Members of Questar III’s CTE Consultant Committee’s gather for breakfast
Professionals from throughout Rensselaer, Columbia, and Greene Counties came together at Columbia-Greene Educational Center January 27 for Questar III’s annual CTE Consultant Committee Breakfast. Each program has a committee made up of professionals currently working in the field to advise the BOCES on the latest career trends, technology and innovation, and how Questar III can better prepare its students to enter the workforce in their chosen fields. These meetings are also required by the New York State Department of Education to receive program re-certification.
This was the third year of the annual breakfast and meetings. Breakfast was provided by Culinary Arts and Intro to Food Services students at CGEC before the committees broke into their meetings.
“It’s really a symbiotic relationship in that committee members are updating teachers on the latest trends, and at the same time this flow of information also helps to create training for the future workforce of these businesses,” said Joan Rogers, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at CGEC.
Culinary Arts students prepared a variety of pastries, fruits, and hot breakfast items.
CGEC guidance counselor Caitlin Preisner organized the day’s activities and said it’s a great way to give back to the group that gives so much to the BOCES and its students.
“The Consultant Committee Breakfast not only gives us the opportunity to ensure that we are teaching our students the most relevant, up to date information, but it also is a great time for us to thank all of the local businesses and employers for all that they do for our students and for Questar III. The members provide us with their expertise, internship opportunities for our students and guest speakers in the classroom. All of these provide a well-rounded, hands-on educational experience for our students,” Preisner said.
The Media Communications Consultant Committee
Virginia Lupone teaches the Media Communications program located at Catskill High School.
“The Consultant Committee is an invaluable tool. These professionals are working in the careers our students are preparing to enter. They keep the curriculum relevant to each industry’s professional standards and in the case of Media Communications, our consultants do workshops in the classroom and speak directly to the students about essential skills and professionalism. It brings the real world into the classroom and help prepare our students to face the challenges ahead,” Lupone said.
“Good relationships with industry professionals is extremely important. As a Career and Technical High School, we are training the new workforce. We need to be on the same page with local industries and colleges, so together we can help prepare students for the future,” said Rogers.
Questar III would like to again thank all the members of our Consultant Committees who provide such important knowledge to our students through their expertise in their fields.
