As part of National CTE Month in February, we are highlighting educators who work in Career Technical Education in Eastern Oregon school districts.
Meet Patty Olson Lindsey, Career Connection Coordinator for InterMountain ESD.
What school districts do you support? Districts in Umatilla and Morrow counties and the La Grande School District.
What is Career Connected Learning? Career Connected Learning is a framework of career awareness, career exploration, career preparation and career training that is both learner-relevant and directly linked to professional and industry-based expectations.
Can you describe your job? I help teachers develop Career Connected Learning opportunities by providing/developing resources and professional development.
How is your work making a difference for students? I hope that by providing teachers with needed resources they can support their students to engage in and understand the value of the work they are doing in the classroom.
What is something people may not know about your job? I think most people are unaware of what Career Connected Learning is because it’s relatively new language. I don’t think it is a new initiative, but I do think there is a renewed sense of urgency around helping students plan for their future whether it’s directly entering the workforce, obtaining an associate degree, industry certificate or a bachelor’s degree. Our students’ success and the workforce are depending on teachers and administrators prioritizing this work.