February is Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month so it’s a great time to recognize the programs that are reshaping how students prepare for life after high school. At Monroe High School, CTE is far more than the trades. It is a key part of how our school prepares students for life after high school, no matter which path they choose. In fact, more than 82 percent of recent Monroe High School graduates are considered to be “CTE Concentrators,” meaning they took more than 3 classes in a single career pathway.

Career & Technical Education at Monroe includes courses in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, business, hospitality and health sciences. When you walk into a CTE classroom at MHS, you’ll see that these courses are not limited to one type of student. Monroe’s CTE programs blend strong academics with hands-on learning, helping students prepare for college, technical education, the workforce, or a combination of all three.

Our CTE programs are aligned with Wisconsin academic standards and reinforce core skills like math, science, communication and critical thinking. What’s different is context. Students don’t just learn concepts, they apply them. 

“When students can connect what they’re learning to real-world situations, it changes how they see school,” said Monroe Principal Jeriamy Jackson. “They understand the ‘why,’ not just the ‘what.’”

Teachers say that connection makes a big difference. When students understand why they’re learning something, they tend to be more engaged. Measuring materials, running projects, or planning a business idea makes lessons feel less abstract and more useful.

CTE is also about keeping options open. Some Monroe students do go straight into the workforce after graduation, and CTE helps them leave school with real, usable skills. Others head to technical colleges or four-year universities. Many will do a mix of school and work along the way. CTE supports all of those paths.

Students often say that CTE helps them figure out what they want to do, as well as what they don’t. That way they can make choices instead of just guessing. Trying different hands-on courses can spark interests, uncover strengths, and help students make better decisions about what comes next.

Relevance is also  important because the world of work continues to change. College remains a valuable option, but it is no longer the only definition of success. At the same time, careers are less linear than they once were. In the modern job market, students will change jobs (and even industries) multiple times over their lifetimes. CTE helps prepare them for that reality by building adaptable skills they can use in any position.

Students enrolled in CTE classes develop strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork skills and confidence. Students learn how to communicate, manage time and think critically. For some students, CTE also provides professional certifications, dual-credit opportunities or career exploration experiences. 

Another big piece of Monroe’s CTE programs is our connection to the local community. Monroe School District works with local employers, technical colleges and community organizations to make sure our classes are up-to-date and  relevant to meet local needs. Those partnerships help students see that there are good career opportunities right here at home and that what they’re learning has real value.

By blending academics with hands-on learning, these programs are showing students that Career & Technical Education isn’t a separate track. It’s part of a well-rounded education, opening doors to careers, additional learning and lifelong success. CTE helps all Monroe High School students graduate with the skills, confidence, and flexibility they need to succeed, whatever path they choose.

As Career & Technical Education Month shines a light on these programs, Monroe’s experience tells a simple story: CTE isn’t just about learning a trade. It’s about learning how to think, how to work with others, and how to be ready for whatever comes after high school.

— Cara Carper is the School District of Monroe Student Occupation and Academic Readiness (SOAR) Coordinator. She can be reached at caracarper@monroe.k12.wi.us.