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From Classroom to Career: How Career and Technical Education is Preparing Students for Life Beyond Graduation

Stories & Spotlights
Career and Technical Education

Every February, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month shines a light on career pathways in education. But for Dara Schultz, a Business CTE teacher at Insight School of Washington (ISWA) the message goes beyond awareness, it’s about changing how we think about preparation for adulthood.   

“CTE isn’t a backup plan,” Mrs. Schultz said. “It’s a launchpad.” 

Why Real-World Skills Matter 

Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Schultz spent more than a decade in the finance industry as Operations Manager and Branch Manager at Wells Fargo. There, she noticed a consistent challenge: many adults entering the workforce lacked practical skills such as budgeting, communication, project management, and marketing. 

That experience now shapes how she teaches. Rather than asking students to memorize concepts for a test, Mrs. Schultz focuses on helping them apply knowledge immediately. The kind of learning that answers the familiar question: “When will I ever use this?” 

In her Business Accounting, Marketing, and Business Management classes, students present ideas, manage budgets, collaborate in teams, and solve real-world problems. The classroom becomes less about theory and more about practice. 

Student Ownership in Action 

Mrs. Schultz also advises ISWA’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter. When she officially launched the program in 2024, she considered connecting students with an existing group. Her students had a different vision: they wanted to build something of their own and include younger students as well. 

“That moment really captured what CTE is all about,” Mrs. Schultz explained. “Students weren’t waiting for opportunities. They were creating them.” 

Students didn’t just prepare for competitions. They learned how to: 

  • Pitch ideas and present professionally 
  • Fundraise and track profits 
  • Promote initiatives through social media 
  • Earn industry-recognized certifications 

Some students even earned the Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate credential; a qualification directly aligned with modern careers. 

Their efforts paid off. ISWA’s middle and high school BPA students were named an Outstanding Chapter in BPA’s 2024–2025 Virtual Events, a recognition earned through months of teamwork, planning, and perseverance. 

Not College or Career: Both 

A common misconception about CTE is that it limits options. Mrs. Schultz sees the opposite every day. Many of her students go to college, and they do so with direction, confidence, and practical experience. Others pursue technical training, entrepreneurship, or enter the workforce with a clear plan. 

“Students who understand communication, finance, and problem-solving arrive prepared,” she said. “They stand out because they already know how learning connects to life.” 

Preparing Students for a Changing Economy 

Mrs. Schultz believes education today must prepare students for a world where careers evolve quickly. Adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking matter just as much as content knowledge. 

“My goal has always been simple,” she shared. “Teach students how to succeed in life.” 

CTE programs do exactly that, bridging the gap between learning and living, giving students purpose and practical tools they will use long after graduation. 

As CTE Month reminds us, preparation for the future requires more than textbooks and tests. With hands-on experiences and leadership opportunities, students gain confidence, direction, and the skills needed to thrive. 

For Mrs. Schultz, the conclusion is clear: Career and Technical Education isn’t a backup plan. It’s a smart one. 

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