"When the students are working in hands on situations, it is very fulfilling to see the "light bulb" go off, as they make connections to what they learn in the classroom to what they are doing."

Nancy Metz

NOCTI’s Teacher Spotlight is focused on Nancy Metz, Child Development teacher at Chesterfield Technical Center in Virginia.

What do you like best about being a CTE teacher?

I really enjoy teaching a CTE class because the students can make an immediate connection to what has happened in their lives and education and how to improve it for future generations. When the students are working in hands on situations, it is very fulfilling to see the "light bulb" go off, as they make connections to what they learn in the classroom to what they are doing.

My students have experienced many of the frustrations and challenges younger students face and they are able to provide workable solutions to help the younger children overcome their obstacles. It is easy to push my students to use the higher level thinking skills because they are constantly being forced to evaluate what they have done and come up with new ideas based on their previous results.

How does Nancy Metz assist students to be successful in their program?

As a first year Child Development teacher, veteran Technical Communication teacher, Nancy Metz took on the challenge of preparing her students for a NOCTI assessment. In addition to teaching the curriculum and overseeing 40 students in an elementary internship position, she embraced NOCTI testing as a way to determine the success of her students’ learning. Mrs. Metz has continued the practice of students engaging in hands-on activities with school age children for about 90 hours during the school year. This allows the students real world practice, applying the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. In addition, Mrs. Metz is able to observe her students directly working with the elementary students. Following the daily interaction with the elementary students, the Child Development students write daily in a journal about their experiences. The journal entries allow Mrs. Metz to review student progress and advise accordingly. Mrs. Metz provides written suggestions, advice or encouragement to challenge each student to improve his/her skills in dealing with and teaching elementary students.

Click here to learn more about Chesterfield Technical Center.