Note from the Director's Desk
It is hard to believe we've already seen the first quarter of the school year come to a close. Students at GTC have moved passed the required safety training in their programs of study and have been hard at work in the labs learning valuable skills. As we transition into the month of November, SkillsUSA and HOSA events will start to ramp up where our students have an opportunity to showcase their talents and leadership skills. Additionally, we'll begin hosting sophomore tours for our sending schools and introducing the many benefits of Career Education available to them as we look to transition to Table Rock Career Center next fall.
Mr. Brian Moler
Director- Gibson Tech
Early Childhood Career Receives Grant
When Early Childhood Careers Instructor Caitlin Sullivan applied for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Early Childhood Careers Grant, she did not know what to expect. Shortly after applying she received notification that not only did she get the grant, but it was worth an astonishing $25 thousand dollars. This grant has been a game changer for this program as they transition into the newly renovated Reeds Spring Primary School.
It did not take long to put together a list of items to purchase with the funds from this grant. She was able to update the technology for all students. She was able to purchase a new set of textbooks for the second-year students. Mrs. Sullivan was also able to purchase various learning materials for her students to help prepare them for the following certifications: AAFCS Pre-Professional Certification in Early Childhood Education, ParaPro Test, National Child Development Associate, First Aid, and CPR.
Most of the students in the ECC program complete their practicums in the infant through pre-kindergarten classrooms at the Early Childhood Center. With this grant, she was able to purchase instructional aids to support sensory and social skills for students in these classrooms. One of the most interesting learning aids purchased with the funds from this grant was the Reality Works Baby Simulator. These experiential learning tools provide real-life, hands-on learning opportunities that address skills needed for students entering this career path. The Reality Works simulators provide hands-on experience with all babies including children with a wide variety of physical and developmental disabilities.
According to Mrs. Sullivan this grant, “Allows the Early Childhood Careers program to continue to grow with the resources needed to help prepare students to meet the demands of this ever-changing industry.”
GTC October Morning Professional of the Month
A shout-out to Forsyth High School Senior Gabbie Green-Beck for being recognized as the GTC Professional of the Month from our morning block. Gabbie loves how her program of study is fun and engaging. This passion is one of the reasons she is having so much success working in the two and three year old classrooms in her practicum. In addition to being successful in her program, she is the Vice President of the GTC SkillsUSA chapter and a student advisor. Mrs. Sullivan is impressed with how she is “Determined to learn and get the most out of her GTC experience.” Gabbie is looking forward to attending OTC to prepare for a career as a kindergarten teacher.
Thanks to Tracy Carver-American Family Insurance Agency for her continued support of our GTC Professionals of the Month!
GTC October Afternoon Professional of the Month
Congratulations to Reeds Spring High School Senior Kadyn Bilberry for being named the October Professional of the Month from our afternoon block. Kadyn is excelling in the Early Childhood Careers program where she is completing her practicum in the Early Childhood Special Education Room. According to Mrs. Sullivan, "Her strong work ethic is what helps her standout amongst her peers." She truly appreciates the hands-on experience she is receiving as she prepares to go to the University of Missouri or Arkansas State University to earn a degree in Special Education.
Thanks to Tracy Carver-American Family Insurance Agency for her continued support of our GTC Professionals of the Month!
GTC October Staff Members of the Month
Congratulations to the October GTC Staff Members of the Month.
Congratulations to our Early Childhood Careers Instructor Caitlin Sullivan for being named the October GTC Teacher of the Month. One of her students had this to say about her, “She is someone who has helped me follow my dreams to the fullest and she will keep making a difference in students until the end of time because she is so amazing and such a great and wonderful teacher!”
Our Employee of the Month is our custodian Michael Burke. A member of the GTC staff had this to say about how much he is appreciated, “Mr. Burke is a wonderful custodian who really takes ownership of making the building look great. His attention to detail and how genuinely cares is why our building looks so great. He always has a smile on his face and a cleaning device in his hand.”
Alumni Spotlight: Morgan (Essary) Crabtree
Gibson Technical Center is proud to feature 2018 Reeds Spring High School graduate Morgan (Essary) Crabtree for our Alumni Spotlight. Morgan was one of the first students who completed the Early Childhood Careers program which debuted in 2016. She is also one of the first students from this program to become a teacher. Sherry Dodson was the instructor during the infancy of the Early Childhood Careers program also had the privilege of being Morgan’s preschool teacher when she was a little girl. It was during those years when Mrs. Dodson knew Morgan was destined for a career in education. Like Mrs. Dodson, Morgan knew from an early age she would be a teacher. When she and her childhood friends played school, she always played the role of teacher.
Morgan was a leader in her time at Reeds Spring High School. She was a member of student council and HYPE (Helping Younger Peers Excel). In her GTC practicum she spent most of her time working with kindergarten and first grade students. She graduated from Southwest Baptist University with a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in early childhood and a degree in Children’s Ministry. She began her career in education as a kindergarten teacher at Crane Elementary while finishing her studies at SBU. Morgan currently works as a kindergarten teacher in the Mascoutah School District in Illinois. The best part about choosing a career in education is the lasting relationships she has with all of her students. She is looking forward to watching them as they continue to work their way up through the ranks of elementary school.
