Last month, members of Leadership Oklahoma Class 32 spent the day learning about career and technical education at Moore Norman Technology Center. The visit was part of LOK’s three-day Education/Technology session.

Following breakfast and a presentation by first graders from a Norman elementary school, OK State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister, OK System for Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Glen Johnson, and OK Department of Career and Technical Education Director Dr. Marcie Mack conducted individual breakout sessions for the entire group. The three education leaders then formed a panel for a thirty-minute question and answer session.

The LOK audience posed thoughtful questions ranging from “Why would someone get an education degree if they can get an emergency certification so much easier?” to “What kind of existing programs are geared toward getting girls interested in STEM?”

In the course of the discussion, the panelists emphatically agreed that they work together every day, with K12, CTE and higher ed in constant partnership because they all share the same students and the same families.

Perhaps most impactful part of the day was the opportunity to hear a panel of public high school and career tech students talk about what school meant to them. The widely diverse group spoke candidly about how their unique school experiences shaped their attitudes toward education.   

Following lunch, LOK had a chance to tour MNTC classrooms and speak with instructors and students in biotechnology, a health simulation lab, digital video production, HVAC, and welding.

The LOK group expressed amazement at what they had learned about the outcomes of career and technical education students, particularly commenting on their excellent graduation rate, college attendance, and high-income potential.

Dr. Gregg Garn, dean of the University of Oklahoma’s Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education, presented innovative solutions to the teacher shortage as well as the recruitment and retention of students.

The day at MNTC concluded with a panel of educators representing elementary, secondary and CTE classrooms and a presentation by a group of young entrepreneurs; middle school students who came up with an idea while attending MNTC’s Summer Youth Academy. Their gaming innovation gives kids the ability to play video games from a device on their wrist. The students recently presented their invention in Washington DC.  

Dinner was held in the Peggy V. Helmerich Great Reading Room in the Bizzell Library at the University of Oklahoma. OU President James L. Gallogly welcomed the group and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued a call to action to the group, encouraging them to think about how they can positively influence education in the state of Oklahoma.

Although it was an activity-filled day, the group left feeling energized about the overall state of education in Oklahoma.

For information contact:

Stephanie Royse
Director of Marketing Communications
Moore Norman Technology Center
(405) 801-5131
stephanie.royse@mntc.edu