Here are few of our latest Student Success Stories. There will be more added, but for now, check out Racheal Nyarko, Community Protector; Marc Snooks, Information Sponge; and David Yoder, Spark Enthusiast.
JILLIAN YULE:
ADEPT INSTRUCTOR
When you know, you know. Jillian Yule set her sights on becoming a teacher at a young age, attended CTE’s Education Occupations program and graduated from Farwell High School in 2018 and Central Michigan University in 2023.
Today, to no one’s surprise, she’s a kindergarten teacher for Midland Public Schools, and she’s grateful for the jump start she got with CTE.
“I have always wanted to be a teacher,” Yule said. “Being a part of CTE really solidified that for me. Being able to work with students and see that I had been helping them learn was an incredible feeling. Having the opportunity to be in the class also showed me what it would be like, so I was not going into the profession blind. I was also able to create really strong bonds with mentor teachers that I am still in contact with.”
Getting an early glimpse into the profession before deciding on a career is an obvious advantage all CTE students enjoy. But Yule also attained skills in her EO class that proved to be practical during her journey from student to teacher.
“After CTE, I attended Mid Michigan College and pursued my career in education,” she said. “With completing CTE while in high school, I was able to become a certified paraprofessional. While going to school, I worked as a substitute para until I had enough credits to also substitute as a guest teacher.”
The parapro certification Yule earned in CTE not only boosted her education bona fides, it helped pay the bills while she attended college.
“Being a part of the education program, I was able to take the paraprofessional certification test at the end,” she said. “I took the test and passed, and as soon as I graduated high school, I was able to substitute as a paraprofessional. Not only was I doing something I really enjoyed, but I was also gaining a lot of work experience.”
The young teacher is quick to credit her CTE experience - and particularly her instructor, Margaret Bailey - with preparing for the career she always wanted.
“CTE had a big influence,” she said. “I was able to be in a classroom and see what the teaching side of school was like at a young age. I was able to work with students and talk with mentor teachers. Being in a classroom showed me what to expect and see what it was actually like.
“The level of instruction was very practical and important,” she added. “Many of the things Mrs. Bailey taught my cohort still stick with me today, such as dressing professionally in a classroom setting and what to expect in interviews. Mrs. Bailey was an amazing instructor who always seemed very passionate about teaching and was extremely kind.”
Yule also made meaningful connections with students and adults along the way in her CTE experience.
“I have always felt confident when working with students,” she said. “Having this opportunity gave me the chance to work with students and be an important figure to them rather than just another student. Also, I loved working with mentor teachers and feeling comfortable asking questions and having conversations with them.”
Not that far removed from her high school days, Yule’s affinity for CTE still runs deep.
“I love seeing all of the updates about CTE,” she said. “It is definitely my favorite to see all of the current Education program attendees - knowing what I got to experience and seeing what they get to do along with all of the new and exciting opportunities they have.”
Her feelings on the CTE millage renewal are similarly straightforward.
“So many students have been impacted in such a positive way by this program,” she said. “CTE gives students the chance to explore different career paths and see what is right for them. I was one of the lucky ones to choose a program provided by CTE that led me into my career today.”