Career Compass Awards
Angela Smith
School/District: Career Prep High School
State: Ohio
Job Title: CTE Teacher
My professor on the last day of my business bachelor degree at Spring Arbor University (MI) asked me if I ever considered becoming a teacher. I remembered the career assessment test I took at Terra Community College in Fremont, OH in 1987 recommended teaching as my career field. However, that goal seemed out of reach for me at the time to take it seriously. I began working at Whirlpool in Clyde, OH in 1986 and took advantage of their offer of a partial reimbursement of the cost for education. I graduated with an associates in marketing, quit working at Whirlpool and had my first child in 1991. It took me until 2001 to take the assessment seriously.
I have spent the last 20 years passionate about how career and technical education levels the playing field by offering 21st century opportunities to all students.
I have worked and studied for the following organizations:
Terra Community College, Spring Arbor University (MI), University of Toledo, Toledo Public schools, Penta Career Center, University of Phoenix, Oak Ridge Public Schools (TN), k12 Cyber Academy of South Carolina (CASC), Virginia College (SC), Pasco County School District (FL), Indian River School District (FL). I have returned to Ohio as an online CTE Business Teacher for Career Prep School with 11 locations in Ohio. I love my career wherever I go; guiding students along successful career pathways.
