This session proposes a hands-on, forward-thinking approach to strengthening workforce readiness by integrating NASA GLOBE smart sensor technologies and AI applications into Vocational and Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. By equipping students with real-world, data-driven technology skills, this initiative helps prepare a future workforce capable of addressing complex challenges across rapidly evolving technical fields. The session also introduces school administrators to the emerging profession of Sensor Technician—a role gaining traction across industries such as environmental monitoring, public health, smart infrastructure, HVAC, electrical, automotive, agriculture, and more. With the support of low-cost sensor technologies and accessible, open-source platforms, educators can bring this new career path directly into classrooms and shops, while aligning with Massachusetts’ workforce development and CTE priorities. This session also offers MAVA a valuable opportunity to connect with NASA GLOBE, a nationally recognized initiative that supports real-world student engagement and industry-relevant learning.
In this professional development workshop, we delve into the intricate intersection of teen dating dynamics and the pervasive influence of social media. Recognizing the profound impact of digital platforms on adolescent relationships, our session is designed to equip educators, counselors, and youth advocates with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges presented and effective strategies for support.
Through interactive discussions, participants will explore the evolving landscape of teen dating in the digital age. As communication methods shift from tossing classroom notes to instant messaging, behaviors that are detrimental to the health and safety of teens become increasingly difficult to observe and prevent. This session will elicit a heightened awareness of the role of social media in shaping adolescents’ perceptions of self, relationships, and intimacy, while also highlighting the potential of the digital world as an avenue for student support.
Key topics include… 1. The Influence of Social Media on Teen Dating: Analyzing trends, behaviors, and communication patterns. 2. Challenges and Risks: Understanding cyberbullying, digital coercion, and the impact of unrealistic social media standards. 3. Building Healthy Relationships: Promoting consent, respect, and digital citizenship in online interactions. 4. Supporting Adolescents: Identifying signs of distress, providing resources, and fostering open dialogue about healthy digital habits.
What if every vocational student could graduate with a professional digital presence that helped them get hired?
This session introduces Scaffald --- https://scaffald.com/ --- a free workforce readiness platform built specifically for students entering the trades. Designed in partnership with vocational educators, state agencies, and industry leaders, Scaffald serves as both a reflection tool and a career-launching portfolio. Students use it to document skills, showcase certifications and projects, and connect directly with employers looking to hire talent from CTE programs.
You’ll hear from the founders of Scaffald on how the platform is already being embedded in classrooms, beginning with Essex North Shore Tech. We’ll explore how your school can leverage Scaffald to help students gain confidence, build visibility, and make a seamless transition into co-ops, apprenticeships, and full-time jobs.
At the recent SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Leadership & Skills Conference, Scaffald’s cofounders presented to the MAVA CTE directors group with plans to roll out the platform to all vocational students in MA.
If LinkedIn wasn’t built for tradespeople, Scaffald is. And with it being free for students, we can’t wait to get in their hands!
Threat Assessment Teams (TATs) are vital to the safety of schools. They have been necessary in today's world. TATs do an excellent job of assessing, directing, managing, and documenting threats, the vast majority of threats that are reported and evaluated fall into the "transient threat" category. Although a determination that the threat is not real, has no real threat behind it, nonetheless it is concerning and disruptive to a school community. How do schools support students who make these threats and how can schools help prevent such threats from occurring. We will discuss numerous interventions, supports and strategies that can be implemented to ensure school safety.
This will be a presentation that will provide insights on retirement benefits aimed towards vocational teachers. The presentation will touch on many topics including your pension, social security planning, buying back vocational time for MTRS credit and Retirement pension options.
