching was CRITICAL. Understanding the value of mentorship and understanding resources available to new CTE teachers is the primary focus of this section.