Sam Coulter

I got the most out of the simulated workplace section, specifically the steps to creating a realistic environment. The SW lab I teach, Live Shop, could benefit from some of the steps that I don't already utilize. I'd really like to create more team-based projects for my Live Shop class, and have the students name their class for the semester since it's a recreation of a creative agency. I'm sure they'd love that, and taking ownership of their learning as well as encouraging teamwork.

I've had the benefit of judging regional CTSO competitions, and it was a great experience. I'm glad to know students are involved and invested in their careers, even in high school. I just finished my second year as a CTE post-secondary instructor, and I wish I had the "pace yourself" advice when I first started. My lectures were so note-heavy and text laden, but after consulting my colleagues, I was able to make my lectures more engaging with a flipped classroom model. I still need to tone down the information on my slides, but I'm getting there!

I was excited to learn about the industry credentials, specifically the stackable optons. I think more than ever we're seeing a rise in employer expectations, especially having multi-skilled employees. I'd be interested in learning more about stackable credentials and how they could be applied in graphic communications, since the field is so flexible and fluid already. I can only imagine what opportunities stackable credentials could do to my students careers! 

I use formative assesment in my classes regularly, so students can learn the concepts without panicking about their grades. I also really liked the entry/exit sheet idea, especially for my… >>>

As a new instructor, I came in having to create quite a bit of my curriculum as I went. We had to move to a two year degree, I started with a very advanced class who were at the tail end of the bachelors students. Since then, I've had to adjust my curriculum significantly to meet the needs of the new two year students. Toss COVID into the mix and it's been a wild first two years teaching! 

I've defintely seen the benefits of curriculum alignment first hand. I have and continue to look for ways to make our program's… >>>

Something I always tell my students when going over safety protocol with equipment is "Equipment is expensive, but its replaceable. You and your fingers aren't!" I usually have to split up my lab exercises into multiple small groups (due to COVID and minimal avialable equipment), so I always have a worksheet or topic relavant exercise due at the end of class for the other students to work on while the others work with the equipment. It keeps them on topic and gives me an opportunity to see if they can apply the concepts in practice and theory.

I've learned quite a bit! I'm happy that the methods I've been using in my classroom align with modern CTE techniques, and I really like the idea of creating a weekly soft skills assignment. I think CTE students particularly can benefit from it, since they're so vital to a thriving professional career.

I've had the incredible luck of developing my professional CTE support network, and this module definitely called all the primary resources a new teacher benefits greatly from. My supervisor, fellow educators, and faculty mentor have all been absolute rockstars in answering my many, MANY questions as I've progressed at my institution. 

I think that being careful with social media accounts is incredibly important, especially with the constant access to it, particularly with students. A lot of it is common sense, but it never hurts to hear it again. Something I really liked from the first part of the module was during the video the ROTC instructor said "you get up and you want to come to work," and I wholeheartedly agree.

I learned quite a bit about the foundations of CTE and the mechanisms and purpose of the different legistlation, tools, and methodolgy that help CTE thrive. I'm also very pleased to know I've been utilizing a lot of the aformentioned components and methodolgy in my program, so I'm doing well with aligning my curriculum to multiple levels of required and recomended standards! Huzzah!