CTE class teaches work-place professionalism
At the start of the 2019-2020 school year, SJHS’s business, marketing, and accounting classes changed from being regular classes to CTE classes. CTE stands for career and technical education, and these classes provide a more hands on learning environment.
The administration at St. Joe High School came up with the idea of transitioning theses classes from regular courses to CTE programs. Mrs. Angela Mellott, the SJHS business, finance, and marketing teacher, had to get approval through Berrien RESA and final approval from the state.
“[In Applied Business Technology,] students learn about careers and professional development, entrepreneurship and starting our own business, communication skills, and use various Google and Microsoft Office tools,” Mrs. Mellot said.
These three CTE classes have an advisory board with professionals from local businesses such as Whirlpool, LECO, Honor Credit Union, and more. Along with these businesses, parents and students give recommendations for what should be taught in class based on what would be helpful in the workforce.
photos by sky stockton
“[In the Marketing class] students learn how to price, sell, and promote various products in the marketing atmosphere,” Mrs. Mellott said.
These classes are beneficial for any student who has any interest in business, the marketing that surrounds us everywhere, or learning credits and debits. All three courses provide a fun, hands on learning experience.
“[In Accounting, students] learn how to identify debits and credits, journalize and post entries and then complete the accounting cycle. We also complete payroll taxes and learn about budgeting,” Mrs. Mellott said.
Her classroom is set up with six tables. Each table consists of four chairs for students and at the end of each table there is a big monitor. Here students can plug in their computers and present ideas on the monitors. The tables are made of high board material so students can write with markers on the tables. Along with that, the table can be raised and lowered so students can stand or sit.
“Business class is fun since they are a new way of learning compared to other classes. It’s more hands on and lets you get a feel for life in the real business world,” Bella Finnigan, 12, Applied Business Tech student said.
Any student who is interested in any of the classes can feel free to stop by Mrs. Mellotts room in the language hall, lab 808, and ask any questions regarding the classes.