Two members from the state’s Department of Education gave a presentation about developing Program Advisory Committees that are aimed at improving Applied Technology Center courses last Thursday.
A Program Advisory Committee, or PAC, is a group, which can include teachers, student alumni and industry leaders who help ATC instructors stay current.
Education Consultant Jennifer Kiley said once a teacher steps away from an industry to teach, they can lose touch with the pulse of the profession.
“The goal of a PAC is to make sure the students are getting an education that’s going to prepare them to go into careers, go into college or whatever it is to make them the most successful,” Kiley said.
Kiley said PACs are developed to advise, assist, and advocate for the teachers and students.
“Each program should be represented,” said John Reitnauer, ConVal’s Applied Technology Center Director.
Reitnauer said he would like to see increased participation from teachers, local industry and parents, although any member of the public is welcome to join.
People who are interested in joining a committee are encouraged to contact Reitnauer at jreitnauer@conval.edu.
The committees are required to meet as a whole a minimum of two times a year. It does not yet have a date planned for its next meeting.
Abby Kessler can be reached at 924-7172, ext. 234.