Josh Flory 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Great Educators

Educator Prep Program Trains Second-Career Teachers

Griffin Vann has been a registered pediatric nurse for 21 years, and last fall began teaching at Fulton High School as part of the Educator Preparation Program. Vann said that as a mother of young children, she wanted to be on their schedule, and that she has always loved working with kids. 

On a recent morning, 18 people from a variety of career fields – including auto repair, construction, nursing, and culinary arts – gathered in a South Knoxville classroom.

While their professional backgrounds varied widely, their goal was the same: Learning to be an effective teacher.

The attendees were part of the KCS Educator Preparation Program (EPP), which trains industry professionals to be teachers, and provides financial incentives to help them receive certification.

The goal is to not only cast a wide net in identifying and recruiting outstanding educators, but also to find non-traditional candidates with expertise in career fields that are in high demand among employers.

A good example is Griffin Vann, who has been a registered nurse for 21 years and last fall began teaching health science, medical therapeutics, and nursing education at Fulton High School.

Vann said that as a mother of young children, she wanted to be on their schedule, and that she has always loved working with kids. As part of the Educator Prep Program, she works as a teacher at Fulton, while attending several after-hours classes each semester. During the summer, her cohort also attends a week of intensive training.

Vann said the program has been challenging, and helped her realize how hard teachers work.

“There’s a lot of organization behind the scenes that you don’t think about when you just go sit in a class,” she said. “When I was in school, I had no idea how much behind-the-scenes work goes into a lecture or a lab or a class session … This is teaching you how to do that, so that when I stand up in front of a classroom I am confident and organized and I know what I’m doing.”

The EPP training sessions are designed to help participants sharpen skills that they’re already using in the classroom, and gain insights from their peers.

During a recent session at the Sarah Simpson Center, instructor Ulla Carr – the district’s EPP supervisor – asked about the best way to re-engage students who have been working in small groups. The attendees joked about bad ideas – an air horn, for example – while also discussing serious strategies, such as a raised hand or short clap that would prompt students to respond with a similar action.

At the end of the discussion, participants took several minutes to journal on laptops, answering discussion questions about issues and challenges related to problem-based learning.

Carr said participants in the KCS program join the district – or work for other school districts – using a practitioner occupational license, but after three years they move to a regular professional license.

The KCS program is less expensive than many traditional college programs, and teachers who work for the district for three years are reimbursed for the full cost – which not only benefits the participants, but helps KCS meet its retention goals.

Carr said the program is also aligned with the district’s 865 Academies initiative, which aims to prepare high school students for enrolling in college or trade school, enlisting in service to their country, or finding high-wage employment immediately after high school.

Whether a student is interested in a college-bound pathway such as Information Technology or STEM, or a career pathway such as automotive repair or cosmetology, Carr said teachers with industry experience can help instill a sense of passion for that field.

Moving from an industry position to the classroom is also an investment in the broader community. Lauren Longmire, director of regional enhancement for the Knoxville Chamber, said the EPP is an important way that Knox County is taking tangible steps to retain and prepare the future workforce.

“By providing a high-quality, low-cost training option, the KCS EPP is making it possible for professionals to leverage their industry experience in a K-12 setting,” Longmire said. “At a time when the nature of work is shifting, it’s exciting to see the school system find new and dynamic ways to invest in both our current workforce and future workforce.”

Rob Stivers, market executive of Regions Bank and the Knoxville Chamber’s vice chair of talent, said the 865 Academies are the future of secondary schools within KCS, adding that “I’m excited to see that KCS has a program to help people translate their industry experience to catalyze the impact of the 865 Academies.”

Jess Sherrod worked in the manufacturing industry for more than 20 years, and now teaches welding at Carter High, as part of the school’s advanced manufacturing pathway.

At Carter High School, one educator who is leveraging that hard-earned experience is Jess Sherrod, who teaches welding as part of the school’s advanced manufacturing pathway.

Sherrod worked in industry for more than 20 years, eventually becoming a certified welding inspector and working in management positions at facilities in Jefferson City and Morristown. 

He said it’s difficult to find good employees with the necessary skills for success – showing up on time, using tools like a tape measure efficiently, and working respectfully with colleagues “even in situations where it’s not really that calm.”

