Tyler, TX, is Ready for Work
Tyler ISD’s innovative programs and partnerships prepare students for success in the local workforce.
A hallmark of Tyler’s economic success is the ability to keep a steady stream of highly skilled talent flowing to the region’s in-demand industries.
Tyler Independent School District plays a major role in ensuring the next generation of workers have the technical skills required by its employers.
In This Article
A Skills Player
Through its Career and Technology Center (CTC), the district partners with Tyler Junior College and the business community to create hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for successful employment. For example, the CTC offers students work-based learning experiences, such as job shadowing and internships, in their chosen career pathways.
Jessica Brown, Tyler ISD CTE work-based learning coordinator, says work-based learning links work experiences with school-based instruction to prepare students for the future workplace.
“Work-based learning opportunities are a great way for local businesses to train and recruit potential employees,” Brown says. “We have students who are offered jobs after they have completed an internship and graduated high school. These partnerships are building our workforce and encouraging students to stay local.”
Smart Starts
Career readiness begins in elementary school, where students are introduced to the career and technical education (CTE) program through events such as career days.
“In middle school, students take a College and Career Exploration class where they learn more about career opportunities, education and training needed to pursue their future dreams,” says Kristen Walls, Tyler ISD director of career and technical education. “In high school, students must first take Level 1 and Level 2 CTE courses at their home campus – either Tyler High School or Tyler Legacy High School – before they can enroll in more advanced courses offered at our CTC.”
Students enrolled in CTE programs can earn certifications needed to immediately enter the workforce or they can earn credits toward a college degree through the district’s collaboration with Tyler Junior College.
Providing opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized certifications and credentials in their chosen career pathways that will give them a competitive advantage in securing employment is a top priority for the district, Walls says.
“It’s essential that our students gain the necessary resources, tools and instruction to prepare for productive and successful careers,” she says.
Investing in CTE
Mike Baker, an engineering instructor at the Tyler ISD CTE, has been teaching and helping prepare students for in-demand careers since 2013. He details the importance of CTE programs and the advantages of teaching within Tyler ISD.
Why did you choose Tyler ISD?
I looked at the opportunity to be part of the fantastic CTE programs offered here. The unique opportunity to have a Career and Technology Center focused on student growth in so many programs of study is truly amazing. We have programs dedicated to creating opportunities for students to experience real-world applications of business and industry.
I also recognized the support the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees, district administration and community partners had for the program. Our students can access the latest technologies, equipment and machines to build usable career skills. I was very impressed with the team of educators bringing many years of industry expertise to the classrooms and labs.
How does the district’s resources and support help you better serve your students?
Tyler ISD is very focused and intentional with their support of CTE programs. We have state-of-the-art technology and equipment for our students to discover true career skills. I have been a part of hundreds of thousands of dollars in purchases through federal, state and local grants.
What do you hope your students gain from your classes?
I hope to provide students with real-life experiences through project-based learning. I strive to give students choices on the projects they want to find a solution for. I want them to understand that there are proven processes to solve problems through innovation and invention.
STEM-ulating the Classroom
Tyler ISD embraces STEM education, which is incorporated into CTE pathways, such as engineering, helping prepare students as early as elementary school for tech-oriented careers. Rice Elementary, for example, boasts an engineering lab and supports STEM skills daily in school culture.
Moore MST Magnet School provides STEM electives and unique science opportunities at the middle school level. Students take courses such as engineering and design, introduction to coding, biomedical technology, construction technology, manufacturing technology, industrial robotics, and 3D printing. The school offers an accelerated math program that leads the district and state in math scores, and Moore has earned the TEA Math Distinction seven times since 2013.
“Beginning in the sixth grade, students use engineering hardware, programming software and 3D printers. The technology used in the program is specifically designed to introduce students to real-world engineering applications,” says Aubrey Ballard, principal of Moore MST Magnet School. “The school boasts nine high school-type science labs and exclusive STEM courses, including Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) for eighth grade and Technology Digital Citizenship for sixth grade.”
Across the district, students have opportunities to practice what they learn through engineering challenges, coding, robotics competitions, maker spaces and web-based experiences, such as those developed by Trane Technologies and Discovery Education. Tyler ISD teachers can access videos and classroom curriculum that transport students outside of their traditional classrooms for lessons in real-world work STEM environments.
“We are working with Trane Technologies to improve our course offerings to incorporate AC certifications,” says Deputy Superintendent of Administration Lance Groppel.
“Additionally, Trane also hosts a weeklong STEM camp for girls in grades 2-7. The camp is geared toward promoting girls in the field of science and how they can be engaged in various areas, all falling within the STEM umbrella.”
Renovating Hubbard Middle School
The Tyler community’s investment in high quality education expands beyond STEM and CTE. In 2022, voters approved an $89 million bond to fund the complete renovation of the 55-year-old Hubbard Middle School and the construction of an Early College High School campus. The new Hubbard Middle – which will be built after the former structure is demolished – will nearly double student capacity, from its current 700 to 1,200. The building will also be updated with larger classroom space, wider hallways, a state-of-the-art media center, an athletic field and a gymnasium.
Hubbard Middle is also an example of Tyler ISD’s commitment to preparing students to compete in an increasingly high-tech and global marketplace. In 2017, the school was designated a National AVID Demonstration School and was the first campus in Texas to receive AVID status revalidation status in 2022. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college readiness program that supports students who want to attend a postsecondary institution.
Get to Know Tyler
Want to learn more about living and working in Tyler, TX? Check out the latest edition of Livability Tyler, TX.