Martin County Schools bases its course offerings on what students need to excel and thrive, whether they plan to further their education or enter the workforce after graduation. This applies to all students.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses, available to middle and high school students, give them an avenue for career exploration and established pathways to success in multiple areas.
Students in the Martin County Schools Exceptional Children’s program are actively involved in these courses as early as middle school, ensuring their early exposure and confidence in their future career paths.
Just as with all courses, students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) are guaranteed all accommodations listed in their plan, ensuring their comfort and success in their learning journey.
April Joyner, a Culinary Arts teacher at Martin County High School, explains how Career & Technical Education is for all students.
“Career & Technical Education reaches all students, no matter their learning style, and is tailored to fit the desires of each individual student,” said Joyner.
“Teaching Culinary Arts, I’m able to prepare my students for real world careers, help them to become Serv Safe certified to gain employment. Students in my classroom learn food sustainability by growing plants in aquaponic tanks and using modern technology equipment. The tools I’ve taught students in the classroom help them apply these skills to current real-world situations and help them learn something they can use now and in the future.”
Students in Cindy Hill’s class at Martin County High School - who meet in a life-skills classroom - began exploring their culinary skills last semester with their annual enterprise project making and selling dog treats.
Hill’s class will soon have unlimited access to their own culinary arts experience with a new kitchen area just for students in their program.
“Working with guidance from our CTE Foods and Nutrition teachers, Mrs. Hill’s class will have an operational kitchenette area where students will learn the skills needed to be independent at home,” explains Jason Wynne, MCS Career & Technical Education Coordinator. “Providing these life skills and hands-on activities prepares students for success as we ignite champions across every department of Martin County Schools.”
*ServSafe certification is a training program that teaches food safety practices to people in the food service and hospitality industry. There are multiple levels of certification, including Food Handler and Manager.