As part of National CTE Month in February, IMESD is highlighting educators who work in Career Technical Education in Eastern Oregon school districts.
Meet Kaden Clark, Hospitality/Tourism & Foods Teacher at Pendleton High School in the Pendleton School District.
What do you teach? I teach basic culinary skills to advanced culinary practices, the importance of cultural diversity, the basic principles of opening and running a business and much more within the hospitality and tourism industry. Students leave my class feeling comfortable in a kitchen setting and having a new-found perspective on cultural differences and their positive effect on the world.
What is your school’s CTE focus for the 23-24 school year? Our focus is to give students the greatest opportunity for work-based learning practices and advancement in their future careers early on. Our CTE staff is working to offer opportunities many students have never had the chance to participate in before. A huge part of this is having such a great community that is constantly willing to support PHS students and their goals to work in CTE-related fields.
How is CTE work in your school making a difference for students? The two greatest attributes I believe CTE students are benefiting from are work ethic and confidence. Our programs offer opportunities for students to leave the ever-growing mobile world and work hands on and face to face with other people. I see a growing number of my CTE students willing to meet new people, promote our program and engage with community partners because they are becoming more confident through CTE coursework. Putting students into the CTE environment we have created has increased their work ethic ten-fold. It has been an amazing experience to work side by side with these students on some really cool projects this past year, and I cannot wait to see what they are able to achieve in the future.
What is something people may not know about CTE in schools? We have some of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals leading these programs, and the most caring people I have ever worked alongside. We are dedicated to working with community partners to give students greater opportunities and are always willing to partner with other CTE programs to give students a chance to learn and engage in CTE-related activities/events. A huge part of our success is due to the amazing CTE staff and Administration who care about the future of their students and CTE.