But Sherrod also has been impressed by the leadership qualities of students he’s worked with in the classroom, and is excited about helping give them a foundation for success. 

“When given the chance and the opportunity and the understanding, these kids will take the lead, most of them will,” he said.

Interested in moving from an industry position into the classroom? The KCS Educator Preparation Program is accepting applications, and candidates who enroll by July 21 can participate in the 2023-24 cohort. For more information, visit our website.

 

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Success

So-Kno Robo Goes To Worlds

So-Kno Robo at the 2023 Smoky Mountains Regional competition that qualified them for Worlds.

So-Kno Robo, South-Doyle High School’s robotics team, returned from the FIRST Robotics Competition in Houston with a winning robot and an energized perspective to encourage STEM in South Knoxville.

Often referred to as “Worlds,” the FIRST Robotics Competition welcomes over 600 teams from across the globe to compete in a robotics game.

FIRST releases the game guidelines to the participating teams in January, and the teams have until mid-March to design and build their robots before regional competitions begin.

This year, the game called for the robots to move cones from the floor onto poles and inflatable cubes onto wooden boxes. Several teams crafted robots with arms or elevators to lift and place the game pieces, but So-Kno Robo thought outside the box. 

“What we figured out really early is that we could be really consistent if we launch it,” said engineering teacher and So-Kno Robo sponsor Kathleen DeVinney.

This spark of ingenuity led the team to win the Creativity Award in their division at Worlds and a nickname around the competition: the Cube Experts. 

 

While the team performed well at the competition, DeVinney’s favorite moment of the trip had nothing to do with robots.

“They have this block party and seeing the kids have so much fun with kids from a completely different team from across the country was a moment like, it’s more than just robots,” she said. “It’s the connections that these kids get to build with these other people that they’ve never met before that are just like them.”

DeVinney hopes that the success of the team invigorates the students and the South Knoxville community around robotics and STEM.

So-Kno Robo has been involved with nearby schools to mentor their LEGO Leagues, an international robotics group for elementary and middle school students. They also attend the schools’ STEM nights to show off their robots to create interest in robotics. The involvement and exposure at an early age will prepare them for robotics when they enter high school, DeVinney said.

She also believes more students at South-Doyle will be inspired by their peers and find an interest in robotics. 

“We have a lot of diverse kids here, so this gives them the opportunity that they maybe never would’ve had to get them excited for STEM and engineering and wanting to keep going with it,” DeVinney said.

Watch videos of their FIRST Robotics Competition matches and more information on their season here.

 

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Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Success

Farragut High Mock Trial Competes At State Once Again

Photo: Tennessee Bar Association

Another competitive season has come to a close in the district, as Farragut High School’s Mock Trial team placed tenth at the state competition last month. 

Samantha Garner, a senior and the Mock Trial captain, led the team to several state and district competitions during her time at FHS.

Her passion for Mock Trial began years ago when she was in 5th grade, and her brother participated with his high school team. Ever since she watched him compete, she has been looking forward to her chance to plead her case to the court. 

Mock Trial is organized by the Tennessee Bar Association, which creates a unique case every year with different scenarios, witnesses, and experts. The team hosts auditions in November when the case is released to place its members into their roles.

“We take people who are interested in public speaking, law, acting, theater, forensics, and criminal justice. Just so many different people,” Garner said.

Garner, who is interested in becoming a lawyer in the future, was placed as the District Attorney and met with her team over the next few months to discuss the details of the case.

“It’s so cool because you get so close to your teammates over Mock Trial season. You get to work with your teammates over developing your character,” she said. “We get very passionate, so you’re like, should I cry on the stand? Or should I scream, ‘It was her!’ and point to her dramatically?” 

Senior and FHS Team MVP Rani Patel joined the team last year to support her friend, Garner, in rebuilding their team. 

She said she initially had no interest in law, but once she joined, “I absolutely fell in love with it. That’s actually one of the reasons that I want to go into law. Mock Trial has been an eye-opener for me.”

Farragut’s team is sponsored by teacher Christopher Hampton and is coached by two practicing lawyers, Wesley Eke and Jeff Arms. These lawyers teach the students the legalities of the courtroom and different necessary procedures and help them form their arguments for the competitions. 

