CHEYENNE – The State Board of Career & Technical Education (SBCTE) welcomed Governor Mark Gordon to its February 15 meeting where he commended the board for its bold leadership. He thanked the board for their service and characterized the state board as the right group of people, at the right time, and having the right conversations. The Governor noted Wyoming’s long history of providing quality education while now embracing core principles for bettering education. He  specifically noted the work with the Profile of a Graduate, the Reimaging and Innovating the Delivery of Education pilots, ongoing work to reduce state standards, and involvement with the Wyoming’s Future of Learning Partnership.

The Wyoming School Boards Association joined the meeting to share its collaborative work with local business and school districts through Ignite Wyoming. The work engages students in developing content that celebrates education across the state. Wyoming Indian High School students and their instructor, Nate Reinhardt worked with Casper businesswoman Katrina Beckman to showcase the incorporation of Native culture into student activities in Fremont County School District #14.

“The Ignite Wyoming program is an example of Wyoming businesses working with local schools to provide real-world learning experiences for students, which aligns perfectly with the Profile of a Graduate,” said SBCTE Chairman, Bill Lambert.

Dr. Jenna Shim, SBCTE member and Interim Dean of the UW College of Education presented efforts by UW and the community colleges to promote and recruit students into CTE teaching, including an introductory course and promotional video. Rob Hill, UW CTE Outreach Consultant, provided data reflecting the current CTE teacher shortages and anticipated rates of retirements.

The Wyoming Department of Education shared public comments received on proposed revisions to the state Perkins V plan. The board will take action on the revised plan during its April 18 meeting. In recognition of National Career and Technical Education Month, the department shared CTE data reflecting accomplishments by students in Wyoming, noting that over 6,000 statewide are participating in Career and Technical Student Organizations.

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Media Contact:
Diana Clapp
(307) 851-3478
diana.clapp@wyo.gov