Santa Rita Elementary 5th grade students had the unique opportunity to see future-ready courses available to them in high school through a tour of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes at Central High School and the West Texas Training Center (WTTC) as part of Santa Rita’s annual career day called the CTE World Tour. A new take on elementary career days, the student received a ticket and a passport to explore San Angelo ISD CTE pathways of study ranging from engineering to culinary arts to welding and everything in between. 

“The students had no idea there were a variety of opportunities available to them, and the career day experience they took part in will be one they will never forget,” said Santa Rita Elementary Counselor Kalie Fontenot. “They have not stopped smiling, laughing, discussing, and imagining their futures and what all they saw today since we left. I am blessed to be a part of SAISD and to support College and Career Readiness in our youth!” 

Students rotated between different classrooms at CHS and WTTC, and learned about the pathways of study available to them in high school, career applications through those courses, hands-on experiences of what they would learn when enrolled in those courses and created connections to the application of their current classroom lessons to the career field. 

The CTE World Tour provides opportunities for students to gain career and self-awareness as early as elementary school and promotes the development qualities and characteristics we believe are important for our students to attain in order to be highly-capable and successful throughout their future endeavors. 

SAISD is committed to our mission of engaging all students in a relevant and inspiring education that produces future-ready graduates, and is proud to provide opportunities for our students to experience important future-ready options at an early age. We appreciate our CTE Difference Maker staff members who participated and helped SAISD to provide our students this additional opportunity to pursue their own hopes and dreams.

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About Career and Technical Education

San Angelo ISD is proud of our expansive CTE programs that support student future-readiness with courses providing clear direction to pursue high-demand, post-secondary opportunities, whether that be a college education, joining the military, or entering the workforce. 

At San Angelo ISD, welding is one of the 50 technical dual credit courses offered through the district’s partnership with Howard College. Our CTE courses are taught by Howard College instructors or SAISD employees that are certified adjunct faculty. Students enrolled in our CTE programs can leave high school with:

• valuable technical dual credit, 
• industry-based certifications and licensures,
• participation in resume-building student leadership organizations, and
• the ability to directly enter the workforce. 

At San Angelo ISD, students have the opportunity to participate in Student Leadership Organizations, such as FFA, within our CTE courses. San Angelo ISD is proud to provide relevant and inspiring course opportunities through CTE which produce future-ready graduates and the ability for our students to follow their individual hopes and dreams.