CITEA January Newsletter

Kathy Worley, current CITEA President

During my 35 year teaching career, I taught Woodshop, Drafting & Design, Small Engines, Technology Explorations, Manufacturing, and Guitar Construction. Like most teachers, I had to fill many roles over the years. I started my teaching career at Mount Miguel High School in the Grossmont Union High School District and finished at West Hills High School. One year, I taught at Valhalla High School period 1 and drove to West Hills for periods 3 through 5.
 

Before teaching, I built pool tables for Olhausen Billiards. They have since moved to Tennessee. After getting my degree in Industrial Arts, there were no teaching jobs, so I went to work for San Diego State University in the Athletics Department. I was an Assistant Athletic Director for Event Management and Facilities.
 

I started out wanting to be a doctor, but organic chemistry and not liking to be around sick people put the kibosh on that plan. I had a high school woodshop teacher who told me in high school I would end up being a woodshop teacher. Always listen to your teachers! Once I changed my major, I loved learning and actually enjoyed my classes.
 

One of my favorite projects/units is our design challenge. Toward the end of the school year, after the students have learned about design, know how to use the machines, etc. they are given a challenge. The students work in teams to come up with solutions that they will present and test in front of school/district administrators and industry team members. The learning that goes on is amazing since the parameters are not really spelled out. The students decide how they will meet the challenge.
 

Fun fact: I am a World Champion Over-the-Line player. I have the ring to prove it.

Safety Tip for January

According to OSHA and many other safety organizations, the few days leading up to an extended amount of time off has the most accidents than other times during the year. What should a school shop do to decrease accidents:
 

1. Consider having a clean-up day (no machine or tool use)

2. Completing a group project that includes research rather than work in the shop.

3. Having an extended safety briefing prior to working in the shop.

Teaching Tip for January

When beginning the school year (as a new or seasoned teacher), always remember that CTE, Skilled Trades, Industrial Tech classes are first and foremost “hands-on.”
 

When I had the opportunity to teach teachers in Africa, I was impressed with a sign in the lobby of the school where I was teaching. The entire school (academic and vocational courses) followed the motto:
 

First, I do
Then, we do
Last, you do.

It follows the mode of the teacher introducing the unit, then taking the students through guided practice. Once the students have mastered the basics, it is important to allow the students to “do” on their own. This encourages students to use their own knowledge, skills, and creativity to solve problems and design solutions.