Why CTE and STEM? If you follow the news, chances are you’ve heard educators, politicians, parents or business leaders talking about “STEM” and its importance. So what is it and why should you consider a STEM career? If so then why CTE?

For a future in the Engineering and Technology pathway, students should study and apply principles from advanced mathematics, life sciences, physical science, earth and space science, and technology. In addition, future engineers and technologists should learn certain processes in mathematics, science and technology. In Grades 7-12, all future engineers and technologists should study mathematics each year, learning important mathematical concepts and processes defined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. With such knowledge and skills, students will be able to demonstrate the following competencies: 1.) Apply mathematics, science and technology concepts to solve problems quantitatively in engineering projects involving design, development or production in various technologies; and 2.) Recognize the core concepts of technology and their relationships with engineering, science and math, and other subjects. All future engineers and technologists should learn important science concepts and processes with an understanding of physics, chemistry and biology as a minimal set. These concepts and processes are defined by the National Research Council in the National Science Education Standards and by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Benchmarks for Science Literacy. Additionally, learners should become proficient in the areas of technology defined by the Standards for Technological Literacy. All secondary students should meet their state’s academic standards.

Career and Technical Education is an important part of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) educational goals established by the Department of Education. CTE is a catalyst for STEM education. We know there are unfilled STEM jobs and the gap for students in STEM fields is widening. Some data here shows that while it's important to get into the workforce after high school and/or college, the probability for a success career leans heavily towards having some STEM experience.

• Average salary for engineering majors: $73,700
• Average salary for non-STEM majors: $49,500
• Unemployment rate for engineers: 1.3%
• Unemployment rate for all occupations: 5.1%
• Projected percentage increase in Biomedical engineering jobs 2010-2020: 62%
• Projected percentage increase in all occupations 2010-2020: 14%
• There are 26 million STEM jobs in the U.S. – 20% of all U.S. jobs
• ½ of all STEM jobs don’t require a four year degree and pay an average of $53,000, which is 10% higher than non-STEM jobs with similar education requirements

CTE is a catalyst for STEM education. Often times when individuals think about STEM, they think of scientists and engineers which is the right target, if possible. However, what doesn’t come to mind are the numerous high wage, high skilled, high demand careers that for which CTE is preparing students.

The magic of CTE is the definition of STEM not just Science or Technology, Engineering or Math but the integration of two or more of these topics in the context that students are passionate about. Without the combination of two or more of the STEM components you are not teaching STEM. That is why CTE is a perfect fit for STEM education.

Current students’ future success in STEM fields is necessary to ensure America’s leading role as a global innovator which is why I'm so motivated to align CTE with STEM to help all those who have the abilities to pursue a career in STEM but may think it's too tough. I'll make it easy and fun to learn! Some things to consider with thinking about a career in STEM:

1. You get to live and work on the cutting edge. STEM professionals are aerospace engineers, civil engineers, astronomers, software developers, robotics engineers , computer scientists, materials scientists, food scientists, physicists, chemists, architects, drafter and surveyors as well as science and math teachers, among other professions. Each of these occupations is pushing our understanding of the universe and literally building the future. STEM professionals designed and built first telescope to peek into the universe, develop the computer, created the internet, built the tallest buildings in the world, and continually push our understanding of diseases and new medical treatments, now through DNA experimentation. Experts predict that even traditional “non-tech” industries will rely more heavily on professionals with STEM skills as technology becomes even more pervasive.

2. You can count on more job security in a STEM career. No job is 100% secure; however, because of growing demand, professionals working in STEM fields are less likely to be unemployed than their non-STEM counterparts. This fact can mitigate hesitation to take out student loans for an undergraduate or master’s degree. Most students graduating with STEM degrees find themselves immediately employed.

3. You learn transferable skills. While it might be difficult to transition from being a geologist to being a software developer, the core focus on both a high level of technical skill and a rigorous approach to problem-solving remains the same in all STEM fields. Additionally, math, science and programming are universal languages that enable teams from around the world to collaborate on difficult problems, allowing individuals to move from project to project. Employer surveys also show that hiring managers are eager for employees who can problem-solve and think analytically — skills at the heart of STEM studies.

4. You will find that there is something for everyone. What ties all STEM fields together is the focus on solving problems and creating new knowledge, and in that, there is always something for everyone. Start thinking about how and where you like to spend your time: is a laboratory an exciting environment for you, or would you prefer to be in the field? Do you like to build things or deconstruct them? Are you interested in the human body or in far-away galaxies? Geologists spend a lot of time outdoors, whereas chemists spend more time in the lab. Microbiologists examine tiny organisms while astrophysicists consider the universe and all its contents. Many current STEM professions didn’t even exist 10 years ago (e.g. autonomous car engineer), and ten years from now there will almost certainly be jobs we can't image now.