TSTC and Marshall ISD offer dual enrollment opportunities to high school students

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Marshall High School juniors and seniors are being encouraged to think about their futures beyond graduation.

Dual enrollment classes through Texas State Technical College and the Marshall Independent School District’s Mav Tech program are one way to do that.

“Our main focus is to increase the numbers in dual enrollment,” said Garreth Durrant, MISD’s career and technical education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) coordinator. “I would say the challenge is being able to allocate the funding to get more students enrolled and participating in dual enrollment.”

Marshall High School students are taking TSTC classes this year online in the Business Management Technology and Health Information Technology programs, as well as in person on TSTC’s Marshall campus for the Diesel Equipment Technology and Welding Technology programs.

“The Mav Tech program does continue to gain interest, and presents a terrific opportunity for students to explore careers in STEM fields,” said Barton Day, provost of TSTC’s Marshall campus. “We continue to work alongside MISD partners to increase awareness of these very affordable head starts to college completion and great careers.”

Durrant said the goal of the Mav Tech students is to graduate from high school with dual credit hours or complete a certificate awarded by TSTC.

“They are getting a lot out of it,” he said. “There are challenges. The challenges are simply based on the maturity level of the students. They have to want to do it.”

Durrant said the school district designated a computer lab at the high school for students to take online TSTC classes. Dual enrollment classes are included in the students’ schedules so that they have designated times and days to be in the lab.

TSTC and the school district announced the initiative in 2017. Technical programs are chosen to fit in with the high school’s career clusters that students are grouped into.

Durrant said he and Kadie Svrcek, TSTC’s dual enrollment recruitment representative, have worked to let the high school students know about the array of technical programs available to them.  Durrant said the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down plans that the entities already had to promote Mav Tech.

“I can see eventually things are going to pick up and things are going to get better,” Durrant said.

TSTC is also working with the Longview Independent School District, Panola Charter Schools, Queen City Independent School District and Waskom Independent School District to offer dual enrollment opportunities for students this year. These are separate from the Mav Tech initiative.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu. 

TSTC Welding Technology instructors eager to share knowledge with students

(HUTTO, Texas) – The majority of instructors in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program at the East Williamson County campus happen to be women.

Kristin Burke, Samara Flener and Charli Wright bring decades of professional experience to teach their students to be the best welders they can be.

“Three of the five welding instructors at the East Williamson County campus are women, and they are setting a great example for our students and future generations,” said Lissa Adams, provost of TSTC’s East Williamson County campus. “The more women that choose technical careers, the more encouraged other women and young girls will be to explore these options. Welding is currently one of the top in-demand jobs in our region, making it an attractive and viable career choice.”

Burke, of Georgetown, has been an instructor in TSTC’s Welding Technology program for three years. She was inspired to pursue teaching by the welding instructors she had at Austin Community College.

“I figured it would be pretty awesome to be able to not only share my passion for welding with my students, but also be able to train the next generation of workers,” she said. “I get to weld all day, and impart knowledge on my students and see that light bulb come on for them.”

Burke became interested in welding by way of her sister-in-law, Angela Cockrum, who once taught at TSTC’s Waco campus.

“They were offering a free welding program through the Fluor Corp.,” Burke said. “I signed up because I was interested, and as soon as I struck an arc for the first time, I knew welding was what I was meant to do.”

Burke said she looked to Cockrum as a role model because she always looked for the next step to better herself and her career.

“Every move I have made in the welding industry in the last 14 years is a step up from the previous one,” Burke said. “The sky’s the limit, and I strive to make every move better than the last to continue to grow as a person and in my career.”

Before teaching at TSTC, Burke worked in the welding industry for 14 years, doing power plant work, heavy equipment repair, high-end fabrication, structural welding and metallurgical testing.

“I’m a certified welding inspector, so I have done welding inspection on structural components for commercial buildings and in a production shop setting,” she said.

Burke said her advice for women curious about welding is for them to know they will have to work harder than everyone else to prove themselves.

“Don’t let that discourage you, though, because you definitely belong here,” she said. “If this is your passion, stick with it because being part of a select few that get to do what they love on a daily basis is amazing.”

Flener, of Austin, has taught for eight years in TSTC’s Welding Technology program.

“I had considered the possibility of teaching at some point and was fortunate enough to be offered an opportunity to come teach at TSTC by a former work colleague that was a TSTC instructor,” she said. “I had the opportunity to pass on my welding skills and experience to the next generation of welders, just as it was passed on to me, by my former teachers.”

Flener first began welding while working at a salmon cannery in summer 1990 in Alaska.

“I immediately fell in love with welding and returned to Austin to attend Austin Community College,” she said.

