This engaging lesson guides students through the rise of feudalism in Japan and the central role played by samurai warriors. Through visual analysis, historical comparison, and interactive activities, students explore the structure of Japanese society and the values of loyalty, honor, and service that defined the samurai code of bushido.
Bring the Civil War to life through the authentic voices of those who lived it. This powerful lesson invites students to explore firsthand accounts, photographs, and personal reflections that reveal the daily hardships and emotional toll of war on both soldiers and civilians.
Chemistry mini labs provide students with valuable opportunities to explore and discover the principles and phenomena of chemistry firsthand, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject. The mini labs give students opportunities for hands-on chemistry through Minilabs. Minilabs can be performed with readily available materials.
Earth & Space Science mini labs can be performed quickly and easily with readily available materials. The objective of the mini labs is to provide students with a hands-on experience to explore and understand Earth & Space Science concepts. Each mini lab is tied to a Science and Engineering Practice and Cross Cutting Concept.
Mini labs that enable a quick investigation as part of conceptual development. Each minilab is tied to a Science and Engineering Practice. Through biology mini labs, students develop essential laboratory skills, such as proper handling of biological specimens, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. These hands-on experiences enhance students’ understanding of biological concepts and foster a deeper appreciation for the scientific process.
When I started college as a freshman 4 years ago, I was overwhelmed with the possibilities of my future. I had no idea what I wanted to do, and it felt like college would last an eternity; in a way, I was hoping it would. I remember having to remind myself that change can be challenging, but with change comes new opportunities. Today, I smile when I think about how nervous I was for my first day of classes and feel proud of how far I have come to find who I am.
Today’s learners will be tomorrow’s leaders, and the conversations that unfold within the classroom serve as the bedrock upon which students will build their lives in the years ahead. While from the outside, the roles of educator and student as giver vs receiver of knowledge (respectively) is clear, we as educators know that we learn as much from our students as they learn from us (sometimes more)…
Sr. Product Marketing Manager • Career and Technical Education • National Geographic Learning | Cengage
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career Journeys series is aimed to shed light on current career trends as they align to student career clusters. In this series installation, we have interviewed Jhon Cataño, Journeyman Electrician in the architecture & construction career cluster. Jhon shares with us the career journey that lead him to his current role with Nappa Electrical Contractors. Jhon dives into what motivated him to pursue this career, milestones that lead to where he’s at today, how he stands out in her field and advice for others looking to pursue this career. This series also offers career outlook data collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Name: Jhon Cataño
Title: Journeyman Electrician
Career Cluster: Architecture & Construction
Company: Nappa Electrical Contractors
Career Outlook: Projected 6% increase from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations
Median Salary: $60,240 per year
Education Needed: High school diploma or equivalent
*All career outlook data is collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
A: I grew up in Colombia on a farm and at an early age I was always working with my hands. I wanted to be a mechanical engineer because I had an uncle who worked for Nissan assembling cars and I always looked up to him because he had a good life.
When I was older I was working as a bartender but wanted a job with a more consistent schedule. I didn’t want to go to a four year university because it was too expensive and I wanted to start working in a new career quickly. I’ve always been curious about how things work and was interested to learn about how to troubleshoot complicated problems.
I enrolled in a tech school one year program, 4 days a week, 5.5 hours a day to graduate with a certificate in Practical Electricity. I did my schooling while continuing my bartending job. 4 months into my schooling I attended a job fair and was offered an apprentice position with a local electrical contracting company.
A: When I was 14 my father passed away and I was the oldest son and I knew I needed to provide for my family. I was very focused on what would give us a good life and how I could get there quickly.
When I got to the United States and my family was ok back home, I started to focus on how I could make a better life for myself. I realized that in this country motivation and determination takes you very far.
A: Reliability is very important in my profession. I am always on time, I take pride in my work and I ask for opportunities to grow in different areas within my field.
