NMC, PSS, and NMTech Collaborate on Career and Technical Education Professional Development Training

Understanding the demands educators face continuously by federal and state mandates, the Public School System (PSS) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program conducted professional development training in partnership with the School of Education via the Community Development Institute (CDI) of the Northern Marianas College (NMC) to improve the knowledge and skills of educators needed to address students’ learning challenges. 

The skills acquired through the two-day training engaged teachers of PSS and the Northern Marianas Technical Institute (NMTech) to learn more about learners’ needs inclusive of student mental, emotional, physical health; creating an engaging and innovative learning environment transforming their teaching methodology to herald an interactive and robust class culture as well as utilizing technology to foster a meaningful learning.

The PSS Career and Technical Education Program in partnership with NMC and NMTech hope to continue to collaborate on professional development and training for our educators in the field of CTE and the Trades. Collaboration is key in ensuring there is a seamless connection for our career pathways from PSS to the postsecondary, and then, industry sectors. 

“It is more important now than ever for our teachers to develop best practices for delivering engaging and sustainable blended learning environments,” said Dr. Jessica Taylor, PSS-CTE Program Director. “The COVID-19 pandemic altered our everyday lives, and it is critical that we, as educators, adapt and adjust so our students are provided the best opportunities possible to continue to grow and thrive in this new era. Students First for all our students!”

Peter Aldan, a participant and an art teacher at Kagman High school, said that there was a lot of insightful information presented at the seminar.

“I really appreciated the information presented by Dr. Solomon,” Aldan said. “I believe every educator should be aware of those stats. It is a step in the right direction for our children and people.” I will definitely look for every opportunity to incorporate a student's culture into our art lessons. I will also try some of the virtual sites mentioned by Mrs. Masiwemai. Partnerships and collaborations like this are essential for the professional growth of our community. I really appreciate PSS CTE and NMC CDI coming together and addressing the needs of our students while working together to seek solutions.”

Presenters included NMC’s School of Education director Roland Merar, and faculty members: Dr. Beylul Solomon, Ph.D, Resida Keller, Rosaline Cepeda, and Charlene Masiwemai.

“The partnership between NMC and PSS and NMTI continues to grow stronger. We also continue to reach out to other public and private entities to help them with their training needs,” CDI Director MariaValentina Haberman said.

“NMC’s Community Development Institute provides training and educational programs that can build the technical and soft skills of our local workforce.” Haberman said. “Our professional training activities are tailored to meet each client’s needs. Our large network of specialists, with varying professional and technical backgrounds, are ready to take your team to the next level. So think, CDI for professional development.”

For more information about professional training seminars offered, email the Community Development Institute, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.marianas.edu.