CTE (Career & Technical Education)
About CTE
Our MissionBethel CTE prepares students to explore careers, compete in today's economy, and be prepared for the future they choose by building transferable skills through applied, standards-based learning.
Our VisionBethel CTE empowers students to become career-ready through applied learning, industry connections, and the development of critical skills for the evolving workplace.
What does it mean to be career and college ready?Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a program of study that combines academic knowledge with technical and job-specific skills to prepare students for college, careers, and life. CTE connects classroom learning with real-world experience, helping students explore career pathways, gain industry-recognized certifications, and develop skills that are valuable for today’s workforce.
Being "career and college ready" means a student is prepared for post-secondary education (like college or technical school) or a direct entry into the workforce, without support or assistance. It involves acquiring the academic, technical, and professional skills necessary for success in both educational and professional settings.
- Technical Skills:
- Expertise in areas relevant to their chosen career path, whether through Career Technical Education (CTE) programs or other relevant training.
- Professional Skills:
- Developing soft skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking, which are essential for success in any workplace.
- Career Exploration:
- Understanding personal interests, strengths, and career options, and developing a plan for their future career.
- Transferable Skills:
- Acquiring skills that can be applied across various industries and job roles, making them adaptable to different work environments.
In essence, being college and career ready means being prepared for the next steps after high school, whether that involves entering a college program or starting a career directly.
Students & Parents
Students & Parents
Course Pathways
CTE courses are designed to set students up for success whether they are pursuing the career or college track. We currently group all of our courses into six Career Pathways. Each link listed below outlines what courses your school provides, a few possible careers you might pursue, and some local post secondary school options that are available for the listed pathway.
Overviews
- Agriculture
- Business & Marketing
- Family & Consumer Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Skilled & Technical Sciences
- STEM
Agriculture
The Agriculture Pathway focuses on natural and environmental studies, such as plant science, animal science, and environmental science -- vital studies for careers in the food supply chain, wilderness management, and conservation. Students have hands-on opportunities to explore these sectors and have real-life experience to bring into further studies and/or industry.
Business & Marketing
This Pathway offers a wide variety of courses, as business and marketing are broad topics themselves. Students are able to acquire vital background knowledge and explore niche sectors through courses under the topics of Business & Accounting, Computer Technology, Marketing, Publishing & Web Design, and Exploratory Electives.
Family & Consumer Sciences
Understanding human development, behavior, wants, and needs are critical in many professions. Taking Family & Consumer Science courses allow students to explore Careers in Education, Culinary Careers, and American Sign Language, giving them insight into crucial operations of providing services to the public.
Health Sciences
In the rapidly growing industry of health sciences, students are able to get a head start in knowledge and skill building for their future health profession. Biomedical Sciences, Medical Careers, and Sports Medicine & Physical Fitness Technician are all tracks students may explore in preparation for their post-graduation steps.
Skilled & Technical Sciences
Creating art, building complex machines, and serving in the armed forces all require certain skill and finesse. The Skilled & Technical Sciences Pathway allows students to hone the craft of their choosing through a variety of courses in AP Studio Art; Digital Photography & Design; Metals, Jewelry & Design; Power Sports (Small Engines); Theater; Video Production; and Junior ROTC.
STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, also known as STEM, plays an integral role in countless professions today. Careers in this sector are likely to be continuously in higher demand. The Bethel CTE STEM Pathway pays special attention to Engineering and Drone Engineering courses. Through these courses, students gain exposure to sectors like engineering design, drone piloting, aerospace, and robotics.
Post-Secondary Benefits
Dual Credit
Industry Recognized Credentials
Clubs & Programs
Learning, building community, and inspiring joy for students are the goals of CTE course pathways. All clubs and programs combine elements of recreation and real world skill building that students can take to post-secondary and professional experiences. More information about the programs we offer can be found below. The amazing experiences provided by these programs are also frequently highlighted on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
Explore
- DECA
- FBLA
- FCCLA
- FFA
- FIRST Lego League
- FIRST Robotics Competition
- Girls Who Code
- HOSA
- JROTC Drill & Orienteering
- SkillsUSA
- WCTSMA
DECA
Through projects and competitions, DECA students learn collaboration and individual leadership skills to be successful in the collegiate and professional world. Participation in competitions are where students have the chance to win the coveted DECA Glass award. There are also a variety of scholarship opportunities for DECA participants, which can be found here.
FBLA
Seeking to facilitate the development of leadership skills and comprehensive business understanding, FBLA provides business-centered preparatory education and leadership experience to participating students. To further student success, FBLA offers the National Leadership Conference Scholarship, as well as other partner scholarships.