Sr. Product Marketing Manager • Career and Technical Education • National Geographic Learning | Cengage
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career Journeys series is aimed to shed light on current career trends as they align to student career clusters. In this series installation, we have interviewed Aimee Steele, Assistance General Counsel in the law, public safety, corrections and security career cluster. Aimee shares with us the career journey that lead her to her current role with Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District. Aimee dives into what motivated her to pursue this career, milestones that lead to where she’s at today, how she stands out in her field and advice for others looking to pursue this career. This series also offers career outlook data collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Name: Aimee Steele
Title: Assistant General Counsel
Career Cluster: Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
Company: Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District
Career Outlook: Projected to have slightly more than 500,000 annual average openings from 2022 to 2032
Median Salary: $135,740 per year
Education Needed: Graduate-level occupations include those that typically require a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree
*All career outlook data is collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
A: My interest in the civil rights movement as a child. Thurgood Marshall was my hero. I was interested and impressed with the way he and the NAACP used the law and legal strategy to challenge segregation in schools. The law is powerful and can be used for good change.
A: I earned my Bachelor’s degree in 1999. I earned my juris doctorate in 2002. I passed the bar exam in 2002. I received various promotions throughout the last 21+ years, the most recent being my hiring with Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District as the Assistant General Counsel.
A: I do not believe I am the smartest, but I am always the best prepared. I work extremely hard because I truly care about what I do and the positive impact I can make on the employees in my agency.
My advice to individuals who are considering the legal field: ensure you have a high reading retention rate. Ensure you are adept at multi tasking. Find the area of law that interests you, understanding that there is so much you can do with your law degree and license to practice.
Sr. Product Marketing Manager • Career and Technical Education • National Geographic Learning | Cengage
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career Journeys series is aimed to shed light on current career trends as they align to student career clusters. In this series installation, we have interviewed Chris Orr, a High School Principal in the Education & Training career cluster. Chris shares with us the career journey that lead her to his current role with Capital Christian High School. Chris dives what motivated him to pursue this career, milestones that lead to where he’s at today, how she stands out in her field and advice for others looking to pursue this career. This series also offers career outlook data collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Name: Chris Orr
Title: High School Principal
Career Cluster: Education & Training
Company: Capital Christian High School
Career Outlook: 1% increase (little to no change)
Median Salary: $101,320 per year
Education Needed: Teaching experience and a master’s degree in education administration or leadership
*All career outlook data is collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
A: I was fortunate enough to have family, educators, coaches, and a community who guided and inspired me to follow the path of academic excellence, moral values, civic responsibility, and discipline. I also recognized that every child in my community did not get the support and guidance that I did. I felt an urgent call to be to young people what many were for me.
A: Following graduation from college, I did not have a clear path of what I wanted to do. Initially, I took a corporate job that provided a decent salary, got married, bought a house, and started a family. But something was missing. Even though my dad told me when I graduated college to look at education as a career, I didn’t take his advice right away – but he always knew.
Outside of my professional and family life, I volunteered to coach, tutor, and mentor kids – that was my passion. As I began to surround myself with other educators, they began to influence and encourage me to pursue education as a career. I thought and prayed mightily in considering this move. At the time, I had a mortgage and a family depending on me. Any career decision had to be sound. I received some key advice and support during this time. One was from Mrs. Irene B. West – who was a legendary educator in our community who shared her pure joy in serving students and families daily. Another was from my Pastor who helped me see this was what I was being “called” to do – which was much bigger than just a job. And the final was from my wife. She believed in me and gave me the confidence that we would be able to make this move together.
I resigned from my corporate job and started substitute teaching. Within a couple of months, I was offered a full time teaching position. Since then I have progressed into education programming, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and now a principal role. The decision I made over 20 years ago has been validated ten-fold. It was absolutely the best decision I’ve ever made.
A: My approach in education has never been about comparing myself to other educators. It has always purely been about serving students and families. I firmly believe that when your drive is to serve in a great way, opportunities and success will take care of itself.
My only wish is I would’ve known my path right out of college and got started sooner. However, I do value my experiences because it makes me appreciate the outcome even more. I use my experience as a guide for students. I advise students heading into college to study something they love, because it will lead to a career that they love. It’s normal to look at careers that have big salaries, but your lifelong work is more than that. There is nothing better than making a living doing something you love to do.