Calvert County schools celebrate CTE achievements and announce 20 new National Board certified teachers

Calvert County Public Schools on Monday recognized Career and Technical Education (CTE) month and celebrated a range of CTE student and teacher accomplishments, including the district's announcement that 20 teachers earned National Board certification in December.

Zach Sewell, director of human resources, opened the recognition by saying the district is "thrilled to announce that 20 of our dedicated teachers have achieved their National Board certification just this past December." He described Board certification as an "elite status" that requires "rigorous standards through intensive study, expert evaluation, self assessment, and peer review." Sewell also told the board that nearly 70 additional teachers are currently pursuing National Board certification this year.

The board adopted a resolution recognizing February as Career and Technical Education Month. The resolution, read during the meeting, noted Calvert County Public Schools offers 24 CTE pathways, with 14 programs housed at the Career and Technology Academy (CTA) and 10 programs across the district's four comprehensive high schools. The resolution commends students, educators and business partners and encourages the community to support CTE programs.

CTE highlights presented to the board included: 45 students earning business certifications at Huntingtown and Patuxent high schools; 12 students earning ServSafe manager certification in culinary arts; five students obtaining a State Board of College metallurgist license; 48 students certified as medical assistants or certified nursing assistants; more than 450 hours of apprenticeships across veterinary, construction, maritime and district IT placements in a recent month; and more than 500 internship hours completed by Teacher Academy (TAM) students.

The CTA also had student success at competitions: 29 medals at the SkillsUSA regional competition and multiple top placements at FBLA contests, the presenters said. Staff honored included Robin Burns, networking and cybersecurity teacher at CTA, who was named Maryland ACTE Teacher of the Year, and Rick Vilano, electricity teacher at CTA, who was named Maryland ACTE New Teacher of the Year.

Why it matters: The resolution and presentations underline district emphasis on workforce-ready skills, industry credentials, and applied learning experiences that district speakers said prepare students for jobs and further education.

Quotes - "This prestigious accomplishment is a testament to their unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment to professional growth," Zach Sewell said of the newly certified teachers. - "CTE students are proving every day that the future is in their hands," said the district CTE presenter while summarizing student internships, certifications and competition results.

Ending Board members and presenters encouraged families and community partners to support CTE pathways, noting that many programs provide students with industry-recognized credentials and direct connections to local employers.