The Porter County Career and Technical Center would like to recognize its teachers and programs during February’s Career and Technical Education Month.
The center directs programs in a variety of locations for students from 10 area high schools. It is accepting applications for half-day programs now through Mar. 1 for the 2013-14 school year. Information is available from high school guidance counselors in Porter County and at Hobart High School.
More than 1,000 area students are participating in programs this year. Many are earning free dual college credits and other industry certifications. These elective credits help a student earn any Indiana diploma, including academic honors and technical honors.
“The Porter County Career and Tech Education faculty are one of the best in Indiana. Our students consistently meet and exceed state performance standards,” according to Director Jon Groth. “All of our teachers are experts in their field, and all of them care about their students. I appreciate our teachers’ hard work and creativity in helping prepare the future workforce of our community.”
Available programs and their teachers are as follows:
- Auto Services Technology—Tony Avalos, Rob Barnes, Karl Sickles
- Cisco Networking Fundamentals —Tom Fortney
- Computer Aided Design & Animation—Bill Guinee
- Construction Technology—Brett Dahlgren, Brian Doane, Jeff Larson
- Cosmetology—Barbara Roberts, Jan Gadacz
- Criminal Investigations—Curt Hawkins
- Criminal Justice—Ralph Iler
- Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management—Heidi Harbaugh, Glen Buford
- Dental Careers—Rhonda Doane
- Diesel Service Technology—Fred Crowe
- Early Childhood Education—Sallie Hanson with Cheryl Bunch, Barb Iddings, Renee Tripp
- Electronics & Computer Technology—Dave Kenning
- Emergency Medical Services—Jeff Lawley
- Entrepreneurship/Sports & Entertainment Marketing—Judy Commers
- Fundamentals of Sports Medicine—Mark Leto
- Graphic Imaging Technology—Mark Fischer
- Health Careers (Health Science Education I)—Lorna Marcus
- Health Occupations (Health Science Education II)—Suzanne Edwards, Lorna Marcus
- Health Science Education I w/Medical Terminology/Anatomy & Physiology—Lynn Wilson
- Horticultural Science/Landscape Management—Angie Sutherlin
- Industrial Mechanics—Larry Shepard
- Precision Machining—Greg Carmack
- Strategic Marketing Field Experience—Kari Roach
- Strategic Marketing Internship—Judy Commers
- Video Production & Media Studies—Robert Phelps
- Welding—Doug McKiddy
- Work Study—Debbie Gannon, Scott Truelove
Aviation Operations will be introduced for 2013-14. Chesterton High School is also adding Computer Technology Support next year for its juniors and seniors.
Students in CTE programs get assistance from Kelli Ellis and Kate Sorensen, student support coordinators. These professionals help students get the most appropriate placement, help with personal and school issues and run workshops in everything from financial literacy to dating safety.
Programs are offered at one or more locations, including the Career Center, Boone Grove High School, Chesterton High School, Don Roberts Beauty School, Hobart High School, Ivy Tech Community College, Morgan Township High School, Portage High School, SELF School, and Wheeler High School.
The next open houses for prospective students are Feb. 6 at most locations.
“We would like to help our students find summer and fulltime employment. If we can help you in your employee needs, please call us at 531-3170. For more information, please visit our website at www.pccte.org,” Groth said.