As the seniors prepare to pass their team on to the next group of Admirals, they know this season is not their last with Mock Trial, as they hope to one day return as coaches for a new generation of Mock Trial competitors.

KCS Hall Pass 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Success

Belew Pharmacy Helps Students Explore Medical Field

Dr. David Belew’s parents bought their pharmacy in the 1960’s, and Belew Pharmacy is a staple of the North Knoxville community. David Belew – now the president of the chain – said some patients have been coming to it for more than four decades.

“I have people that will still come in and say, ‘I remember the day you were born,’” he said.

Those deep roots in the community have also led the company to partner with two KCS schools – Fulton High and Hardin Valley Academy – to offer students work-based learning opportunities.

Belew said the relationship began five or six years ago with Fulton’s health science program, and that one of those students is still working for Belew as their marketing director.

“It’s more than shadowing, because we do get them involved to any extent we can,” he said. “I want them to see everything that pharmacy can offer … From technicians to marketing to going on and advancing your education and getting a professional pharmacy degree.”

Nathan Fawver is a senior at Hardin Valley who is part of the school’s pharmacy pathway. He is hoping to become a physician, but his work as an intern at Belew has prepared him to take a pharmacy technician certification exam later this year.

Fawver said he has worked closely with Dr. Jamie Price, the pharmacy manager at Belew’s Broadway store, and has seen her establish relationships with the store’s customers. 

“Whenever Jamie gets a medication, she always likes to quiz me on them,” he added. “So that kind of helps me learn about all the different medications.”

The KCS 865 Academies initiative aims to foster partnerships between local industries and district high schools, including opportunities for job shadowing and career exposure.

If your business is interested in getting involved, please visit knoxschools.org/academies for more information.

David Belew said the partnership has provided him with a new perspective on the business, including student insights about topics like social media: “By and large it’s unbelievably positive.”

 

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Success

HVA Junior Earns Full Scholarship To Study In Taiwan

A Hardin Valley Academy junior will be living in Taiwan this summer thanks to a full scholarship through the U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative (NSLI). 

Samson Brown has been taking Chinese language courses at HVA since his freshman year. Now in AP Chinese, he hopes this immersive experience will strengthen his Mandarin.

“That is a very crucial part of language learning,” Brown said. “If you have the opportunity to experience an immersion experience like that, it’ll really improve your language skills.”

He will take four hours of language classes and one hour of culture class a day at the Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages in Gushan. 

After class, he looks forward to eating the local food, as Asian cuisine has been a longtime favorite of Brown and his father. 

While he will be living in on-campus housing during the week, he will stay with a host family during his time in Taiwan.

“I can’t wait to be part of a host family, and maybe have a little sibling from across the world,” he said.

Brown was encouraged by HVA Chinese teacher Dr. Frank Chen to apply. While he knew the competition would be fierce among the other applicants, he said he had help with the application from a friend and role model, HVA salutatorian and NSLI alumni Eli Johnson. 

Brown initially became interested in learning languages because of his grandparent’s history of travel. 

“They traveled almost everywhere, all over the world. I always was fascinated by it,” he said. “I might have seen learning a language as a gateway to traveling and exploring. If I want to continue pursuing this in my career, traveling is probably part of it.”

This experience will open many doors for Brown. If he enjoys this summer’s study-abroad trip, he might consider a full academic year in Taiwan through NSLI before enrolling in the military or a college. Following his education, he hopes to become a diplomat.

“Definitely going to be a lot of traveling in my future,” Brown said. “I’m not going to stay in one place.”

Brown’s piece of advice for other students: “Shoot your shot because I didn’t know I was going to get this scholarship, and what do you know? I got it.”

 

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Success

ROTC Student Prepares For The Future With Drone License

Photo Credit: John Valentine

As drones are increasingly utilized across various industries – including real estate, agriculture, construction, security, and the military – students are preparing for the future with the help of Central High School’s ROTC program. 

One cadet, sophomore Brodie Hackworth, took an instant interest in flying drones, and has even earned his Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

The test is comparable to a driver’s test, according to Hackworth, with a knowledge-based section that focuses on airspace rules and regulations, weather, and aerodynamics, and an aeronautical section which requires flying the drone. 

As a certified drone pilot, Hackworth has been able to work with local Realtors to take photos and videos of their listings from the sky.

