CTE Careers with Downey Unified School District - Russ Heike, Adrian Quintero, Dr. Xochitl Ortiz

Downey Unified has spent years building Career Technical Education programs that connect students to their interests, and ultimately to tangible industry certifications and college and career pathways. The CTE vision can’t happen without support and direction from high school leaders who have taken their own winding journeys to current job roles as principal and assistant principal. You’ll hear them say, “We don’t want kids to feel lost.” The three leaders joining me on this episode of Future Groove talk about growing confidence in students to excel in the things they enjoy. Positive collaborations with CTE teachers encourage students to be who they are—to do what they love and what comes naturally.

Topics and Questions Covered:

• (03:02) - Dr. Ortiz's journey to becoming a principle.
• (05:15) - Russ's story to administration and CTE.
• (07:38) - Adrian's background and his involvement in special education.
• (12:34) - What has it been like to support students with your CTE program?
• (15:45) - Providing options for all students to set them up for success.
• (21:47) - What is the presence of industry relations interacting with your CTE programs and students?
• (26:20) - Discussion on the Cerritos college partnership and Xochitl's welding pathway.
• (28:56) - The importance of grants to develop high quality CTE programs.
• (33:50) - What is your future groove and your vision for these programs?

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