Inside this Issue

• Teacher of the Year 
  Cassidy Cannizzaro
• Office of Congressman Sam Liccardo
• MetroED 2024-2025 Annual Report
• Join SVAE Medical Assistant Course
• SVAE Winter/Spring 2026 Class Registration Opening Nov. 18
• SVAE Open House Nov. 19

• SVAE Career Fair Dec. 2
• MetroED Tour Dec. 8
• National Career Development Month
• SVAE Student Leaders
• Silvano Rojas: SVCTE Student & SkillsUSA California Historian
• SVCTE Forestry Challenge
• Follow Us–Social Media

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News and Highlights

MetroED’s Cassidy Cannizzaro Among 32 County Teachers of the Year at Oct. 27 Celebration

On Monday, October 27, MetroED will celebrate Cassidy Cannizzarro, SVCTE’s Metals Technology teacher and MetroED 2025 Teacher of the Year. Cannizzaro inspires students every day with his passion for welding and his ability to bring real-world industry expertise into the classroom. Fun fact: he’s also an SVCTE alumni, graduating from the Metals Technology program in 2008.

To highlight his story, Tim Walter, digital media operations coordinator from the Santa Clara County Office of Education, was on-site filming Cannizzaro and his class. The video will premiere at Monday’s 55th Annual Santa Clara County Teacher Recognition Celebration, where 32 educators across the county will be honored for their passion, dedication, and commitment to students. View more photos here.

MetroED hosts Justin Jeong, Deputy Director of Constituent Services for Congressman Sam Liccardo

We were honored to welcome Justin Jeong, Deputy Director of Constituent Services for Congressman Sam Liccardo. During his visit, Jeong toured our state-of-the-art campus and saw firsthand how our programs prepare students for success in life, college, and careers. Pictured with MetroED Governing Board Member Katherine Tseng from Los Gatos–Saratoga Union High School District (left) and MetroED Superintendent Erin O’Neill (right).

MetroED Releases 2024–2025 Annual Report

We invite you to view MetroED's 2024–2025 Annual Report, which offers a comprehensive overview of the district's performance and achievements. The report highlights key metrics and outcomes from MetroED’s two programs—SVCTE and SVAE—including student success data, enrollment trends, and year-end financial summaries.

A featured partner spotlight underscores the district’s ongoing collaboration with community and industry partners, whose support continues to strengthen program quality and expand opportunities for students.



Readers are invited to review the full report to gain further insights into MetroED’s programs and its commitment to advancing career and technical education and adult learning across the region.

Begin Your Healthcare Career—New SVAE Medical Assistant Modules Starting Soon

Looking for a rewarding and high-demand career? SVAE offers a Medical Assistant course that provides the hands-on skills and real-world experience you need to succeed in today’s healthcare field. Whether you’re starting fresh or ready to advance your career, this one-year program combines classroom learning with practical training to prepare you for immediate employment.

Program highlights:

• Enroll at the start of any module — no need to wait!
• One-year course
• Morning or afternoon classes available
• Hands-on training plus an externship opportunity

Register today or call 408-723-6450 to get started.

SVAE Winter/Spring 2026 Class Registration Opens Tuesday, Nov. 18, 8:00 a.m.

SVAE Winter/Spring 2026 class registration opens Tuesday, November 18 at 8:00 a.m. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, earn your diploma, or build new skills, SVAE offers opportunities for every adult learner. This season, we’re excited to introduce new hands-on courses and continue offering our popular free programs to help you achieve your goals.

Ready to take the next step in your education? We are offering the following classes FREE*:

• English as a Second Language (ESL)*
• High School Diploma (HSD)*
• High School Equivalency (HSE), including Spanish*
• Pre-High School Equivalency (Pre-HSE)*

We also offer fee-based Career Technical Education (CTE) courses!

New this Winter/Spring 2026!

• Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair: Perfect for anyone interested in learning entry-level automotive repair skills and earning industry certifications.
• Metals Technology (Welding): A course designed to help you master metal design and fabrication while gaining the skills needed for entry-level positions in the industry. 
• Pre-High School Equivalency (Pre-HSE)*: This course helps adults strengthen foundational skills in reading, writing, and math while building confidence for the workplace.