“I could take that and work for Realtors or commercial tower inspectors, inspecting radio towers, or even agricultural fields,” he said. 

Hackwork is also a member of the CHS drone team, which competes against other schools in the area. Central hosted a competition last weekend that included an obstacle course and a relay race. Bearden High School competed with two teams against Central’s three teams. 

Photo Credit: John Valentine

“We’ve been training for the past few months to get ready for this competition,” he said. Hackworth and his teammate won the competition. 

Central’s ROTC instructor Russell Bazemore introduced drones to the program in the spring of last year as a way to draw more students to participate in ROTC.

“We’ve had pretty good interest in it. I think kids are naturally drawn to this kind of technology,” Bazemore said. “We’ve tried to advertise that we will help them get the FAA drone pilot’s license, which is what Brodie got not too long ago. I think it’s helped bring in some kids.”

Bazemore believes learning this technology early on in his career will help Hackworth, whether he pursues his dream of attending the Naval Academy or decides to use his skills in the public sector. 

“I think it will look fantastic on his resume because people know how much discipline it takes to pass this test, especially with someone so young,” Bazemore said. “I think Brodie has aspirations to be a naval aviator, and this is a great first step. He’s exposed to aviation terms and weather. He’s one step ahead already.”

 

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Success

CMA Students Earn Associate Degree Before Diploma

Career Magnet Academy students signed a Credit Wall earlier this week to highlight a great achievement–earning college credit in high school through Pellissippi State Community College.

CMA’s mission is for every student to graduate with a “diploma plus.” Diploma-plus graduates receive not only a high school diploma, but also earn an associate degree or industry certification. 

The class of 2023 will have over a third of its graduates receiving a diploma plus, and CMA counselor Ann Orpurt is proud of their dedication.

“This senior class is special. Since freshmen year, they came in ready to work, thinking ahead about college classes and what it took to get there,” Orpurt said. “They are competitive, smart, and funny. They are also kind and determined. I will miss them terribly.”

Students can begin taking courses through Pellissippi State as early as their sophomore year. Around 150 underclassmen were able to add their names to the Credit Wall during the celebrations on Wednesday and Thursday.

Senior Jenna Hays will graduate with her associate degree in general education and plans to enroll at the University of Tennessee to major in psychology. 

“I actually decided in fifth grade that I wanted to go here. I just thought it was really cool that I could work toward my associate degree as I’m in high school,” Hays said. “Career Magnet Academy has been an amazing school, and I’ve appreciated all four years of it.”CMA will host an Open House on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m. for any interested families. Visit knoxschools.org/careermagnet to learn more.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Community Partners

Knox County Leaders Embark On 70% x 2024 Goal

Knox County leaders have launched a new initiative to increase the percentage of high school graduates who go on to college or trade school.

The 70% x 2024 effort was unveiled at a panel discussion on Monday, which included leaders from Knox County Schools, the University of Tennessee, Pellissippi State Community College, the Knoxville Chamber, TNAchieves and ProjectGRAD. 

The initiative strives to increase the percentage of Knox County graduates who attend college to 70 percent by 2024. Knox County has seen a decrease in the college-going rate in recent years, dropping to 59 percent in 2021 from 67 percent in 2015. 

That decline has also drawn the attention of elected officials, including Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, who attended Monday’s kickoff. 

“Education and workforce development are two of the main pillars in supporting the idea this community creates opportunities for everyone to thrive in an engaged and vibrant community,” Jacobs said.

By attending a high-quality technical, two-year, or four-year college, Knox County students will be better prepared for their futures. 

According to research from Georgetown University, an estimated 70 percent of jobs in 2030 will require some form of postsecondary education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates who earn a postsecondary degree could earn approximately a quarter of a million dollars more in their lifetime than if they did not attend college.

While the 70% x 2024 threshold is an ambitious goal, leaders who attended the event said they believe it is attainable and will make a lasting impact on the future of Knox County and its students. Read more about this project here.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Supports

Career-Themed Academies Revealed For First Cohort Of The 865 Academies

Photo Credit: John Valentine

The first cohort of The 865 Academies revealed their new career-themed Academies at a celebration hosted by Central High School on Thursday.

