Career & Technical Education Blog

Teacher-student rapport is defined as a close bond between instructors and learners enabling them to work jointly in classroom contexts. As a mutually beneficial facet of a positive learning environment, rapport helps motivate students and ensures the teacher can provide support throughout the learning process. In this blog we will explore the value of building rapport with your students as well as ideas and tips for building lasting rapport to create a more positive and productive environment for all learners in your classroom.

Reading is far more complex than we might initially think. It requires the human brain to connect letters to sounds, put those sounds in the correct order and pull words together into the sentences and paragraphs we read every day. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability affecting 15% of the U.S. population according to the International Dyslexia Association . Individuals with dyslexia have difficulties with language skills, particularly reading, however, symptoms can include challenges when spelling, writing and even pronouncing words.

As a CTE educator, you more than likely have had the student who stares out the window, draws a bird instead of answering a question on homework, or simply can’t sit still in their seat. The one who answers the question, “What is the powerhouse of the cell?” with “Do you dye your hair?” Students who exhibit hallmark symptoms of ADHD, including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity have significant barriers to overcome in order to reach the same goals and expectations as other students.

Taking time to learn about and understand the individuals and communities we serve as CTE educators is a critical first step in ensuring impactful CTE education for all. When students enter your classroom, they are walking in as more than just another year of students. Your students come from diverse backgrounds, have unique experiences and challenges in which CTE educators must be attuned to. If CTE educators skip truly understanding their students and their perspective when designing instruction, the program at best will serve some students and at worst, actively harm special populations students.

The demand for high-quality CTE programs continues to rise as the need for skilled and knowledgeable employees increases each year across every industry. In keeping CTE programs high quality, the way in which today’s students are taught is of upmost importance in preparing them for a successful future career. In this blog iCEV explores the value of having well thought out pedagogy practices and shares types of pedagogy and strategies to help develop your pedagogical skills as a CTE educator.

As a CTE educator, sometimes it’s challenging to get away from the classroom to invest in your skill set amidst the many tasks teachers juggle daily. While educators should consistently pursue professional development to develop their skills as teachers, sometimes it’s easier to meet professional development needs in shorter, more flexible increments. Luckily for today’s educators, there are unique alternative solutions to professional development available, capable of sharpening your skills as an educator and fitting into your busy schedule. In this blog, iCEV will explore three unique professional development alternatives for CTE educators to sharpen their skills and stay updated on educational trends and news to best educate students.