Teachers from across ACE Center at Hermitage recently came together for a professional learning session focused on supporting English Learners (EL) and Exceptional Education (ExEd) students in Career and Technical Education classrooms.
The session, led by EL Teacher Specialist Ashley Shaver and ExEd Specialist Denis Alsheskie, provided educators with practical strategies and resources that can be immediately implemented across a variety of programs. Special thanks to Kim Thompson for hosting the event in her classroom and to the many teachers who attended, including strong participation from several of ACE's newest instructors and members of the Allied Health team.
Participants explored methods for helping students master technical and academic vocabulary specific to their career fields. One featured strategy was the use of Cloze Notes with Word Banks, a tool that helps students build confidence while learning new concepts and industry terminology. Teachers also learned about the importance of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 vocabulary instruction and how these approaches can support not only EL and ExEd students but all learners who may need additional academic support.
Examples shared during the training demonstrated how instructional resources can be quickly customized for any career pathway. Using competencies from programs such as Automotive Technology and Criminal Justice, teachers saw how digital tools can generate study guides, vocabulary resources, and scaffolded instructional materials in just minutes.
While the session focused on instructional strategies, participants also had the opportunity to enjoy a little friendly competition. Teams tested their dexterity in a chopstick challenge, racing to transfer M&Ms as quickly as possible. The activity brought plenty of laughter and team building, with Assistant Principal Whitney Beaton impressing colleagues with her unexpected chopstick skills.
The professional learning session reflected ACE Center at Hermitage's ongoing commitment to equipping teachers with tools and strategies that help every student succeed. By building inclusive classrooms and strengthening instructional practices, ACE educators continue to ensure that students have the support they need to thrive in both their academic and career preparation journeys.