FCCLA
FCCLA affords students the opportunity to participate in work-based learning and relevant industry experience in the pathways of Hospitality & Tourism, Education & Training, Visual Arts & Design, and Human Services. The goal is to provide students with "real world skills" including accountability, adaptability, initiative, leadership, and more. Students can use these skills to participate in competitive events. Participation also opens doors to multiple scholarships, which can be found here and here.
FFA
Students involved in FFA get hands-on experience in the world of agriculture. Tending to school gardens, raising animals for competitions, and releasing native salmon are just a few examples of the amazing experience FFA members get a chance at. These experiences allow them to develop skills necessary in many careers , ranging from chemist, to teacher, to entrepreneur. FFA is yet another program that opens the door to scholarship opportunities!
FIRST Lego League
Elementary and middle school students gain valuable exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as problem-solving and design skills when they participate win FLL teams. Using legos, problem-solving, STEM, coding, and design, students get hands-on experience building functioning robots that complete a series of challenges in competitions.
FIRST Robotics Competition
With specific supplies, students work as a team to design and build function, industrial-sized robots. These teams and their creation then go on to compete against other teams in field games. Strengthening student skills in teamwork, tech, design, science, and sportsmanship, FIRST Robotics participants have amazing opportunities and experiences through their projects and competitions. Scholarship opportunities are another benefit of being a part of FIRST Robotics.
Girls Who Code
Computer science is a growing sector, but despite the increasing demand, less and less women are entering computer science-related careers. Girls Who Code seeks to remedy this decline and "close the gender gap" by empowering and educating young women. Providing a supportive environment for young women to learn the foundation of all programming languages, Girls Who Code is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in the growing industry of computer science.
Girls Who Code is currently offered at select middle schools in the Bethel School District.
HOSA
Students that join HOSA experience an integrated curriculum in their Human Sciences and Biomedical courses that prepare them for college and a career in the health sciences field. The skills and knowledge acquired from this curriculum can be demonstrated at competitions that reach both the state and national level. HOSA offers a host of benefits, including leadership skills, exposure to career pathways, and scholarship opportunities.
JROTC Drill & Orienteering
JROTC cadets train and compete in militarized body and weapons movements. JROTC Drill Teams are a great way for cadets to build character, explore leadership opportunities and be a part of a team.
Orienteering is the sport of navigation using a map and compass. Events are often held in unfamiliar terrain to add an extra layer of challenge. This is the perfect sport to exercise your body, flex your mind, and develop a useful life skill. Beginners of all experience levels are welcome to join.
SkillsUSA
Serving those interested in highly skilled jobs, SkillsUSA integrates their Framework of Personal Skills, Workplace Skills, and Technical Skills into classroom curriculum. This integration gives students hands-on experience in the skilled pathway of their choice. With more than 130 occupational areas to choose from, students glean a valuable exploratory experience to bring into the professional world and shape their futures. Students will also find participation to be a valuable scholarship resource.
WCTSMA
The Washington Career and Technical Sports Medicine Association is a student directed organization dedicated to helping and promoting the Career and Technical Education Sports Medicine programs in the State of Washington at the high school level. The goal is provide leadership opportunities and technical training and experience to all students involved in their respective programs.
College & Career Resources
Apprenticeship Opportunities
As an apprentice, students receive hands-on, on-the-job training along with relevant classroom instruction in a skilled field of their choosing. Apprenticeships are regulated and adhere to industry standards, earning the student state and/or national recognition upon completion. These opportunities exist for youth at the high school level, as well as young adults at the post-secondary level.
Your school's career center is great resource for apprenticeship exploration.
Financial Aid & ScholarshipsAll students can apply for Financial Aid to help fund their post-secondary education. This form of aid consists of loans and/or grants. Students will apply to either FAFSA or WASFA, depending on circumstance.
Scholarships may be awarded based on merit, accomplishment, and/or circumstance, and the sums are not repaid. CTE Clubs & Programs are often great pathways to scholarship opportunities. For more information, visit your school's career center.
Military Interest & Junior ROTCThe U.S. Armed Forces consist of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, and Navy. Each branch is responsible for their own recruitment. You can learn more about each of these branches and their policies here.
Bethel CTE students can also gain some insight into military skills by joining JROTC. Information about JROTC and which branches run at each high school can be found with the buttons below.
Worksite LearningThis amazing opportunity allows students to earn high school credit while working and acquiring skills that will allow them to achieve success in the professional workforce. A Worksite Learning Specialist will coordinate with the student and the student's employer to ensure proper placement, and student success.
