Submitted by Siemens, Platinum Sponsor of the Advance CTE 2021 Spring Meeting
Career Technical Education (CTE) has helped to positively shape Jeremy Sheaffer’s life for decades, providing rewarding career experiences and fueling a passion for lifelong learning. Today, Sheaffer is a 9th grade teacher at Whitehall High School, Michigan, where he introduces students to Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and the world of engineering. His journey exemplifies the importance of reconnecting and reimagining what is possible.
Ironically, as a student back in the 90’s, Sheaffer disliked school – a lot! Fortunately, his mother worked in CTE and she encouraged him to consider CTE pathways so he could obtain the skills needed to get a high-wage, in-demand career. Sheaffer followed her advice. He graduated and landed his first job in industry working for a die cast tooling manufacturer, where he made a decent wage. “At that time, it was all about just wanting to earn a good salary.” Sheaffer commented.
Sheaffer worked hard, he continued to learn on the job and he always looked for ways to optimize his performance; a trait that did not go unnoticed by his employer and he was frequently promoted. Sheaffer’s CTE experiences and early career successes have motivated him to reimagine his future more than once. While working in manufacturing he returned to school and earned a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering. A few years following that he completed his teaching certification.
Students tour Muskegon Community College Technology center
Currently, working in his dream job, Sheaffer is excited about sharing his industry knowledge with his students. He’s elected to implement a project-based learning method, stating “he believes project-based learning (centered on problem-solving) equates to life, because life is all about solving problems.”
Sheaffer attended Siemens training course and selected Siemens Engineering Design problem-based curriculum for his class. “It [the curriculum] provides excellent examples and the scaffolding necessary for teaching students real-world knowledge and skills,” he commented. “The week-long training program was outstanding; it opened my eyes to the abundant possibilities the curriculum offers, and it helped me to gain a better understanding of what can be done remotely.”
For more information on Siemens Engineering Design curriculum or Solid Edge Resources for Educators please visit www.siemens.com/solid-edge-educator.
Visit Siemens’ virtual booth at the Advance CTE 2021 Spring Meeting! More information and the interactive agenda can be found here.