Sarah McGhehey

CTE 534
Principles and Philosophies
of Career and Technical Education
Course Reflection

Through the first 14 weeks of Principles and Philosophies of Career and Technical
Education, I have had the chance to explore the purpose, philosophies, history, and trends of
career and technical education. The examination of these aspects of career and technical
education (CTE) have allowed me to study various types and characteristics of CTE programs
and evaluate what works in an assortment of situations, as well as what it looks like to be a
successful program.

Beginning this course, we examined the history of CTE, previously known as vocational
education, and have used this history to guide our learning through the remainder of the course.
As we have continued through the course learning different perspectives, philosophies,
subcategories, and future trends of CTE, we have been given a variety of opportunities to explore
using hands-on approaches. Several application exercises have been assigned and have enabled
me to discover the various aspects of CTE while getting multiple firsthand learning experiences.
This along with in-depth research, literature reviews, and class discussions, I have developed
both the necessary knowledge and an intense passion for CTE that was undeveloped prior to
pursuing my graduate program and taking this course.

Some of the most positive experiences I have encountered in these first 14 weeks have
been observations and interviews with experiences educators in the career and technical
education field. I was able to observe the welding program at a local community college, observe
and interview the instructor at a powerline school, and interview two career and technical
education teachers who work at the local high school with me. Through these experiences, I have
learned the hard work and dedication that must go into creating and managing a CTE program at
both the secondary and post-secondary levels. I have seen the implementation and methods that
must occur constantly to ensure the program is successful.

The experiences I have undergone in this course, along with the other projects,
discussions, and assignments, have allowed me to learn the importance of CTE. I will now be
able to utilize these experiences in my classroom and high school program, CHOICES, to ensure
all teachers and students see the importance of career development. I can apply this knowledge
and newly found passion to the career education courses and learning experiences offered at the
program in which I teach to help better serve all students of the CHOICES program. Finally I can
use this information to better serve our schools mission: to inspire students to become critical
thinkers and positively contribute to their communities and world.