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Technical Education Center expands offerings with new education program

St. Clair TEC has announced a new education program, in addition to its existing 13 career-oriented programs for the 2021-22 school year. The new program is designed to meet St. Clair County high school students’ interests and the local demand for skilled childcare workers.

The two-year program will offer students the opportunity to earn a certificate in one of two areas of study—Early Childhood Education or PreK–12 Education. First-year students will explore careers in education, develop independent learning skills, and job shadow a professional for a day. Second-year students will intern in a local school district, preschool, or childcare setting, working under the supervision of a licensed professional or certified teacher.

“This program will allow students to explore the wide range of careers in education and help them make a knowledgeable decision based on their first-hand experience,” said director of career and technical education Pat Yanik. “Students will complete the program with the skills and credentials they need to enter the workforce or further their education at a 2- or 4-year institution.”

Yanik said the goal is to have the education program become the 8th program offered through the Career and Technical Middle College at St. Clair TEC. The CTMC allows students to pursue career-oriented studies in both the high school and college setting while earning college credit at no cost. CTMC students can earn an associate degree at SC4 through an additional year of study.

“There is a critical shortage of skilled childcare professionals at the national, state, and local levels,” said RESA Superintendent Dr. Kevin Miller. “This program will help meet the need of our local community while providing our students with career opportunities in an industry with long-term growth potential.”

Successful completion of the program will enable students to graduate with job-ready skills, earn college credit, get a head start on a college education, and fill needed jobs.

Forty-eight program slots will be available for the 2021-22 school year. Interested students can enroll through their high school counselor.

About St. Clair TEC

The St. Clair County Technical Education Center (TEC) provides career-oriented programs to high school juniors and seniors. TEC offers program choices to students, on- and off-site. Programs provide students the opportunity to earn high school elective and academic credit, college credit, and state or national certification. More information is available on the TEC website at www.sctec.org