In response to the growing demand for skilled educators in career and technical education, Winona State University will launch an innovative new Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in fall 2024.
Developed in collaboration with Minnesota State College Southeast, along with industry experts and educational leaders across the state, this comprehensive 2+2 program provides future educators with a deep understanding of both pedagogy and technical subject matter to ensure they are prepared to inspire and empower the next generation of workforce-ready students.
“We recognize the critical role CTE educators play in preparing students for success in today’s competitive job market,” said Peter Johnson, Assistant Professor of Career and Technical Education at Winona State. “Our program is designed to meet the unique needs of CTE teachers and will provide aspiring teachers with the specialized knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to excel in this dynamic field.”
In 2021, the Minnesota State Legislature allocated $400,000 for the technical education training program at Winona State and MSC Southeast. Program pathways for teacher experience in Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation have already been developed at MSC Southeast, and Lake Superior College, Saint Paul College and Northwest Technical College are in the process of developing pathways that transfer to Winona State.
“Our partnerships continue to grow across the state and region,” said Kenneth Janz, Winona State University President. “We are working together to establish a new approach to elevating career and technical education in Minnesota and increasing learner access to high-quality career and technical programs.”
In addition to partnerships with community and technical colleges, Winona State is working with industry partners to provide aspiring teachers with trade and industry-specific job training while in college. These employers will offer apprenticeships and internships to provide future teachers with hands-on knowledge, skills, and experience.
“Our faculty have designed a CTE program that prepares teacher candidates for the complex and exciting challenges in the growing field of Career and Technical Education,” said Scott Sorvaag, Dean of the College of Education at Winona State. “This initiative aligns fully with our collaborative efforts in our College of Education to assure prepared, professional, and innovative teachers for a changing world. The CTE program complements the promise of our Education Village to be a national model for the preparation of teachers, counselors, coaches, and leaders.”
Key features of the Winona State CTE teacher preparation program include:
- Specialized Curriculum: Our Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board state-approved curriculum blends coursework in education theory and practice with specialized training in CTE subject areas such as engineering, healthcare, information technology, and more.
- Hands-On Experience: Students will have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience through internships, practicum placements, and collaborative projects with industry partners and community college partnerships.
- Dedicated Faculty: Our experienced faculty members are experts in their respective fields and are committed to providing personalized support and mentorship to every student.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: By partnering with community colleges, such as MSC Southeast, our 2+2 designed program provides students access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including cutting-edge technology labs, simulated workplace environments, and industry-standard equipment.
- Career Development Support: We offer comprehensive career development support services, including resume building, interview preparation, and networking opportunities with employers in the field of CTE.
“Winona State is a leading institution dedicated to excellence in education and workforce development,” said Johnson. “Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. With a focus on Career and Technical Education, we are committed to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals and industry leaders.”
Learn more about the Bachelor of Teaching in Career and Technical Education (CTE) online. Applications for the Winona CTE Teacher Preparation program are now open, with classes set to begin in fall 2024. Prospective students are encouraged to visit winona.edu for more information and to apply online.
About Winona State University
Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a regional public university and the oldest member of the Minnesota State system. With campuses in both Winona and Rochester, Winona State offers more than 200 majors and programs in five colleges: Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Science & Engineering.
More than half of WSU’s 6,000-plus students are Minnesota residents, and the university also hosts international students from 42 countries. Winona State University’s mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural, and economic vitality of the people and communities we serve: a community of learners improving our world.
For more information, visit winona.edu.
