Preparing Students for Life Beyond Graduation and Building Career Confidence at Insight School of Washington 

At Insight School of Washington (ISWA), students don’t just study for tests; they prepare for real-world success. Through the school’s robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, middle and high school students gain hands-on experience, industry knowledge, and professional certifications that open doors to future careers in fields like healthcare, business, and information technology. 

“Career and Technical Education allow our students to explore their interests while developing the practical skills and confidence they’ll need after graduation,” says Jenn Chevalier, ISWA’s dedicated CTE Administrator. “We want them to graduate with a plan and a purpose.” 

The Four Pathways to Career Success 

ISWA’s CTE program offers multiple pathways that guide students from the classroom to meaningful careers. Educators design each pathway to align with growing industries and real-world opportunities in Washington and beyond.

• Healthcare Careers – Students explore medical terminology, anatomy, and health systems while developing foundational knowledge for roles in patient care, nursing, or medical technology. 

• Business & Marketing – Courses introduce entrepreneurship, finance, and digital marketing fundamentals, helping students learn how organizations grow and thrive. 

• Information Technology (IT) – From coding to cybersecurity, this pathway equips students with technical skills that prepare them for high-demand, tech-driven fields. 

• Community Health & Public Service – This growing pathway allows students to explore community health systems and service-oriented careers that make a difference in people’s lives. 

“These four areas give our students multiple entry points,” explains Mrs. Chevalier. “Some discover new passions, while others confirm what they want to pursue long-term. The goal is always to help them see that their education has purpose.” 

How the CTE Program Works 

ISWA’s CTE program is more than a set of electives; it’s a bridge between education and employment. Each course is taught by instructors with real-world experience and specialized CTE endorsements known as V-Codes, which qualify them to teach specific vocational subjects. 

“Our CTE teachers bring both classroom expertise and industry backgrounds,” says Mrs. Chevalier. “That combination is powerful as it means students are learning from professionals who’ve actually worked in the fields they’re teaching.” 

ISWA’s balanced approach enables creative hiring when unique expertise is required. For example, professionals with bachelor’s degrees in business or technical fields can qualify for conditional certification through the district and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), ensuring students always have access to instructors with the most relevant experience. 

Meet the CTE Team 

Behind every successful program is a team of passionate educators. ISWA’s CTE instructors represent a diverse mix of industry experts from healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs to software developers and marketing specialists, all united by a common goal: to prepare students for the future. 

“Our teachers are deeply invested in their students’ success,” says Mrs. Chevalier. “They see potential everywhere and they’re willing to go above and beyond to help each student reach it.” 

Hands-On Learning: Pre-Apprenticeships and Partnerships 

ISWA’s CTE program doesn’t stop at the virtual classroom. The school continues to expand hands-on opportunities, including partnerships with organizations such as Washington Community Health and regional pre-apprenticeship programs in water management and other technical trades. 

These programs give students the chance to earn real certifications and work alongside industry professionals, bridging the gap between academic learning and on-the-job experience. “When students can apply what they’ve learned in a professional setting, that’s where the magic happens,” says Mrs. Chevalier. 

A Future-Ready Education 

As ISWA continues to grow its CTE offerings, the vision remains clear: empower students to explore their interests, gain real-world skills, and graduate ready to take the next step toward college or career. 

“CTE gives our students direction and confidence,” Mrs. Chevalier adds. “They’re not just learning about the world, they’re preparing to shape it.”

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