April 9th, 2025
We meet Dr. Heather Handler, CCPS program coordinator for STEM, CTE and youth apprenticeships.
PRESS RELEASE, Association for Career and Technical Education
Baltimore, MD – February 14, 2025
Dr. Heather Handler understands the importance of high-quality CTE programs in ensuring student and teacher success. Her role as instructional coordinator puts her in a position to directly impact several key components of implementing high quality CTE Programs. First, in curriculum development, Heather has played a pivotal role in developing and refining CTE curricula that align with industry standards and student needs, such as starting the Youth Apprenticeship, Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Advanced Technology Pathways. Second, in professional development for educators, Heather recognized the positive impact the local business community can have with informing teachers of best practices and opportunities. She has scheduled professional development at a variety of our local partners. This includes AUI Power, Milburn Orchards, Utiltitrain, and North Bay. Dr. Heather Handler has demonstrated innovation in CTE in a variety of ways starting and implementing Youth Apprenticeships within Cecil County Public Schools. Dr. Handler is solely responsible for implementing the Youth Apprenticeship Program in Cecil County Public Schools. The program was officially started in November of 2022. Heather has been guiding the county through the entire apprenticeship process since that point in time. Cecil County Public Schools was awarded the Innovation Grant to support changes in programs to align with the local workforce needs. By aligning the programs more closely with local businesses, it enhanced our ability to expand youth apprenticeships.
Dr. Heather Handler will move on to compete in the Northeast, United States ACTE Region I
competition during the spring.