Flener counts Warren Donworth, her former welding instructor at ACC, as a role model.

“I learned from him what it means to pursue excellence, be of service to others, and that 90 percent of success is having a positive outlook,” she said.

Flener went on to work for 15 years as a pipe and structural welder and also did welding fabrication. She also worked for 10 years as an American Welding Society certified welding inspector, and she still holds the certification.

“I love welding, and I am fortunate that I had the opportunity to pursue welding as a career and am grateful to the women who paved the way for me and the other women in the industry,” Flener said. “I am also grateful to the men who acknowledged my ability and work ethic and who also helped me gain the skills I needed to excel in the trade.”

Wright, who has taught for two years at TSTC after spending four decades in the welding industry, credited Burke and Flener in making move the welding lab 

“Their knowledge of this trade, passion for teaching and willingness and patience with me as a new instructor definitely helped me immensely in transitioning into a teaching role,” Wright said. 

During the month of March, TSTC wants to honor women in history and right on our campuses who work to make strides in STEM fields every day.

“My hope is that more women will begin to see themselves in skilled trades and technical careers and will boldly enhance the opportunity that they provide, including increased earning potential, job choice and career stability,” Adams said. 

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC’s Office of Information Technology guided by the work of women

(WACO, Texas) – It is a woman’s world in Texas State Technical College’s Office of Information Technology. Sixteen women work in a range of roles statewide to keep the college functioning, from serving as applications administrators to help-desk technicians.

Gladia Escobar and April Falkner have roughly three decades of combined service to TSTC. Both are based in Waco, but their work touches all of TSTC’s 10 campuses.

“One of the things I learned about Gladia and April is that they aren’t afraid,” said Shelli Scherwitz, TSTC’s executive vice president of Information Technology Support Operations. “These two are never afraid of identifying the hard issues and work with the team to resolve them.”

Escobar is a technical consultant who works to approve software and hardware for the college. She has been at TSTC for eight years, having started on the help desk giving advice to employees regarding technical issues. She keeps up to date on technology’s evolution by watching YouTube videos and reading on Reddit.

“I really love what I do,” Escobar said.

Some of her favorite pieces of education technology are the clear-touch interactive displays that are starting to be used in some of TSTC’s labs. 

At home, Escobar enjoys her security system.

“I hard-wired a DVR (digital video recorder) with four cameras mounted,” Escobar said. “I like looking and seeing what is going on.”

Escobar became interested in technology when her family got their first home computer when she was young. She spent time downloading music and burning compact discs.

Escobar took dual enrollment classes in drafting and design at TSTC while she was a high school student. She went on to earn three technology-based associate degrees at TSTC’s Waco campus.

Going to TSTC runs in Escobar’s family. Her two younger sisters have graduated from TSTC, and her son is planning his return to studies at TSTC’s Waco campus. 

Falkner is TSTC’s lead Colleague programmer and analyst. Colleague is the software system that runs the business side of TSTC, from billing to student registration. She also develops custom programs written specifically for TSTC that Colleague does not provide.

“I like solving problems, and also I like the fact that what I am doing is helping someone else do their job better or make it easy for them,” Falkner said.

A major project for her now is the college’s conversion in early 2022 to Workday, a cloud-based software.

“Right now, we are in the middle of implementing the software for the human resources and finance offices, and once that is implemented, then we will start on the students’ system in Colleague and move it to Workday,” Falkner said.

Falkner has worked in TSTC’s Office of Information Technology since 2000 and has been in her current role since 2015.

“You have to be organized and detail-oriented,” Falkner said. “You have to see it through in working on a program and getting the bugs out. You have got to have perseverance. You have to be organized.”

Falkner grew up in Odessa and cites her mother as being an inspiration for her pursuing the technology field.

“I kind of thought I would like to get into computers and started doing that,” Falkner said. “When I graduated from high school, I decided to pursue that at Odessa College. I started taking programming classes. One of my instructors recommended me for the job there at the college in programming. I started to work there actually before I got my degree.”

During the month of March, TSTC is honoring women in history and on its campuses who work to make strides in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields every day.

“Women bring special skills to the IT field,” Scherwitz said. “Men and women see things differently, and this diversity brings new solutions to the table when resolving problems. The technical field is growing each day, and it needs women to help it grow. It is a tremendous opportunity for those who are willing to grasp it.”

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu. 

TSTC welcomes new regional executive director of government affairs

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After having spent nearly two decades working in the Texas government, Maricela De Leon joined Texas State Technical College in February to serve as its regional executive director of Government Affairs.

De Leon said that education is something she has always fought for, not only in her career, but also in her personal life. She knows these experiences will bring much to the table through her journey at TSTC.

