“Finding and Hiring High Quality CTE Teachers” Kevin E. Rice, Assistant Director Brad Elwood, Supervisor of CTE Central Westmoreland Career & Technology Center New Stanton, Pennsylvania

Session Format Introduction of topic Introduction of topic An overview of CWCTC practices An overview of CWCTC practices Small group activity: Best practices from other CTC’s Small group activity: Best practices from other CTC’s Whole group share Whole group share Wrap up discussion Wrap up discussion

“Experts” in the hiring process?

Session Objectives Increased awareness of effective hiring practices in CTE Increased awareness of effective hiring practices in CTE Enhanced strategies related to human resource process Enhanced strategies related to human resource process Ultimately…….. Ultimately……..

Through sharing our collective best practices in hiring: We can all be “Experts”

Importance of Hiring Process ISLLC Standards ISLLC Standards Ethical Obligation to Stakeholders Ethical Obligation to Stakeholders Building Culture Building Culture CTE Reform Initiatives CTE Reform Initiatives Demands of the Job Demands of the Job Administrative Investment Administrative Investment

CWCTC Snapshot Located near Turnpike in New Stanton, PA Located near Turnpike in New Stanton, PA Established in 1963 Established in 1963 Ten participating districts Ten participating districts Average Enrollment: 1,143 students Average Enrollment: 1,143 students 23 Approved CTE Programs 23 Approved CTE Programs Total faculty size: 38 Total faculty size: 38 Other Content: Mathematics, Health/PE* Other Content: Mathematics, Health/PE* Cohort 1 TAP School Cohort 1 TAP School

Realities at Central Westmoreland CTC Leadership change in July 2008 Leadership change in July 2008 From August 2002-present there has been a 42% turnover of CTE Faculty From August 2002-present there has been a 42% turnover of CTE Faculty Math Program being eliminated Math Program being eliminated Health/PE Program being implemented Health/PE Program being implemented Enrollment decreased 5% from Enrollment decreased 5% from Early stages of renovation began in 2009 Early stages of renovation began in 2009

Hiring Issues From August 2004-August 2008 we had a 27% turnover of CTE Faculty From August 2004-August 2008 we had a 27% turnover of CTE Faculty In July 2008 new administration expected additional CTE Faculty turnover In July 2008 new administration expected additional CTE Faculty turnover Historically, applicant pool for CTE Faculty positions was small. An average search would produce 5-6 candidates Historically, applicant pool for CTE Faculty positions was small. An average search would produce 5-6 candidates

What could be done to address these concerns????

Root Causes Narrow approach to seeking applicants Narrow approach to seeking applicants Language used in posting CTE teaching positions too technical/specific Language used in posting CTE teaching positions too technical/specific Expectation to quickly fill positions Expectation to quickly fill positions Established norms and school culture resisted changing practices Established norms and school culture resisted changing practices

Approach to seeking applicants Reliance on using a known individual to fill positions: Reliance on using a known individual to fill positions: Adult Evening Instructor Adult Evening Instructor OAC member OAC member Other Contact Other Contact Dates and Placement of Advertisement Dates and Placement of Advertisement

Language used in posting CTE teaching positions April 2005 HVAC Instructor- Central Westmoreland Career & Technology Center is seeking a qualified PDE certified HVAC instructor for the school year. Must have Vocational I or II Certificate in Heating, Air Conditioning (HVAC). Candidates should submit a standard PA application, resume, and Act 34 & 151 clearances to…………………. July 2007 Computer Programming Instructor- Central Westmoreland Career & Technology Center is seeking a qualified PDE certified Computer Programming Instructor for the school year. Must have Vocational I or Instructional I in Computer Information Science or similar certification. Candidates should submit a standard PA application, resume, and Act 34, 151, & 114 clearances to………………….

New Language used in posting CTE teaching positions ATTENTION WAREHOUSE & MATERIALS HANDLING PROFESSIONALS: Interested in a Career Change? The Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center has a position for a Materials Handling Teacher - available December 5, We will assist the selected candidate in obtaining the proper certification once hired. Qualifications include minimum of five years experience in Warehousing/Materials Handling Field, a desire to work with high school age students, and good organizational and communication skills. Knowledge of UPS Tracking System is also preferred. To apply, send a letter of interest, resume, and at least three references to: PAINTERS/WALL COVERING PROFESSIONALS: Interested in a Career Change? Ever thought about becoming a TEACHER? CWCTC has an anticipated opening in August 2009 for a Residential and Commercial Painting/Wall Covering professional to teach high school students. We assist the selected candidate to obtain proper clearances and certification. Qualifications: five years experience in Painting/Wall Covering Field, a desire to work with high school students, good organization & communication skills. Experience in education a plus. To apply, send a letter of interest, resume, and at least three references to:

Other Strategies Used in Hiring Process Standardized Interview Questions Standardized Interview Questions The development of a quantitative scoring system The development of a quantitative scoring system Numeric Ranking of Candidates Numeric Ranking of Candidates Second Interviews Second Interviews

Results Applicants went from 5-6 for a CTE faculty position to an average of 30 per posting. Applicants went from 5-6 for a CTE faculty position to an average of 30 per posting. The quality of applicants increased in terms of experience and education. The quality of applicants increased in terms of experience and education. New hired teachers that advanced at a faster pace in learning their role. New hired teachers that advanced at a faster pace in learning their role.

Group Activity 1: Break up into four (4) different groups Break up into four (4) different groups On the front of an index card write a sample advertisement for a CTE teaching position. On the front of an index card write a sample advertisement for a CTE teaching position. On the back, brainstorm with each other, and write down possible ideas to solicit candidates. On the back, brainstorm with each other, and write down possible ideas to solicit candidates.

Group Activity 2: Use the “many fishing lines in the pond” activity sheet to complete the following: use one (1) activity sheet per item. Brainstorm with your peers to identify topics (write on the “fishing line”) to help you assess the goal written in the circle (“pond”). Use the “many fishing lines in the pond” activity sheet to complete the following: use one (1) activity sheet per item. Brainstorm with your peers to identify topics (write on the “fishing line”) to help you assess the goal written in the circle (“pond”). Sheet 1 is titled: Background and Experience Sheet 1 is titled: Background and Experience Sheet 2 is titled: Interview Questions Sheet 2 is titled: Interview Questions Sheet 3 is titled: Personal Characteristics Sheet 3 is titled: Personal Characteristics Sheet 4 is titled: Other items Sheet 4 is titled: Other items

Thank you for attending If you have questions stop up and see us. Or