AFT CTE Educators Honored

The AFT would like to highlight four members who participated as advisers for students who qualified for the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference:

• Linda Daniels is an Ohio Federation of Teacher member and a SkillsUSA adviser from Vanguard Sentinel Career and Technology Centers in Ohio. She was recently recognized as the SkillsUSA Model of Excellence. Her students led an effort to build a project plan and deliver bedframes and mattresses to the homeless or those in need in their community. Her students have consistently been among the top candidates in building maintenance for the last four years, including Alexis Hensley, who earned a bronze medal.

• Jessie Kalloo is a United Federation of Teachers member and a SkillsUSA adviser from Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School in Jamaica, N.Y. As a former SkillsUSA competitor himself, he has viewed integrating the SkillsUSA framework into the curriculum at the school as essential to student success. The school has been recognized as a Gold Distinction Chapter for its student leadership. Seventeen students competed in competitions such as mobile robotics, automotive finishing, photography, interactive game design and cybersecurity. He says, "Helping them build the skills allows students to see a future in career and entrepreneurship." His student Tanav Malhotra competed in a computer programming competition. He says, "This competition allowed me to explore the career field that I see myself going into." He shared that having instructors promote these skills allowed him to succeed. 

• Shon Williams is an Illinois Federation of Teachers member and SkillsUSA adviser, working as a barber instructor at Woodruff Career and Technical Center in Peoria, Ill. As an adviser, he feels that having the drive, zest and passion to teach the trade and give that to students makes it the best opportunity for him to participate. He wants to continue to promote technical equipment that is necessary for students to have all the right tools to succeed. His student Quincy Jones competed in the barbering championships, which included conducting an interview with an industry professional, completing a short cut, and designing a fantasy hairstyle.  

• Jitske Miedema is an Illinois Federation of Teachers member and SkillsUSA adviser who works as a culinary instructor at Woodruff Career and Technical Center. Her background includes working in a Michelin-starred restaurant, and she loves to incorporate SkillsUSA materials into her classroom. She instructs her students to pursue culinary arts as a career pathway but also teaches them life skills to support themselves. She has instructed students in culinary arts, video production and student leadership, which helped them make it to the national championship this year. Her students Bradien Robinson and James Cook are sophomores who participated in a video editing and production design competition, which included creating their own videos to be judged.