BEMIDJI — Over 40 construction and technology education teachers from across northwest Minnesota participated in a professional development conference on Oct. 10 at the Eagle’s Club in Bemidji.
According to a release, the conference showcased top tool manufacturers and retail distributors as they demonstrated emerging technologies designed for industry that could be used in a classroom to introduce and practice skills in carpentry, manufacturing, metal fabrication, agriculture and more.
The conference was hosted by Elaine Hoffman, director of the North Country Vocational Cooperative Center in Bemidji; and Tom Leuthner, director of the Pine to Prairie Cooperative located in Red Lake Falls.
“Employers who provide services in trades and industry are looking for quality employees who have the drive and aptitude, creativity and mechanical skills, to fill their ranks and to expand their business,” Hoffman said. “We have dedicated teachers and talented students in our area schools and it is critical to support these CTE programs. We do this by providing the tools and professional development to give the teachers what they need.”
Several awards were given to outstanding partners and teachers working with secondary students in the trade industry. Gabe Baudeck of ACME Tools was named Industry Partner of the Year for providing customer support and assisting with the acquisition of supplies and tools for participating schools.
Contributed
Kelliher School’s Amy Mastin was recognized for
her work in developing a meat processing program
where students learn to raise, butcher and market beef.
Dustin Wroolie of Nevis received an award for developing and leading a first-of-its-kind secondary program where students attained their industrial boiler operator licenses.
Soren Olesen from the Roseau School District won CTE Teacher of the Year for his commitment to student success while the Ambassador Award was given to Brad Thompson, of Tri-County School District in Karlstad, for his engagement in CTE professional development.
Jesse Frost and Matt Wendland were each awarded the Student Program Coach of the Year for their leadership and organization within the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference where they spend significant time and effort beyond their duties as CTE teachers in the Cass Lake-Bena School District.
The conference was made possible by the Minnesota Service Cooperative CTE State Legislative Grant through the Northwest Service Cooperative. This grant supports career and technical education at the secondary level throughout Minnesota.