As CTE teachers, we are application driven. We are hands-on, motivating, and career pathways tour guides. Our purpose is to provide experiences to our students- Experiences that allow students to build computers, create seven-course meals, construct miniature libraries, produce commercials, and develop web-sites.

During this unprecedented time, we were encouraged to become even more innovative in providing our knowledge and expertise to our students in ways that will prepare them for their future career. Virtual demonstrations, dash-to-door material deliveries and wellness checks were just some of the ways we’ve adjusted to ensure our staff members provided continued learning experiences for our students and families.

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On March 13, 2020, my 21 years of teaching experience was flipped upside down and taken in a direction I would have never imagined. The past 9 weeks have been spent “zooming”, writing more emails than I ever thought possible, using Google Drive more than I ever have, and collaborating with other CTE teachers who were having the same successes/problems as me. Social distancing, what’s that? I teach business-related classes where a good handshake is a must! And, you mean I cannot hug my seniors on their last day or at graduation? Like I said, my world was flipped upside down, and I am continuing to grow and adapt over these several months with the help and direction of our awesome administration and support from Berrien RESA CTE. 

Perhaps some positives that have emerged were working from home (yes, sometimes in my pajamas), setting my own schedule somewhat, and walking my dog more than ever. Some negatives were not seeing my students face-to-face, setting my own schedule that was never the same schedule a teenager has, and that personal relationship a teacher builds with their students seemed to be less personal when online. Here is what a few of our Bridgman CTE students have said:

·        Jackson Schmaltz – A positive would be that we were still able to get some learning in even with the strange predicaments. A negative would be it’s harder to fully understand what you need to do because there is no in-person help.

·        Mikaela Owen – Positives: I have more time to complete my work and I can sit down and do a whole assignment, even if it takes longer than an hour, which I couldn’t do at school. I have also found numerous online resources that have either been shared by teachers or found by myself, that I didn’t know existed that will help me with my work in the future (whether or not it’s online). Negatives: I work well getting one-on-one instruction from my teachers and it’s very hard to ask questions and get immediate responses when doing things online. 

·        Carlos Ramirez – A huge part about learning is overcoming adversity whether it be in the classroom or at home on a computer. COVID-19 really put students to the test but it was nothing that we couldn’t handle!

Overall, remote learning has been a struggle for both teachers and students, but it has definitely made us all grow, think outside the box, communicate more effectively, and use those problem solving skills that are so important!

We've always known how important school counselors are to a district, but now, more than ever, it is important to recognize that counselors play an intricate role relative to our students' wellbeing. District counselors have continued to reach out to students in this new virtual world.

Here are some ways districts were being creative using online tools during this time.

We appreciate our district school counselors and thank them for their hard work and dedication.