Championing Career Technical Education for the 21st Century
As a strong advocate for student success, Teri Rocco is committed to ensuring that every student in the Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) has access to a diverse range of educational opportunities. Teri supports the expansion of Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, which provide modern-day pathways to skilled trades, crafts, and college alternatives. These programs help students develop practical, in-demand skills for the real world, empowering them to choose the future that best fits their interests and goals.
Revitalizing Shop Classes for the Modern Era
In the past, traditional shop classes were a key component of many students’ education, offering hands-on training in various trades. While these programs have evolved, Teri believes in the importance of keeping practical skills at the forefront of education. CTE programs have replaced the old shop classes, providing students with access to cutting-edge technology and hands-on experiences that prepare them for high-demand careers in trades, crafts, and technical fields.
By advocating for the expansion of CTE, Teri aims to give students the chance to gain valuable skills that meet the demands of today’s workforce, ensuring they can thrive regardless of the path they choose after high school.
GGUSD CTE: Preparing Students for Success
GGUSD’s CTE programs offer students real-world knowledge, skills, and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, dual-enrollment credits, and hands-on learning experiences, including internships. Teri Rocco champions these programs because they provide essential options for students who seek alternatives to traditional four-year college degrees.
Whether a student chooses to attend a university, pursue a trade apprenticeship, or enter the workforce, GGUSD’s CTE programs prepare them for success. As Teri sees it, creating more pathways through CTE means ensuring that every student has the tools they need to build a promising future.
Expanding Career Pathways in GGUSD
Teri is proud of the CTE programs that GGUSD currently offers, which include diverse fields such as:
- Automotive Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Criminal Justice
- Graphic Design
- Engineering Design
- Healthcare (Patient Care, Mental & Behavioral Health)
- Culinary & Hospitality
- Business Management
And many more
These programs not only provide students with hands-on learning but also align with Orange County’s labor market priorities, ensuring that students are prepared for in-demand jobs in their local communities.
The Benefits of CTE: Why Teri Supports Expansion
Teri Rocco believes that the CTE programs benefit students in countless ways, including:
- Gaining practical skills and confidence for career exploration.
- Accessing specialized classes, internships, and networking opportunities.
- Earning valuable industry certifications and dual-enrollment credits.
- Competing in prestigious local, state, and national competitions.
- Connecting academic knowledge with real-world application.
As Teri advocates for the continued growth of these programs, she aims to ensure that every GGUSD student has the opportunity to explore diverse career paths and gain the skills they need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world.
A Vision for the Future
Teri Rocco’s vision for GGUSD includes creating more opportunities for students to enter the skilled trades and technical fields that are critical to the 21st-century economy. By expanding CTE programs and creating more pathways for students, Teri is dedicated to making sure that all students, regardless of their background or interests, have the tools to succeed.
Whether students aspire to enter the workforce directly, pursue a trade apprenticeship, or continue their education at a community college or university, Teri will continue to fight for programs that make these opportunities a reality.
