What is CTE (Career Technical Education)?
Career and Technical Education classes are a new and improved version of the vocational courses of the past. CTE old reputation as being an alternative for those who are not interested in college no longer holds true. Over 85% of students in the state of Tennessee take at least 1 or more CTE courses during their high school career. Research has revealed that many students on university paths who plan on going to college take CTE courses in preparation for higher learning.

Are CTE classes required core curriculum classes?
No, these classes offer students extra credit choices that involve engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Subjects are organized into clusters so students can take up to 3 or 4 years of extra credit classes in one area of interest. These courses prepare students for real jobs after graduation or can be used as credit towards community and specialty colleges in Tennessee. At LHS we are working hard to build partnerships with the business community to introduce our students to the economic oppurtunities in Loudon County

What is a concentrator?
A concentrator is someone who has indicated that they want to specialize in one CTE subject and as a result they take all of the classes related to that subject. Your teacher will compile a special file of your work in the program. Your status as a concentrator is reported to the Tenn. State Dept. of Education.

How does CTE fit into my Academics?
Many students take a CTE class in addition to other required extra credit classes like art and music. CTE classes are not a substitute for the 1 required fine art credit in the University Path. However, it is possible to follow a University Path and take a cluster of CTE classes in one subject too.

How can I get help figuring out what CTE course might be right for me?
Take the KUDER assessement survey first.at www.kuder.com. KUDER gives you feedback on what you might be good at as a future career. Next, see a guidance counselor. The CTE dept. has a specially appointed guidance counselor, Melanie Shepherd, who specializes in CTE planning. Ask your regular guidance counselor or a CTE teacher to arrange an appointment or email Ms. Shepherd yourself at this address shepherdm@loudoncounty.org

What is a cluster?
A cluster is a series of 3 or 4 classes related to one subject. For example if you are interested in being a welder you would take all of the classes related to welding. You must take at least 3 hours or more of related classes to qualify as a concentrator in that subject.

What do you do in CTE classes?
You will learn about welding, machining metal, automobile repair, web page design, animation and film production, restraunt style food preparation, graphic design for the print industry, leadership skills, professional digital photography skills, crime scene forensics, agricultural science, home building, nursing and other health care skills, sewing, early child care provider to name a few.

Do CTE classes count towards college credit?
Yes, several CTE courses count as credit at Tennessee Colleges. For example, if you concentrate in Graphic Arts and accumlate at least 3 or more class hours they are accepted as credit at community colleges like Pellissippi State, Roane State as well as the O'More College of Art and Design in Franklin which offers a 4 year bachelors degree program.

Can I get a job in the summer that will count as CTE class credit?
Yes. The CTE department is currently working on partnering with businesses to offer job shadowing experiences and summer work/study programs for school credit. Ask our CTE counselor or your CTE teacher if something is available in your area of study.

Can I take CTE classes and still go to college?
Yes. Times have changed. Some CTE students choose not to go to college and CTE teachers are there to help plan for that future, however the majority of CTE students go to college.