As Morgan reflects on her time at Gibson Tech she was truly inspired by Mrs. Dodson who always greeted every student with a smile and inspired everyone to make a difference in the world. Morgan always appreciated how GTC was a place students wanted to go because many of these students have a plan for life after high school. She has the following advice for students considering going to the new Table Rock Career Center in the fall of 2024, “If you want to explore a career there is nothing to lose and everything to gain by learning skills one will have for the rest of his/her life.”
RS Works Fall Intern Showcase
Ariah Brandsma
Physical Therapy Intern
“This internship has exposed me to several areas within the physical therapy industry. Lindsey Hejlek has shown me how to properly communicate with patients, and also how to encourage them. I didn’t expect to learn so much about how to treat patients so they have a positive mindset possible throughout their recovery. I have also learned there is a lot of documentation involved with physical therapy. This internship has allowed me to see what a Physical Therapist does behind the scenes, which you don’t get to see when you are a patient.”
GTC Welcomes Eric Hicks to the Staff
RS Works Fall Intern Showcase
Katie Goss
Teacher Intern
“My internship has been amazing! From day one I've enjoyed it and I'm already learning so many new things. Not only am I getting to make connections with students, but I am also learning valuable skills that I'll need for any career path. I'm also getting the chance to apply the knowledge I'm being taught in my Early Childhood Careers program in a real-world setting. I'm not viewed as just another student but as a coworker. This is what makes it different from just being an A+ Tutor.”
RS Works Fall Intern Showcase
Zack Preston
Real Estate Intern
“I have learned in this internship that there is more than just doing an open house and trying to sell a house. There is a lot of paperwork and you are always working. It takes a team to be successful. I definitely find this career interesting and I feel like I can be successful in this industry.”
Simmons Bank Donates to Table Rock Career Center
The Simmons First Foundation awarded the Table Rock Career Center a $10,000 Community Enhancement Grant on September 22.
"This generous donation from Simmons Bank shows its commitment to education and our community," said Reeds Spring Superintendent Dr. Cody Hirschi.
We look forward to putting this donation to work when TRCC opens its doors to students and staff next school year.
RS Works Fall Intern Showcase
Sebastian Michaud
Legal Intern
“I have had a lot of fun at my internship and I've learned a lot about law. The main thing that I focus on is making subpoenas and redacting evidence documents for the attorneys in the office. I also shadow Mr. Selby in court and take notes about what's going on and I’ve unexpectedly learned how to make a trial book. This internship has given me a very good understanding of the legal profession. One thing that has stood out is how horrible the world can be.”
What's Cookin' in Culinary Arts?
Culinary Arts is a two year program for juniors and seniors. Over the course of the two years the students will be getting a “taste” of the hospitality industry. Students gain experience in both savory (cooking) and baking. Students spend time in the classroom learning the science and art behind cooking and then go to the kitchen to gain hands-on experience. In addition to all of the work in the kitchen, students learn how to price out items and how to calculate costs and menu prices. There is also an emphasis on learning life skills like interviewing and other career readiness skills industry is expecting for people who enter this career path. Our program has articulated credit agreements with several colleges that will allow students college credit for what they learned at GTC.
Students started out the year learning about safety and sanitation because this protects everyone in the culinary industry from the people who enjoy a great meal to all who are involved in preparing it. Most recently students have been working on learning different cooking methods and soups and stocks. This year we have had over 20 students who have already earned his/her ServSafe Managers Certification. Finally, students are getting ready for the holiday season and will be preparing many pies and turkeys for individual customers and various community events.
Focus on Automotive Technology
Things have been busy for the students and instructors in the Automotive Technology program. There are 74 students enrolled in this program of study and the labs have been busy with great opportunities for teaching and learning through hands-on experience working on customer vehicles.
In Mr. Lasiter’s Automotive Technology I sections students have passed all of the safety tests and have familiarized themselves with the shop and all of the equipment that makes this classroom a state-of-the-art lab. Students have been hard at work doing oil changes, servicing brakes, replacing tires and other routine maintenance. As they complete these services, they have also been working on their customer service skills. For the second year in a row, Auto Tech I students are teaming up with a local Legend League race team providing tire services for area racing events.
Mr. Sears’ Automotive Technology II students have been busy preparing cars and trucks for the cold months ahead. Additionally, the students have been training on the new Pro-Cut B17 Brake Bench Lathe. Now students can turn rotors and drums faster than ever. Mr. Sears and his students have also taken on an impressive project. They are mechanically restoring a 1951 Ford F2 flatbed truck that will be used as a promotional vehicle for parades and other community events for a local customer.
In addition to learning skills students will be able to use for the rest of their lives, all students who complete this two-year program of study have an opportunity to earn up to five student Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications and 16 articulated credits that can be used in postsecondary institutions in Missouri that offer degrees or certificates in automotive technology.
