2 Use Your Resources
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New advisor guides/courses from each CTSO
- Find new advisor guides or courses from your CTSO – they will serve as a great foundation as you begin. Typically, these new advisor guides and trainings will be provided by the national organizations in the form of handbooks or live online webinars. There can also be training available at the state level, and you can reach out to the state leaders to find out.
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Other teachers/old connections/professors – again, a mentor!
- As mentioned above, find someone who can act as your mentor and answer your questions. The CTSO community is extremely collaborative and you’ll find that anyone is ready to help. Use this network as a resource.
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State-appointed leaders
- There are advisors, directors, and managers that are at the state level. For the state of Idaho, you can find their information on the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education website. These leaders are a fantastic resource for any question related to CTSOs. You can ask if they’d be willing to do a chapter visit to see what you are working on and give suggestions.
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Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
- Your TAC can act as a one-stop resource for student enrichment and chapter enhancement. Check to see if your chapter has a TAC already established and then network to find members to fill it, as needed. Often, there are requirements to meet with your TAC a certain number of times in order to receive state funding. Check with your state CTE guidelines.
- TACs can be used in a variety of ways, but here are a few of the ways that teachers have utilized these committees in their classrooms:
- Presenting as guest speakers
- Giving feedback on curriculum
- Grading BPA regional/state events
- Preparing students for competition
- Fundraising
- Setting up contacts that might help teacher or student