After more than 30 years in youth non-profit organizations and 15 years of owning a graphic design small business, I was offered an opportunity to teach high school students as a CTE Business Teacher. Timing was perfect in my life. I had gotten in to youth ministry because I wanted to help kids figure out what made them happy. I had gotten in to graphic design and small business ownership because I loved computers and design, and wanted the experience of starting a business. This allowed me to put all of that experience together in one career.

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I began teaching at Pierce High School (Arbuckle, CA) in 2015. During my first year the principal came to me and said, "I want you to pilot a new class next year."

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As a new teacher all I heard was, "You have a job next year." So I replied, "Sure! What is the class?" She sent me to a Get Focused Stay Focused training the following month and my life was set on a new path. 

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In 2016, my first year of teaching the GFSF curriculum from Academic Innovations, I lead students through the process of creating a 10 Year Plan, figuring out "What do you want your life to look like in 10 years?" and "What do you need to do to make it happen?". I realized that I was nowhere near where I needed to be to get "the life I want to live." I signed up to complete my Masters of Science in Educational Instruction & Curriculum through Eastern Oregon University and completed the GFSF Certification program that the school offered as my "elective" units. My MS thesis asked the question, "Can a program like GFSF effect student motivation in such a way that SMARTER Balance Assessments (Common Core) improve?" There is data that supports improvement in GPA's, Discipline, Attendance and more, but nothing existed on this subject. My initial data implied a slight improvement and my thesis called for further study in this area.

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In 2019, I became a Certified Trainer/Mentor Teacher with Get Focused Stay Focused and with Academic Innovations, and I moved to implement the GFSF program and a Business Management CTE Pathway at Wheatland Union High School in Wheatland, CA. I've continued to work with Academic Innovations as a Trainer and "Product Evangelist"ever since.

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While 2020 became a landmark year in the world of education as schools began to close and move to Distance Learning and Hybrid models in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Wheatland Union High School District acquired more than $2 million in grant awards to create a CTE and College Readiness Center. I have participated in multiple grant projects for over $15 million since 2018 to support student achievement in the areas of CTE and Social Emotional Learning.  In late 2020 I also completed Certification as a Career Adviser through UC San Diego Extension, a program recognized by America's Job Centers.

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I have had the honor of training under Dr. Kevin Fleming, Author of Re-Defining the Goal, through his Catapult Training to assist organizations to recruit, re-brand and re-market their CTE Programs for Success in the New Economy.

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In 2022, I moved into the position of Director of CTE and College Readiness. I ran our Career Technical Education & College Readiness Center (CTEC) with a staff of 5 Academic Technicians supporting our Get Focused Stay Focused whole school implementation, CTE programs including certifications and Work-Based Learning opportunities, and College Readiness support through an Early College Access program allowing students to work towards and associates degree while in high school through Dual Enrollment, Articulation Agreements and Concurrent Coursework.

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In 2024, I accepted the challenge of becoming the Co-Executive Director of the Capitol Region Technical Assistance Center for the Golden State Pathways Program.

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The Golden State Pathways Program:
A Transformative Initiative for California

 

The Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP) is an innovative statewide initiative in California designed to enhance career and college readiness for students across the state. It focuses on creating seamless pathways that connect high school education to post-secondary opportunities, workforce preparation, and meaningful careers. This program is significant because it directly addresses the evolving needs of California's economy, aiming to bridge the gap between education and industry by equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in high-demand careers.

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GSPP Significance in California

California is home to a diverse economy that requires a highly skilled workforce across multiple industries, from technology and healthcare to agriculture and trades. The GSPP aims to align education with these workforce demands by supporting schools in implementing comprehensive pathways that integrate Career and Technical Education (CTE), dual enrollment, and work-based learning opportunities. By preparing students for both college and careers, GSPP plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and reducing skills gaps, ensuring that California remains competitive in the global market.

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Goals and Objectives of the Golden State Pathways Program

The key goals and objectives of the GSPP are:

1. College and Career Readiness: To increase the number of students who graduate from high school fully prepared for post-secondary education or to enter the workforce in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand career fields.

2. Equity and Access: To ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality educational pathways that lead to future success.

3. Industry Alignment: To establish strong partnerships with industry and higher education to align CTE programs with workforce needs, ensuring that students acquire relevant skills and certifications.

4. Work-Based Learning: To expand opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, and other forms of work-based learning, helping students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

5. Early College Access: To promote dual enrollment programs that allow students to earn college credits while still in high school, accelerating their progress toward a degree or certification.

6. Data-Driven Decision Making: To utilize data to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programs, ensuring continuous improvement and measurable outcomes.

 

Regional Technical Assistance Center: Capitol Region

As a Regional Technical Assistance Center (RTAC) over the Capitol Region (12 counties), the role is to support schools, districts, and stakeholders in successfully implementing the GSPP. This involves providing training, resources, and technical assistance to ensure that all components of the program are effectively integrated at the local level. The Capitol Region RTAC acts as a hub of expertise, helping educational institutions design and sustain pathways that align with both student needs and regional economic priorities.

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Key Responsibilities of the Capitol Region RTAC:

1. Program Support and Implementation: Assist schools in creating and refining CTE and college readiness pathways, ensuring that programs are aligned with the GSPP’s goals.

2. Professional Development: Offer training and workshops for educators, administrators, and industry partners to enhance their understanding of pathway development, work-based learning opportunities, and dual enrollment options.

3. Data Monitoring and Reporting: Help schools collect and analyze data on student performance, program participation, and outcomes to assess the effectiveness of the pathways and make data-informed decisions.

4. Building Partnerships: Foster relationships between schools, businesses, community colleges, and workforce development agencies to ensure programs are connected to regional labor market needs.

5. Sustaining Programs: Provide guidance on strategies for long-term sustainability, including securing funding, marketing programs, and ensuring continuous student enrollment and engagement.

 

By serving as a Regional Technical Assistance Center, the Capitol Region RTAC ensures that the Golden State Pathways Program reaches its full potential, benefiting students, schools, and industries across the region. This role is vital in helping create the infrastructure that supports equitable, effective, and future-focused pathways to college and career success in California.

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