The 865 Academies initiative launched in the fall of 2022, and is designed to transform the high school experience in Knox County. The goal is for every KCS graduate to be prepared for enrolling in postsecondary studies; enlisting in service to their country; or finding employment in a high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand profession, with an entrepreneurial mindset.

By establishing career-themed academies, the initiative will create small learning communities within larger schools, allowing students to participate in career exploration activities and take a deep dive into areas of interest while also building strong connections with teachers and other students.

“We’ve got to prepare students, and school systems are uniquely positioned to do that,” said Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk. “Our job is to have students prepared for when they graduate.”

The celebration was attended by community leaders and industry partners, including Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, who said 865Ready graduates will ultimately benefit Knox County and East Tennessee. 

“This is just wonderful to see a really intentional, strategic effort to in some ways customize the student experience,” Jacobs said. “They get the tools and the skills that they need to excel in areas that they’re either naturally drawn to or things that they love.”

Gordon Heins, the president and chairman of the A.G. Heins Company, said industry partnerships positively impact both organizations and students. By working together, KCS students are provided valuable opportunities for work-based learning and career exploration.

“As an employer, we want students to come to us looking for good-paying jobs, and that they’re prepared, and they have the tools,” he said.

Central High School is in the first cohort of The 865 Academies, and Principal Dr. Andrew Brown said student performance in Algebra I has improved, while discipline referrals are down.”

Brown credited Freshman Seminar, a new class that focuses on helping 9th-graders identify interests, aptitudes and professional skills, adding that “we are already beginning to see great results out of that work.

CHS senior Justus Hayes was involved in the early stages of launching the Academies initiative, and is also an entrepreneur. He started his own business, Blended Clothing, and during the ceremony presented shirts to several local leaders. 

“Entrepreneurship is a very important thing to me. I love creating, and bringing new apparel and things to our generation,” Hayes said. “It has been my honor to help build and show my support for something that will impact our current and future generations.”

Student Ambassadors from each school presented their new Academies alongside their principals. Below are the Academies for the first cohort.

 

Carter High School and South-Doyle High School will be joining The 865 Academies as the second cohort in the fall.

For more information on The 865 Academies, visit knoxschools.org/academies.

Josh Flory 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Success

Apprenticeship Jump-Starts A Career For CHS Student

After taking Maintenance and Light Repair classes at Central High, Jaxon Alford earned an apprenticeship at North Knox Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Jaxon Alford has always enjoyed working with cars, and the guidance of a teacher at Central High School has given him a head start on a career in the automotive industry.

Alford is a senior at Central, but during his sophomore year he enrolled in Maintenance and Light Repair, the first in a series of classes taught by Tracy Kelly.

Alford said the class helped sharpen his skills in auto repair, and he enjoyed the chance to work with his hands.

“It’s pretty rewarding when you find a problem, take it apart and get it back together and it’s running perfect,” he said.

But Alford’s repair work isn’t just for school credit. Central had an existing partnership with North Knox Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, which offers apprenticeships to talented students. Alford began working at the dealership’s service department a year ago, and has already obtained his Level 1 certification as a technician.

Josh DeHart, of North Knox Chrysler, said Alford is “the model candidate” for the apprenticeship program, and that he will be equipped to work as a full-time technician when he graduates from high school.

He is also on track to achieve additional certifications from Chrysler, which will provide skills that are in high demand throughout the industry.

DeHart said the apprenticeship has been beneficial for the dealership, not only because of the quality of Alford’s work but also because students bring a different perspective to the shop.

“He asks a lot of questions, he’s very inquisitive,” said DeHart. “So it changes the way our managers and supervisors present things because he’s asking questions … It’s definitely caused us to look at how we’re doing things and how do we attract students like him to get into this business?”

The partnership also reflects The 865 Academies initiative, which was launched by Knox County Schools last year and will create career-themed academies in district high schools. The goal is to prepare students for success after high school, whether that means enrolling in college or trade school, enlisting in service to their country, or finding employment in a high-wage career with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Next week, eight schools in the initiative’s first cohort – including Central – will announce the academies to be offered in the coming years.

Alford said it has made a big difference to learn from a teacher who had previous experience in the automotive industry, and who enjoys sharing that knowledge – “I don’t think I could ask for a better instructor.”