RAINSVILLE, ALA – For the third time in the last five years, DeKalb County Technology Center’s hard work to prepare students for college and career readiness was recognized nationally.
At the 2023 Making Schools Work Conference in late July, the Southern Regional Education Board recognized outstanding middle grades schools, high schools, and technology centers that have implemented SREB’s school improvement frameworks and are achieving success in meeting bold goals related to graduation, career readiness and credential attainment and career exploration.
To be considered for this prestigious award, DeKalb County Technology Center had to demonstrate how the school creates a meaningful improvement plan that addresses key school and classroom practices in one or more of the five focus areas developed by the SREB: 1. engaging students through quality instruction 2. aligning curriculum with state readiness standards 3. ensuring that students can explore careers and complete career pathways that align with their interests and aptitudes 4. providing student support that promotes readiness, and 5—creating and supporting cultures of continuous improvement.
This summer, the DeKalb County Technology Center was selected and awarded as 1 of 9 technology centers in the nation for making changes that result in student success pertaining to career exploration through multiple outreach programs for parents and students with business and industry to better understand college and career options for all students. DeKalb County Technology Center partnered with DeKalb County School’s Parental Engagement Specialist, Mrs. Tara Kirby, to offer multiple events throughout the year to promote career exploration with both parents and students in mind, ending with their annual STEM Camp, where they explore multiple career opportunities in our area and region while learning important STEM principles supported by our Work Based Learning Program led by Coordinator Dr. Amy Dyar. Students had the opportunity to meet superhero and CEO Hunter Norwood of A Little Something Extra Ice Cream Truck, allowing him to explain there are career opportunities for everyone with ice cream provided by business and industry partner GH Metals. DeKalb County Career Tech Director Jonathan Phillips stated, “ We are honored that a prestigious organization like Southern Education Regional Board has awarded us their top honor for the third time in the last five years. We are blessed with the best faculty, support staff, and, most importantly, outstanding students here in DeKalb County. It is great and humbling that a national organization with SREB’s reputation recognizes it.”
Superintendent Wayne Lyles stated, “The DeKalb County Technology Center continues to make our DeKalb County Schools very proud! They have had a tremendous year in SKILLS USA competitions at the state and national levels. For SREB to recognize them for the Pacesetter award for the third time in five years is a tremendous honor and puts them in elite company. I want to thank Mr. Jonathan Phillips and Mr. Joey Haymon for their leadership and all the staff for their dedication to make this possible.”