In an effort to equip students with practical skills and knowledge for the future, Tennessee Middle School has introduced a diverse array of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. These courses, designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, offer a unique opportunity for students to explore various career paths and gain valuable experience in different fields.
A Glimpse into the Future: Course Offerings
- Career Awareness: For sixth grade students to build foundational knowledge of career opportunities through connecting academic aptitude and personal strengths to career success and bring awareness to a variety of careers.
- Career Exploration: For seventh grade students to explore a wide range of career options through engaging in self-reflection and intentional goal setting by using a career assessment tool; analyzing academic strengths and progress; and demonstrating soft skills (e.g., teamwork, self-advocacy, and effective communication), technical skills (e.g., time management and goal creation), and practicing critical skills needed in the workplace.
- Career Advising and Planning: For eighth grade students to help evaluate career options based on the alignment of skill sets, academics, and personality. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will use their knowledge of individual strengths combined with career interests to meaningfully research pathways to postsecondary and work success, including the creation of high school coursework plans.
Within these courses, teachers highlight more specific career pathways such as the following:
Careers in Art: For students inclined towards creativity, this course explores various artistic careers. It delves into practical aspects such as portfolio development, understanding the art market, and networking in the art community.
Careers in Marketing/Business/Entrepreneurship: An overview of Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Finance career clusters to help students prepare for the growing complexities of the business world.
IT/Broadcasting/Production: A hands-on course that introduces students to the world of media production. It covers the basics of video and audio production, editing, and broadcasting, providing a platform for future media enthusiasts.
Podcasting/Digital Media: This course taps into the growing field of digital media. Students learn about podcasting, content creation, and digital marketing, fostering skills in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
STEM: Focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, this course encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. It is a gateway to understanding how these disciplines interconnect in the modern world.
Earning a Step Ahead: High School Credit Courses
TMS goes a step further by offering certain CTE courses for high school credit, allowing students to get an early start on their high school academic journey.
- Business & Marketing: This course provides insights into the world of business, covering topics like marketing strategies, entrepreneurship, and economics. It's a solid foundation for students considering a future in business.
- Computer Science Foundations: A course that introduces the basics of computer programming, algorithmic thinking, and digital literacy. It is essential for students looking to pursue careers in the ever-growing field of technology.
- Health Science: Tailored for aspiring healthcare professionals, this course covers the fundamentals of human anatomy, medical terminology, and healthcare systems. It's a steppingstone for those interested in the medical field.
The CTE courses at TMS represent a significant step towards holistic education, blending academic knowledge with practical skills. By offering a variety of courses, including some for high school credit, the school is not only preparing its students for the challenges of high school but also laying the groundwork for their future careers with over 20 Career & Technical programs of study at Tennessee High School. These courses are more than just classes; they are pathways to opportunities, discovery, and success in the rapidly changing world.