These first few months have quickly come and gone. The air is blowing colder, the leaves are turning, and the fall is giving way to winter.
As we dive into another exciting school year, I want to acknowledge the incredible work you do in shaping the future of our students. Your dedication to hands-on learning and skill development makes a lasting impact, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make this year one of innovation and success!
There are more new faces in many new places. I know the community will continue to come together to offer support and advice. We have a great reserve of knowledge and experience out there that can help guide these new teachers as they get their feet under them.
Thanks to all of those who took part in the fall survey. I have provided a link to the results below. I will be using that information to inform the professional development activities planned for this year and next summer. If you have any information to add, let me know.
In this newsletter, I have information about funding options and a reminder about license renewal. There are also reminders about professional development opportunities, grant/scholarship opportunities, and ongoing resources. I will keep sending out information, but feel free to connect if you have anything you want to share about these topics or something else that keeps you up at nights!
Take care and have a great holiday season!
Tim Barrett
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Trade and Industry Teacher Survey Results
Every year, we conduct a survey to help to gauge the state of secondary Trade and Industry education programs and identify future professional development/learning opportunities in Minnesota. Ninety-two teachers responded this year. I appreciate hearing from folks and will use those results to help the Trade and Industry community develop more professional development experiences.
The good news is that enrollments are up in most programs and the diversity of students taking classes has expanded. However, this success still brings some big challenges. The biggest challenge remains too many students placed in the classroom/laboratory or not enough space/facilities for students.
There are recommendations in the Minnesota Safety Guidance resource about class size limits. We have also created a safety brief that outlines the research between student occupancy numbers and increased incidents in the lab. You will find that information on the Safety in CTE webpage on the MDE website.
Another aspect that remains the same as previous years were the biggest successes being in obtaining new equipment. However, a similar biggest challenge is in replacing old equipment!
One suggestion to address the issue is to consult with your advisory committee or industry partners about equipment options and how they can support. Check out some of the guidance provided on the Trade and Industry page. Under the Career Exploration subcategory, there is a guide called Trade and Industry Engagement - Advisory Committees. Under the Program Approval and Equipment Requests subcategory, there are two guides about equipment, Consumer versus Professional Grade Equipment and T&I Equipment Request Resource.
Finally, a lot of you are concerned with the lack of new teachers entering Trade and Industry. There are a number of grants and other programs available for districts and schools to support and expand the CTE educator workforce. Check out the Diversifying the Teacher Workforce: Inventory of Funded Programs list.
You can find the results of that survey at the Trade and Industry Survey Results site.
Don’t Forget License Renewal!
Is your CTE license or Out of Field Permission (OFP) up for renewal for this new school year? Get the information you need from the license agency, the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).
For questions on:
– Check the PELSB website.
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MDE Trade and Industry Professional Development
A number of professional development opportunities will be available this year for Trade & Industry teachers. Check out the ones that can best help you and your program. Also, feel free to suggest further topics for discussion. Send any ideas to Tim Barrett (tim.barrett@state.mn.us).
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T&I Hot Topic Webinars
- Jump online with other Trade and Industry Teachers to learn about current issues in the field. You will need to register for this event to receive the link to attend.
- CTE Licenses: October 21, 2024
- School-Based Enterprise (SBE): October 30, 2024
- Most sessions will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. Additional Topics may be added throughout the year.
You can find more information about training and technical assistance on the Trade and Industry webpage.
Free CNC Training
St. Cloud State University (SCSU) is offering free CNC (computer numerical control) training through America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) January 10-12, 2025.
This three-day training will run Friday, 5-9 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Participants would need to complete some work outside of this timeframe. CNC operations, tool and work offsets, setup and program creation will be the major focus of the weekend.
All participants will leave with a completed air motor and the confidence to teach students CNC machining. Those completing the training have the opportunity to take delivery of a mill to be used in their classroom at no cost, SCSU will deliver, set-up, provide supplies, provide refresher training, and pick up the mill upon completion.
If you are interested or have questions, please contact Mike Sundblad.
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Machine Design Regional Contests
In the spring, the Minnesota State Engineering Center for Excellence hosts a number of regional machine design contests across Minnesota and the region. You can learn more about when those contests are being held, how to register, and what resources are available to middle and high school teachers at their website.
