Numeracy, Literacy and Employability group 3

Melanie LeFevre

CAREER PATH

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but my FACS courses in middle and high school led me to teach FACS. I did take several classes for college credit while in high school, though none were in the FACS department. I went to Illinois State University and entered with sophomore status. I graduated with a Bachelor ’ s of Arts in Family and Consumer Science Teacher Education in just 3 years, earning my degree in May 2019. During my time at ISU, I volunteered in various classroom settings, was a teaching assistant, a Resident Assistant, and the President of 2 education related student organizations. I completed my student teaching at Neuqua Valley High School and accepted my current position at Still Middle School prior to my graduation in 2019. .

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS NEEDED FOR THIS CAREER

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED

Waubonsie Valley High School Aurora, Illinois – DuPage County

Teaching requires flexibility, openness, and quick decision making. Physical and digital organization is also key, so you and your students know where to find things. Each day I communicate with students, colleagues, administration, and guardians, so communication is very important.

CTE DEPARTMENT/CLASSES ENROLLED IN DURING HIGH SCHOOL

Intro to Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Child Development, Early Learning Teaching Lab

ADVICE TO HIGH SCHOOL CTE STUDENTS

CURRENT JOB TITLE

CTE classes are the best to take. They prepare you for all facets of life and expose you to different career paths. If you are enjoying a certain CTE class, consider what that could mean for you as a career. Doing something you love is what makes a job, a career!

Middle School Family and Consumer Science Teacher

PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT

Still Middle School - Indian Prairie School District 204 Aurora, Illinois

HOW HAS CTE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER?

CAREER PATHWAY CAREER PATHW Y Health Sciences and Technology

My high school CTE program is the reason why I am a FACS teacher. I walked into the FACS department office one day and asked my teachers: "What do I need to do to become one of you?" They were and continue to be my inspiration and put me on the path for what has turned out to be the best career!

Their choice here