Students often face the choice of pursuing a four-year university or entering a trade after high school. Many educators, family members, and corporate leaders encourage the former, telling young people that college is the only pathway to success. That message can discourage students who want to enter a trade aligned with their talent or interest.
Franklin High School (FHS), however, supports both paths by offering the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. This program offers eight avenues: Carpentry, Agriculture, Plant Systems, Food and Nutrition, Welding, Health Care, Animal Science, and Adobe Academy. Some classes offer industry certifications that can be obtained before graduating, and others provide early credit toward a postsecondary degree. This program encourages students to embark on their journey in the workforce and offers a head start on their career.
The director position for CTE and Testing and Accountability recently opened when previous director Colleen Strickland took a position in Florida.
“I just prayed about it like I’ve done through all of these different moves, and I felt like the Lord opened the doors for the next chapter I needed to step into,” recalled new FHS CTE director Allison Guynn.
From teaching first through fifth grade in Florida for 10 years, to teaching at Cowee Elementary School, to becoming the assistant principal at South Macon Elementary School under Tolly Bowles, and then eventually principal of that school for another 10 years, Guynn has had a total of 28 years of experience. “It’s gone by much quicker than I would ever imagine,” said Guynn.
Education emphasis runs deep
“I come from a family of educators; it was pretty much in the blood,” said Guynn. “I tried to fight it when I was younger, but I just knew I always wanted to work with kids. I felt led to go into this profession.”
While Guynn reportedly “loved” her positions at Cowee and South Macon, the CTE position is something she has always been interested in, so she decided to pursue the opportunity.
“Anytime you learn something new, it’s exciting and a little scary at the same time, but also rejuvenating. This will be a learning year for me — I know that. But there’s already wonderful people in place — Josh Brooks and Penny Moffitt — that are strong teachers.”
Guynn hopes that the CTE program remains effective, and she is exploring opportunities for students at the Nantahala and Highlands schools.
“Those are smaller, rural areas, and there may be some programs that we can grow there,” she explained. “There are so many avenues for students to choose in life. The wonderful thing about CTE is that welders, for example, are needed. There are needs for all types of jobs in the world.”
Construction of the new FHS may bring challenges for Guynn as she takes on this new role.
“I know the building structure will be an obstacle that they will have to face, but I want [teachers and students] to know that I will be there to support them,” she said.
Guynn has been making an effort to get to know the faculty with whom she will be working by visiting their classrooms and meeting with the teachers.
“I’ve gone to multiple trainings, and I have been trying to meet with as many teachers as possible within the CTE portion of my job. I feel like this job is a servant job; I want to be involved and in the classrooms,” she added.