Brian Simper

It is important to be aware of cultural differences from diverse student backgrounds. 

Learning how to set and achieve goals will help with career management and career decision making.

Professionalism is about example and attitude. Respect and work ethic are important components to professionalism.

Leadership and personal growth opportunities are important for students in CTE.

Students need to have a minimum understanding of the technology that is relevant to their field of study/industry. Technology can make them more innovative and successful if they can implement it in their workplaces.

Group projects are great when parameters are in place so all team members have a role or the opportunity to define roles.

I think it is important to give students complex problems (sometimes in stages) so they can use critical thinking skills to create solutions. 

Sustainability and regenerative agriculture are important facets of our program. CTE should emphasis sustainable practices so students can enter the industry with tools that will make them profitable.

Soft skills and real industry experience are vital to student success in future professions. We host networking lunches with industry professionals so our students can practice soft skills of interviewing over a meal (very common in agriculture). We also provide hands on training of tractors, gps systems, pesticide applications, drone certifications, etc.

We let our students pick projects to do on the farm, and what crops they are interested in growing.