We have Career Center Advisors available at all of our high schools to talk with your student about their future plans.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Bethel School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance / Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, Debbie Carlman, dcarlman@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2019; Title IX Coordinator, Bryan Streleski, bstreleski@bethelsd.org, 253.800.4302; and 504 Coordinator, Melissa Munson-Merritt, mmunsonmer@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2301. All individuals may be reached at this address: 516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387.
Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR): https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html. Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint: bethelsd.org.
El Distrito Escolar de Bethel no discrimina en sus programas o actividades por motivos de sexo, raza, credo, religión, color, nacionalidad, edad, condición de veterano de guerra o grado militar, orientación sexual, expresión de género o identidad, discapacidad o por el uso de perro guía entrenado o animal de servicio; además ofrece igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y a otros grupos de jóvenes especificados. Los siguientes empleados han sido designados para atender consultas y quejas de supuesta discriminación: Cumplimiento de los Derechos Civiles/Coordinadora Escolar de Inclusión de Género, Debbie Carlman, dcarlman@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2019; Coordinador del Título IX, Bryan Streleski, bstreleski@bethelsd.org, 253.800.4302 y Coordinadora 504, Melissa Munson-Merritt, mmunsonmer@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2301. Todas las personas pueden ser localizadas en esta dirección 516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387.
Las consultas sobre el Título IX también pueden dirigirse a la Oficina de Derechos Civiles (OCR) del Departamento de Educación de EE.UU.: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html. Para más información sobre las políticas de no discriminación y discriminación por razón de sexo; los procedimientos de reclamación y sobre cómo comunicar una preocupación o queja visite: www.bethelsd.org.
Partners & Advisory
Partners & Advisory
Community
Join Our Community
CTE courses provide introductory education to professions that provide much of the foundation of our current world. Providing the best education and training possible helps us secure a bright future for our students and for the world at large. You could help ensure this future by choosing to be a program and general advisory committee member.
Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee volunteers help plan the training for our future workforce. The guidance and advice of local advisory committee members provide well-rounded perspective and planning, in turn granting our students access to the most current skills needed in the workplace. High school CTE is an organized system of programs, which are directly related to preparation for careers. Bringing employers, parents, students and educators together on Advisory Committees provides a format for sharing information and ideas that shape our pathways.
If you are interested in joining committee, please contact our office at: 253-800-2340 or scan the QR code above
Benefits of Partnering
- Build a talent pipeline to your specific industry.
- Support the development of high-quality employees reducing turnover and onboarding costs in the future.
- Provide youth employment that leads to strong career opportunities.
- Provide feedback to instructors on workforce needs.
- Evaluate materials, software, tools, and equipment students use in the classroom.
- Establish a positive relationship in the community for supporting youth.
- Reinforce the importance of graduation, continuing education and career readiness.
General Advisory
General Advisory
A General Advisory Committee (GAC) provides direction and guidance to administrators and governing boards for the entire Career and Technical Education program offered by a district. The General Advisory is responsible for creating and approving the District-wide Plan as developed through program evaluation and specific program goals. For example, the GAC may be made up of the Program Specific Advisory Committee chairs from all the CTE programs.
We are always looking for community members to join our team as an advisory member.
This is a great opportunity for working professionals to have a say in our course curriculum.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact our office at: 253-800-2340 or scan the QR code above
What is the Time Commitment?
The General Advisory Committee meets 2-3 times per year for 1-2 hours.
Meetings for General Advisory are scheduled during times convenient to members, in the lat afternoon to early evening, or virtually via Zoom.
Program Advisory
Program-Specific Advisory
A Program-Specific Advisory Committee focuses on providing direction and guidance to administrators and teachers for a specific CTE program offered by a district. To gain a holistic perspective, this committee may include industry personnel from occupations specific to the program, students, and parents of students who are participating in the program.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact our office at: 253-800-2340 or scan the QR code above
What is the Time Commitment?
Program-Specific Advisory Committees may meet 3 times per year.
Meetings for Program-Specific Advisory are scheduled during times convenient to members, in the lat afternoon to early evening, or virtually via Zoom.
Contact
JEFF JOHNSON
Director, Career and College Readiness
253.800.2346
KATIE KELLER
Assistant Director, Career and College Readiness
253.800.2345
MICHELLE LEDBETTER
CTE TOSA - Work-Based Learning Specialist
253.800.2347
TONYA NARRAMORE
CTE TOSA - Instruction & Technology
253.800.2344
SHAWNA CALVERT
CTE Secretary
253.800.2341
LAURA SCHENCK
CTE Clerk
253.800.2342
RENAE HOPKINS
CTE Clerk
253.800.2343