Staff Spotlight: Tom Sears
Gibson Technical Center is thrilled to spotlight our Automotive Technology II instructor Mr. Tom Sears. Mr. Sears is beginning his 12th year as an instructor at GTC. When he began his tenure at GTC he brought 14 years of experience in education and ten years of industry experience to the classroom. Mr. Sears graduated from Bellevue University with a degree in Business Management and also earned an associate’s degree in Auto Technology from Southeast Community College.
Mr. Sears began his professional career as a technician at Ford and Chrysler dealerships in Nebraska City, Nebraska. After ten years as a technician he began to transition into a career in education. He began working at Farragut High School in Iowa as a long-term substitute for the auto shop teacher who was out for an extended absence. Who would have known that this temporary position would lead to 26 years in education? He spent four years teaching at Farragut High School and spent the next ten years as the Automotive Technology instructor at Iowa Western Community College.
In 2012 his love of the lake and fishing brought him to Gibson Technical Center. In his time at GTC the Automotive Technology class has grown tremendously. His shop is filled with state-of-the-art equipment and students who are excited about learning skills they will use for the rest of his/her lives. Over 300 customer cars are serviced in the Automotive Technology Lab each school year. He appreciates working with a staff of educators who are like-minded and always act in the best interest of all students.
What's Happen' in Construction Technology
The Construction Technology program is off to a great start this school year. We have a great group of students who are not afraid to work hard and learn while they do it. We just broke ground on the lot where we’ll begin building our next home. Students began the school year completing the necessary safety training for hand and power tools all of which are used on a regular basis. The students have also been hard at work completing the OSHA 10 Construction Course with 35 of 38 already earning this important Industry Recognized Credential. The first year students have been compiling the necessary seat time on our fork lift in order to earn this additional certification.
The students have been putting their construction math to the test in actual field conditions. It’s great to see the ‘light’ go on when these young adults see the practicality of what they are learning in class that will eventually transition to what they will be doing when we are in the process of building our next house.
The students took a field trip to the construction site for the new Table Rock Career Center being built next to Reeds Spring High School. Thanks to Alex Estes amd Kelly Gardenhire, construction superintendents for Dewitt & Associates and to Mr. Steve Verheyen, Reeds Spring Schools’ Director of Operations, for taking the time out of their day serving as tour guides for the students.
Students in this program of study have an opportunity to earn up to nine articulated credits which can be used at various postsecondary institutions in Missouri that offer degrees or certificates in the construction industry.
GTC November Morning Professional of the Month
Congratulations to Culinary Arts student and Branson High School Senior Devin Ruden for being named the October Professional of the Month from our morning block. Devin serves as GTC student advisor and has been exhibiting great leadership in the classroom and in the kitchen. He loves studying the art of cooking. Upon graduation he is looking forward to pursuing a career in real estate.
Thanks to Tracy Carver-American Family Insurance Agency for her continued support of our GTC Professionals of the Month!
GTC November Afternoon Professional of the Month
Congratulations to Reeds Spring High School senior Amelia Wickline for being named the GTC October Professional of the Month from our afternoon block. Amelia loves learning all aspects of the restaurant business in the Culinary Arts program. In addition to exceling in her program of study she is a SkillsUSA officer and an A+ Tutor. She is looking forward to attending OTC in fall and pursuing a career in the culinary industry.
Thanks to Tracy Carver-American Family Insurance Agency for her continued support of our GTC Professionals of the Month!
Trunk or Treat
Students and staff from GTC greeted over 1,300 Trunk or Treaters at the 15th Annual Trunk or Treat at Reeds Spring High School. $975 was collected and donated to the Reeds Spring Food Pantry. Thanks to Health Technology Instructor Tammy Parrish, Early Childhood Careers Instructor Caitlin Sullivan and the following Reeds Spring students who decorated the GTC Haunted Trailer and passed out hundreds pieces of candy: Hope Osborn, Desirae Hulse, and Aaliyah Smith.
Did You Know?
CTE courses are offered in 444 (of 567) Missouri school districts at local high schools. In 2019, there were 126,843 secondary students in Missouri that participated in career and technical education. This equates to roughly one in two public high school students participating in some form of CTE based on the total number of students in Missouri’s public high schools. Of the students participating, 27,983 were classified as Career and Technical Concentrators (these are students who earned one or more credits in a department-approved career education program area) and 50% were enrolled in STEM-related fields. Furthermore, 9,055 Missouri high school students received an Industry-Recognized Credential (IRC) in 2019 as part of their completion. These IRCs are industry certifications often sought by employers when seeking new applicants for open positions.
Source: Prime Center--Saint Louis University
Gibson Technical Center
Reeds Spring, Missouri 65737
Email: bmoler@wolves.k12.mo.us
Website: https://www.rs-wolves.com/o/gtc
Phone: (417) 272-3271
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gibsontechnicalcenter
Twitter: @gibson_tech
