Sherman ISD Building Bearcats Magazine March-April 2018 | Page 13

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE... NOW
By: Kendra Rainey
Sherman High School offers the Career and Technical
Education Program (CTE) which provides students with the
tools and knowledge they need for post-secondary college
and careers. Done through rigorous classroom guidance,
work-based experiences, and hands-on opportunities,
these classes serve as work experience that prepare
students for their next step in life.
“Whether it’s hands-on, soft-skills, or job-shadowing,
CTE provides great experience for whatever job these
students are looking to do after high school,” Sherman
High School’s Coordinator of Post-Secondary Readiness
and CTE Katie Morris said.
Sherman ISD offers more than 130 CTE classes. Though
these courses count as a high school credit, CTE is not like
the typical high school classroom.
“CTE focuses less on textbooks and lectures, and more on
hands-on and group activities,” Morris said. “These courses
are not mandatory; they are chosen by each individual
student so most of the time, the teachers are dealing with
students who are passionate about what they’re doing in
class.”
Sherman HS Culinary Instructor Symantha Murray pointed
out the most important aspect of CTE coursework is the
practical knowledge that students gain.
“We do a lot of competitions, provide meals for service
organization and/or PTA, and we even do catering,” she
said. “Not only is it fun for students, I’m also teaching them
skills that they’re going to use for the rest of their lives.
That is the most important part.”
In light of the CTE program’s success, the district is
excited about even more improvements. In its first steps
after passage of its 2017 Bond package, Sherman ISD
hosted its first visioning meeting to enhance program
partnerships with Grayson College.
“We wanted to discuss the programs we currently offer
and what opportunities we have to expand Career
and Technical Education courses and offerings in the
future,” Assistant Superintendent of Student Support and
Engagement Dr. Tamy Smalskas said. “Partnerships with
entities like Grayson College are critical to the success of
our students.”
Sherman ISD and Grayson College leadership, along with
VLK Architects, discussed current and future workforce
trends, student program data from the school district,
an d program and facility needs for both schools. The
information will be used to plan program space at the
new Sherman High School.
Currently, Sherman ISD students choose from 24
certification offerings provided through Grayson College
– from Electrocardiogram Technician, Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, HVAC, and Carpentry,
to Educational Aide, Food Handlers, and Computer
Technology Industry A+, to name a few, with Health
Science courses having the largest enrollment.
“These certifications are all drivers to helping students
land jobs and become marketable in the workplace,”
Morris said. “Being able to plan for the expansion of these
program and to potentially add more will make sure our
students have direction and options for their future.”
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