Today we had three students participate at the state conference for SkillsUSA. Being from our early childhood program, they participated in the Preschool Teaching Assistant contest.

SkillsUSA conferences/contests allow participants  to demonstrate career skills, enhance presentation skills, increase networking opportunities, and allow for feedback from industry professionals. As one student today said, “It allows you to present yourself and your skills in a professional way. You have to step outside your box- your comfort zone.”

Our students have been working diligently over the past few months to prepare for their moment to shine. Each of them had that opportunity today. Although they mentioned that they were a bit nervous in the beginning, they all came out smiling…perhaps relieved it was over!

First, participants chose a book (choices previously unknown) to read to the group. Then, they took a four page test about early childhood. Once they were finished and turned in their test, they presented their activity card (lesson plan) to the judges. The entire process took about 2 hours.

We won’t know the results of their judging until tomorrow morning (Sunday) during the awards ceremony. This year, the judging rubric reflects the one used at the national level.

Will our students place (1st, 2nd, or 3rd)? We aren’t sure.

What matters is that they all did their personal best and feel great.

 They were a wonderful support for each other as well!

Good work today ladies! I’m very proud of you 🙂