Minnesota Manufacturing Student Video Contest
Students are encouraged to create a video that highlights the importance of manufacturing in Minnesota. Three cash prizes will be awarded to the winning students as determined by the Statewide Tour Video committee. The submission deadline is February 28, 2025. See the full details of the contest, including video topic ideas, best practices, resources, and much more at the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence website.
Construct Tomorrow Plans School Year Events
The Construct Tomorrow program provides students with information about career training and opportunities in the construction industry. The team includes staff members from Apprenticeship Minnesota, apprenticeship coordinators, prime and sub-contractors and local educators. The organizers host events for students to introduce them to opportunities in the construction industry.
You will find more information and updates at the Construct Tomorrow website.
2025 PIM Scholarship Application Available November 2024
The Printing Industry Midwest Education Foundation will soon be accepting applications for 2023–2024 school year. Completed scholarship applications due April 1, 2025. PIM Scholarships are available to students pursuing a 2- or 4-year degree in Graphic Communication related majors.
This includes:
- Press Operation,
- Print Management,
- Graphic Design,
- and other degrees involving print.
The applicant must reside in the state of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota or North Dakota. For more information, visit the PIM website.
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ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge from the Minnesota Zoo
If you are a grade 3-12 teacher looking for ways to engage your students in authentic integrated STEM, join the ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge! Participation is free!
Registered teachers will receive access to a free Zoo training (virtual or in person), design challenge supporting curriculum resources for both in person and digital learning, and ongoing implementation support throughout the school year from Zoo education staff. Deadline to register is Friday, November 15, 2024.
To register, go to the Minnesota Zoo website.
No-Cost Mapping Software for STEM Courses and Programs
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping allows students to collect, visualize, and analyze scientific or engineering data about anything involving location. Whether your students are using robots, probes, or virtual reality (VR) to better understand a topic, GIS mapping can extend your students' understanding. You can find out more about state license agreement at the MDE website.
Win $10K for Your Aviation/Aerospace Education Programs
Nominations are open for a 2025 Trailblazing STEM Educator Award. Challenger Center and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) announced they are accepting nominations for the 2025 Trailblazing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Educator Award. The annual award celebrates K-12 teachers going above and beyond to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators. Nominations can be submitted through December 1, 2024.
Three winners will be honored for enthusiasm and dedication to STEM education. Check the AIAA website for more information.
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Construction Career Scholarships
A great number of Minnesota’s construction-related associations offer scholarships for young people seeking careers in the industry. Check out the Project Build MN website for organizations that are handing out money. Take a look!
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 MDPI Journals - click on the link or use the QR code to access article
DLI Construction Career Resources
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) have updated resources for educators and school counselors to share with students about careers in construction and the skilled trades. We encourage you to use these resources and share them with fellow educators and your students. All of the resources are available on the Trade and Industry page of the Minnesota Department Of Education (MDE) website or the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry website.
Check Out These Additional Career Exploration or Curriculum Resources:
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Want to let folks know about a great project or new program or initiative? Know of a great resource or professional development opportunity you would like to share? Have a burning question that needs answering?
Let me know about it so I can include it in an upcoming newsletter. If you have images that go with the information, please send it along to Tim Barrett (tim.barrett@state.mn.us).
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Professional Organizations:
- International Technology and Engineering Education Association (ITEEA) – Find more information at the ITEEA website.
- Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) – Learn more at the ACTE website.
Minnesota-Based Partner Organizations:
- Midwest Teachers of Transportation and Industrial Areas (MTTIA) – Sign up to join at the MTTIA website.
- Minnesota Technology and Engineering Education Association (MTEEA) – Get more information at the MTEEA website.
- Minnesota chapter of the Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA MN) – Get more information at the CSTA MN website.
- SkillsUSA Minnesota – For more information, visit the Minnesota chapter of SkillsUSA at the SkillsUSA Minnesota website.
- Minnesota Association of Career and Technical Administrators (MACTA) – Check out how MACTA helps support CTE on the MACTA website.
Minnesota State’s Centers of Excellence
Explore the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence.
Labor Market Infographics
This page has links to a number of helpful infographics that provide key data to parents concerning the value of CTE career pathways.
RealTime Talent Minnesota Career & Technical Education Pathway Reports
These labor market reports and corresponding presentations provide future trends in workforce needs by regions of Minnesota.
DEED Regional Labor Market Profiles
Downloadable information about jobs/careers most needed per state region.
Advisory Committee Handbook
This handbook was developed to help build and sustain a strong and active advisory committee.
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