Explore our courses today.

SVAE’s Open House & Tour Wed., Nov. 19, 9:30 a.m.

SVAE invites you to visit our classrooms, connect with staff, and learn more about the wide range of educational programs and student support services we provide. 



Date: Wednesday, November 19

Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m. presentation; 10:30-11:00 a.m. tour

Location: 760 Hillsdale Avenue, San Jose

Register here

SVAE offers education classes free of charge or at low cost to adults 18 years or older. It is an adult school offering career technical education and free English as a Second Language (ESL), High School Equivalency (HSE), and High School Diploma (HSD) classes. SVAE primarily serves adults in the San Jose Unified School District. SVAE is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the South Bay Consortium for Adult Education (SBCAE). 

Find Your Next Job or Your Next Employee! Join the SVAE Career Fair Tues., Dec. 2

Date: Tuesday, December 2

Time: 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Location: 760 Hillsdale Avenue, San Jose

Mark your calendar! SVAE is excited to host its Career Fair, bringing together employers and adults ages 18 and older who are ready to take the next step in their career journey.



For Employers:

Host a table and connect directly with motivated, skilled candidates. You will: 

• Build your future workforce by meeting qualified candidates face-to-face.
• Share your company’s mission, culture, and opportunities with job seekers.
• Strengthen community connections while supporting professional growth.
• Register here

For Job Seekers:

Everyone is invited to come explore opportunities, network with employers, and take the next step in your career. Whether you’re looking for a new role or just want to learn more about local industries, this is your chance to connect.

• Register here

Tour Industry Learning in Action Wed., Dec. 10:

9-10:30 a.m. or 1:00-2:30 p.m.

You’re invited to explore SVCTE, where 10th–12th graders and adults discover how education meets the real world.



Date: Wednesday, Dec. 10

Time: 9:00-10:30 a.m. OR 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Location: 760 Hillsdale Avenue, San Jose

For more information and a sneak peek: Visit here

What you’ll experience on the tour:

• Discover Opportunities — Explore diverse training programs preparing students for the workforce.
• Forge Partnerships — Connect with educators & leaders to collaborate on workforce needs.
• Community Impact — See how SVCTE strengthens the local economy & supports student success.
• Hands-On Learning — Witness creativity and innovation with cutting-edge, real-world training.

Don't miss out! Spaces for the tour are limited, so we encourage you to register quickly to secure your place.



Come see how SVCTE is shaping the future of careers and the community.

November: National Career Development Month

November is National Career Development Month. At SVCTE and SVAE, we’re proud to support students at every stage of their career journey.

Whether it’s earning industry certifications, learning from experienced professionals, or gaining foundational skills to utilize in the future — we “inspire, engage, and connect for success in life, college, and careers.”

Did you know?

• Students are 8 to 10 times less likely to drop out if they enroll in a CTE program. -California Department of Education
• The average high school graduation rate for students concentrating in CTE programs is 98% in California. -Perkins.ed.gov
• 80 percent of students taking CTE met college and career readiness goals. -California Department of Education

Students in Action

SVAE Student Leaders Inspire. Engage. Connect.

At SVAE, student leaders play a key role in building community and representing their peers. These 30+ leaders participate in bi-monthly sessions to develop skills in communication, teamwork, advocacy, and leadership while serving as classroom representatives and volunteering at program events such as Second Harvest Food Bank distributions, open houses, career technical education (CTE) Month, and graduation.

“The purpose of SVAE student leaders is to serve as a bridge between the school and their peers, sharing important resources, representing student voices, and fostering a sense of community,” said SVAE transition specialist Arezoo Miller, who mentors the students, guiding them as they plan events, manage fundraisers, and review student suggestions to improve the school community. “Through leadership training and active participation in school events, they build essential life and career skills while helping create a supportive, engaging, and inclusive environment where every student feels heard and empowered.”

