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Tech Prep Consortia Advisory Council

The primary purpose of the Tech Prep Career Pathways Advisory Council is to provide “real-world” connections that strengthen technical programs in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas. Advisory Council members meet 3-4 times per year to evaluate program curriculum, advise on the integration of academic, business and industry standards within technical programs, and review state and national standards to assess technical facilities and equipment. Members are a diversified group, with representation from business & industry and the educational community that provide professional guidance, leadership assistance to students, and participate in public relations and classroom activities.

Download Consortia Advisory Council Brochure (PDF)

Advisory Council Goals

  • Provide “real-world” connections that strengthen career and technical programs in the Virginia Western Tech Prep Consortium and business area communities.
  • Adequately train young people to make a direct impact on the 21st Century workforce.
  • Evaluate program curriculum and advise on integration of academics and industry standards within technical courses.

Educating young people for technical professions requires the cooperative efforts of schools and the learning community, both academic & economic. It is vastly important that education and industry work as a team!

Working together helps

  • Match industry expectations with classroom instruction.
  • Identify future professions and occupational trends.
  • Validate the labor market and forecast projections.
  • Provide “real-world” learning experiences for students.
  • Offer student job shadowing, mentoring, internship, and employment opportunities.

Instructional Technology

Technology Education encompasses an integrated experience-based instructional program designed to prepare students to be knowledgeable about technology...it’s evolution, systems, utilization, and social and cultural significance. Students are challenged to discover, create, solve problems, and construct solutions by using a variety of tools, machines, and computer systems.

Advisory Council Members

Mia Webb Fittz
Chairperson
Coordinator of Tech Prep Career Pathway Programs
VA Western Community College

Jim Poythress
Academic Dean
Division of Business, Engineering and Technology
VA Western Community College

Lisa Barnett
Coordinator of Career & Technical Education
Botetourt County Public Schools

Sarah Baumgardner
Coordinator of Environmental Communications
Western Virginia Water Authority

Dr. Kathryn Beard
Coordinator of Career & Technical Education
Roanoke County Public Schools

Dan Bowman
Principal - Director of Career & Technical Education
Craig County Public Schools

Dr. Mark Church
Director of Career & Technical Education
Franklin County Public Schools

Kathy Duncan
Principal of Roanoke Technology Center (RoTEC)
Roanoke City Public Schools

Katherine Elam
President
Junior Achievement of Southwest VA

Loretta Hall
Educational Consultant
Carilion Health System

Curtis Hicks
Director of Instruction
Salem City Schools

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