2 min read August 2023 — Carla Lovett, executive director at SouthTech Schools, sat for an interview with Invest: where she talked about alternative pathways, such as apprenticeship programs, to address the teacher labor shortage, the role that charter schools play in Palm Beach County’s educational sector and the importance of incorporating AI into school curriculums.
What are your top objectives for this upcoming school year and how are you preparing for them?
Our main objectives for the upcoming school year are centered around our theme of ‘inspired to learn, lead, and succeed.’ We want everyone on our campuses, both students and adults, to focus on the importance of their studies and being leaders in both our educational community and the larger community. It’s a priority for us to plan and implement initiatives related to these themes.
Additionally, like all schools, we are focused on solidifying our enrollment, and ensuring that all students are ready to return to school. We also have a few open positions to fill, and while it’s fortunate that we don’t have a tremendous number of vacancies, it’s crucial for us to find the best instructional staff for our students.
What is the state of Palm Beach County’s educational space and how do charter schools fit into this picture?
Palm Beach County offers numerous opportunities for students, with a variety of educational approaches available. As the executive director of a charter school myself, I strongly believe in school choice, allowing every student and family to find the best fit for their needs. Whether it’s a charter school or not, having options is essential, and the county excels in providing diverse educational opportunities for young people, making it one of its greatest strengths.
Over the past year, schools in Palm Beach County, like many in Florida and beyond, experienced changes due to the pandemic’s impact on education. The flexibility and different approaches that charter schools offered during the pandemic attracted increased enrollment. Moreover, recent legislation has expanded the voucher program in Florida, making more young people eligible for vouchers to attend private schools. This shift has led both traditional public schools and charter schools to reconsider their enrollment strategies, anticipating potential shifts in student populations.
Which of your programs have experienced growth in demand and what is driving this demand?
Over the past few years, several academies have caught the attention of our students due to their potential for future career opportunities. One such program is our Automotive Technology Academy, which boasts strong teacher expertise, and excellent sponsorships and partnerships, leading to numerous certifications and job opportunities for our students upon completion. Additionally, our Information Technology Academy is also increasingly popular due to the high demand for skilled professionals in the IT field, especially in areas like cybersecurity. The growing interest in this industry has contributed to the program’s success.
Cosmetology is another highly sought-after program at our school, as there are limited options for high-school students in Palm Beach County in this area. Many young people are intrigued by the world of cosmetology, ensuring this program consistently is in high demand.
Similarly, our Culinary Arts program has been impressive, featuring exceptional instructors and top-notch facilities. Although there has been a decline in enrollment in culinary arts programs across the county, we were able to bolster our program by introducing a pre-culinary academy at our Middle School. This initiative generated significant interest among our middle schoolers, translating into increased enrollment in our high school culinary arts program.
What partnerships do you have with the local business community and how does that help provide the most in-demand workforce skills?
Many skills are in high demand. Our biggest partnerships are in the automotive technology programs. Technical careers, especially automotive technology, had been facing a shortage of qualified personnel even before the pandemic. Post-pandemic, this struggle has intensified, making it challenging to find skilled employees for dealerships and independent repair shops.
Our school has formed strong partnerships, with Ed Morse Automotive being our primary supporter. They provide extensive resources, internships, job shadowing and employment opportunities for our students. Additionally, we have collaborated with several other businesses in this field, all of whom generously volunteer their time and support to invest in the future of young people.
I believe it’s essential for all organizations and businesses to understand the significance of investing in the future by collaborating with nearby high schools and technical centers. By contributing to the educational experience of young individuals, these businesses can help cultivate a pool of qualified and competent employees ready to fill the job openings they have.
How has SouthTech been navigating the labor shortage and what strategies have you been using to retain or recruit new talent?
The teacher shortage is a significant concern not only in Palm Beach County but also nationwide. As educators, we’re brainstorming creative ways to recruit strong staff and address this alarming issue. At SouthTech, we treat our teachers as professionals, granting them flexibility within the classroom to meet standards, offering excellent mentoring opportunities for professional growth and providing the best benefits to retain our current staff.
In our efforts to diversify the teacher pipeline, we’re exploring nontraditional paths to bring new talent into the education field. One promising initiative gaining traction in Florida is the apprenticeship program. This program allows individuals who might not have a bachelor’s degree but possess valuable experience to earn their teaching certificate and degree through on-the-job coursework. This exciting pathway enables us to tap into a pool of capable individuals who, due to various circumstances, couldn’t pursue traditional educational routes.
We are enthusiastic about this prospect, as it allows us to discover and nurture potential educators within our community and schools. By providing on-the-job training, we can create a new path for aspiring teachers and ultimately benefit our educational system with fresh talent and perspectives.
How are charter schools positioning themselves to meet demand for new schools given the population increase and where does SouthTech fit into this?
The emergence of charter schools was driven partially by the need to address overcrowding in district schools, especially in densely populated areas. This trend still holds true today. Charter schools play a crucial role in providing relief to district schools burdened by overcrowding as our communities continue to grow, with more people moving into the area. They offer students the flexibility to choose a school closer to home or one that aligns better with their educational preferences and future goals. This dynamic has helped balance the demand for quality education and allowed parents and students to find the best fit for their individual needs.
Where do you see SouthTech Academy and Palm Beach’s educational landscape within the next two to three years?
Within the next three years, at SouthTech, we aim to continuously assess our career academies, ensuring they meet the needs of students and the community. An example of this effort is exploring the possibility of an Education Academy where students can earn an industry certification in early child care, with an option to prepare for a teaching career. After all, balancing academic potential and industry opportunities is crucial in developing successful programs.
For Palm Beach County’s educational community, there are some noteworthy trends to watch. For instance, changes in voucher programs might impact student populations across district, charter and private schools. Additionally, the issue of affordability in the county may affect student demographics, potentially leading some families to move to more affordable areas. A diverse and sustainable community is essential, and it’s important for all to be aware of this challenge.
Lastly, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undeniable, and it will undoubtedly impact the education sector. As such, it is to our benefit as educators to prepare to upskill ourselves and learn to embrace AI, as this will allow us to actualize its potential for good. Therefore, preparing for AI integration into education is an important step to ensure that we harness its benefits and avoid its pitfalls and teach students to do the same.
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