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NORTH TOWANDA — The Northern Tier Career Center welcomed special guest Friday, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Khalid Moomin, Ed.D.
NTCC was a stop on Moomin's tour of educational institutions in the northern tier of the state. The day before, he had visited several career technical centers in Lycoming County and Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (Pentech). In North Towanda, he was greeted by several superintendents from area school districts and NTCC Director Gary Martell.
“I'm so happy to have Dr. Moomin here today and to have the opportunity to show you what we're doing here,” Martel told the crowd.
Moomin's visit to NTCC gave Martel the opportunity to share with him statistics from the community's involvement in NTCC.
“Back in 2018, we had 283 students enrolled in NTCC, and next year we will have 510 kids enrolled,” Martell reported. “Whereas in the past nearly 50% of graduates had post-secondary education, now 60% of them are directly employed after graduation.”
Moomin called Martel's numbers “tremendous”.
“We need to create interest and sustainability for programs like this across the state,” Moomin argued.
He said he sees the department as a partner with educational institutions such as NTCC and the eight school districts it serves.
“I want to see how I can grow this,'' said Moomin. “Programs like this are good for the commonwealth.”
Athens Area School District Superintendent Dr. Craig Stage said he hopes to see expanded opportunities for individuals in the state to attend the Career Technical Center.
“My son didn't go to a school where he could get CTC instruction. Now he goes to Pennsylvania College of Technology and he's not as good as other students at his level,” Stage said.
Mumin acknowledged that there are “pockets” in Pennsylvania where students don't have easy access to career and technical education.
He added that his department's main focus is on easing the burden of obtaining qualifications for certain jobs, especially the teaching profession. Superintendents in attendance agreed that the statewide teacher shortage is impacting school districts, and Stage argued that teaching is no longer considered a noble pursuit and a profession to be proud of. Moomin staff said the department is working with influencers to reach Gen Z students. Mr Moomin encouraged adult teachers to reach out to other adults to obtain qualifications, rather than relying on teachers who have just graduated from the state's schools.
Moomin said the Shapiro administration has set a goal of coordination among the State Departments, and Moomin has been working with fellow heads of departments such as the Department of Labor, Occupational Health.
Martell took Moomin, his staff, and the assembled superintendents on a tour of NTCC's facilities, where Moomin was able to speak directly to students, learn about their studies, and communicate with teachers.
