Northern Illinois University is bolstering efforts to prepare Illinois students for a changing job market through an expanded focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE), officials announced Tuesday.
The NIU Illinois CTE Project, a collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), aims to equip K-12 students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge, according to a statement released by the university. The project envisions a future where all Illinois residents have access to employment that offers both financial stability and a sense of purpose.
“We want to ensure that CTE classrooms across Illinois have high-quality CTE teachers who can connect with, support, and challenge all learners,” said Melina Wright, Interim Director of the NIU IL-CTE Project. Wright, who can be reached at mwright6@niu.edu or 815-753-6864, highlighted the importance of professional development for educators in the field.
The project’s initiatives include providing professional learning opportunities for CTE educators statewide, focusing on Illinois Career Pathways. It similarly involves the creation and modification of instructional materials to enhance access for all students, and efforts to recruit and retain qualified CTE teachers. These efforts are designed to strengthen technical skills, support transitions to both college and employment, and address achievement gaps, according to university materials.
NIU’s involvement extends to hosting the annual ISBE Career Connections Conference, a key event for CTE professionals across the state. Current activities include maintaining a professional learning calendar for 2023-2024 and facilitating a user group focused on ISBE Career Pathways. The project is also producing a YouTube series called “Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads.”
The NIU Illinois CTE Project operates within the Center for P-20 Engagement in Northern Illinois University’s Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development, working in partnership with the CTE and Innovation team at the Illinois State Board of Education. The project supports CTE programs across Illinois, covering a range of industries from agriculture to information technology.
The project’s work aligns with a broader state goal of supporting College and Career Pathways for in-demand industries, according to information available on the ISBE CTE website.