During the last SVAE Student Leader meeting, MetroED Superintendent Erin O’Neill visited to meet the students, hear their stories, and present them with MetroED’s new “Inspire. Engage. Connect.” T-shirts. Student leader David Cardozo shared how moving from Colombia and joining the program has helped him develop leadership skills he’ll carry into the future. View more photos here. 

SVCTE Student and SkillsUSA California Historian Silvano Rojas Strengthens Leadership Skills in Washington, D.C.

We’re proud to highlight our SVCTE Fire Science/First Responder student and SkillsUSA California Historian Silvano Rojas from Overfelt High School in East Side Union High School District, who recently returned from the SkillsUSA Washington, D.C. Leadership Training. This national program brings together student leaders from across the country to strengthen leadership skills, advocate for career technical education, and engage with policymakers.

Rojas described the experience as life-changing. “The most impactful part of attending was seeing the history of our nation’s leaders and networking with statesmen and their aides,” he shared. Rojas also had the opportunity to meet with Taylor Reed, aide to Representative Josh Harder, to advocate for the importance of CTE in public education.

The program reinforced Rojas’s vision as a SkillsUSA California leader. “I’ve learned how to connect and engage with individuals at any scale, and I feel comfortable speaking in the spotlight,” he said. Rojas plans to use these skills at SVCTE by mentoring his peers in public speaking and communication, helping them grow as student leaders.

Integrity has been a key lesson for Rojas: “Being honest with co-workers and partners shapes how people see you, and first impressions matter.” He also reflected on his journey from East San José, offering encouragement to other students: “Don’t think that your time won’t come to embrace the world. To reach the top of the roller coaster, you have to start at the bottom first.”

Through his role as the SkillsUSA California Historian, Rojas documents chapter activities, maintains the chapter scrapbook, and creates displays for special events. His experiences at the national and state levels continue to shape him as a leader who inspires peers and advocates for meaningful change.

“The Washington, D.C. Leadership Training gave me the skills to grow as an advocate and a leader,” Rojas said. “I’m excited to bring these lessons back to SVCTE and continue inspiring my peers through leadership and service.”

Rojas closed by sharing a quote that he spread during his training in Washington, D.C.: “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” -Dr. Jane Goodall (1934-2025)

SVCTE Students Attend Forestry Challenge in Mount Shasta

SVCTE Fire Science/First Responder and Forensic Science students attended the Forestry Challenge in the Shasta Mountains. From September 24 to 27, they gained hands-on experience identifying trees and plants, conducting forest surveys, and utilizing professional tools while exploring the connections between forestry, wildfire science, forensic botany, and forensic anthropology. Students returned with valuable skills, a certificate of completion, and one unit of college credit from Feather River College.

In The News

Get Even More Updates—Follow Us on Social Media!

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Positions are Available at MetroED!

We are currently seeking applicants that would be an excellent fit for our team. The district pays full health benefits to eligible employees and their dependents, including dental, life, and an employee assistance program. You can click below to learn more.



MetroED Current Openings

• CTE/ROP Substitute Teacher
• Pre-High School Equivalency, M-F 8:30 to 11:45 a.m.
• Pre-High School Equivalency, M-Th 5:45 to 9:00 p.m.
• Spanish GED High School Equivalency, M-Th 5:45 to 9:00 p.m.

MetroED Governing Board Information

MetroED Governing Board Meeting

To see past meeting minutes and agendas, please visit our webpage. You can also view upcoming MetroED Governing Board meeting agendas and Governing Board Policies.

Next meeting, Special Board Meeting: Wed., Oct. 29 at 7:00 p.m. | In-person, SVCTE Auditorium, Room 201

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting: Wed., Nov. 12 at 6:00 p.m. | In-person, SVCTE Auditorium, Room 201

Upcoming Dates

November 4 | Election Day

November 11 | Veterans Day (Federal Holiday/Campus Closed)

November 24-28 | No Classes (SVCTE/SVAE)

November 27 and 28 | Thanksgiving Day and Local Holiday (Campus Closed)

2025-2026 School Year Instructional Calendar