“I have always been a proponent of education,” she said. “I hope to bring my leadership and go-getter attitude with me to my new position.”

Growing up in the underserved community of San Carlos is what motivated De Leon to continue her education, and it is what propelled her to continue fighting for others who have grown up in similar circumstances.

“Sometimes there are communities that are left behind,” she said. “I know what it’s like to be invited last to the party, and I want to make sure that I give back. Coming from a challenging background should not be the single most reason why you do not want to seek higher education. I want to be the advocate for those students.”

While De Leon wants to be a fighter for others, it was her family that inspired her. Her parents have always instilled in her the importance of an education, and her older brother, who left home at 18 to attend college in Dallas, reinforced it through his own experience.

“My brother would write to me and say that education was my key to everything,” she said. “My education, along with my career experiences, have led me to where I am today.”

De Leon also dedicates herself to her nonprofit, Just Kauz It’s Right, which she started in 2009. The organization gives school supplies to students across the Rio Grande Valley and in Mexico.

“When you plant that seed about a desire to learn more, it really does stick with young students,” she said.

Ultimately one of De Leon’s callings is to continue planting that seed in the minds of young people so that they too can experience the difference that an education can make.

“Students develop the life that they are going to live,” she said. “I would tell any student to continue to develop their mind because it is invaluable. Take the leap and keep charging forward.”

During the month of March, TSTC wants to honor women in history and right on our campuses who work to make strides in STEM fields every day. #tstchonors

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

TSTC Education and Training utilizes hybrid curriculum for teaching future educators

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Future child care providers, teaching assistants and paraprofessionals receive a uniquely hands-on education when enrolled in Texas State Technical College’s Education and Training program.

The program, which has adopted an online curriculum since March 2020, equips students to work in child care settings with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school students up until sixth grade.

“Our program is now 100 percent online as of March 2020,” Education and Training instructor Myriam Aguila said. “Thanks to the experience, knowledge and commitment we have to our students, our faculty has converted all of our courses so that the content and the learning outcomes are fully met through this new modality. Right now, technology is our best ally.”

Tony Desjardins, an instructor in the program, said that different approaches are used throughout a student’s studies to ensure their success.

“It is a hybrid technical education program incorporating a skills-based instructional approach, along with the coverage of relevant academic content,” he said. “Our students graduate with valuable classroom experience, which sets them apart from other traditional teacher-training program graduates.”

While the coronavirus pandemic has brought adjustments to many college curriculums, Aguila said that the TSTC Education and Training department is still greatly committed to student success.

“I am very proud to say that our program is unique, not only in our local area, but even at a larger scale,” she said. “We utilize a hands-on approach, which includes field-based experiences.”

Aguila added that the instructors in the program are part of what makes a tremendous difference.

“All of the instructors have been teaching between 10 and 44 years,” she said. “We provide our students with knowledge, skills, strategies, tips and experiences to succeed.”

Desjardins had some advice for future educators.

“Take advantage of the networking opportunities that may develop while completing elementary classroom observations and field experiences,” he said. “I would also recommend that students secure a position as a teacher assistant or co-teacher while working on their certificate or degree.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

TSTC Building Construction Technology program adapts as lumber prices increase

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Hands-on work with lumber is essential to Texas State Technical College’s Building Construction Technology program.

And as students hammer, nail and saw to create a range of projects, program instructors are keeping an eye on the dollars and cents of lumber.

“We use the cheapest framing lumber we can find for our framing projects,” said Rick Vargas, lead instructor in TSTC’s Building Construction Technology program. “We do still purchase treated lumber when needed to show the students exactly how it should be done, but that does take a big chunk out of our budget to get it.”

Prices for softwood lumber have undergone a 73 percent unadjusted increase from January 2020 to January 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index.

“Lumber prices do seem to just keep climbing up, but thankfully we’ve been ordering slightly more than what we need so we can create a small stock of lumber when we need it,” Vargas said. “We do not have a lack of projects in the shop, which the students love because they can always work on something to learn.”

Lumber prices have caught the eye of some national construction organizations.

The National Association of Home Builders has attributed price increases to not enough domestic production of lumber. John C. Fowke, the NAHB’s board chairman, asked in a Jan. 29 letter to President Biden to end tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments into the United States.

The Associated General Contractors of America, which has a Rio Grande Valley chapter in Harlingen, has said the slowdown in the supply chain due to the COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in rising prices.

Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, wrote a letter on Feb. 18 to the president seeking for the administration to ask domestic lumber producers to increase production to make up for growing shortages and improve delivery methods.

“While lumber is sometimes considered a product that is important only in single-family house construction and remodeling, in reality lumber and other wood products are used in every type of building construction,” Sandherr wrote.

Vargas said there are alternatives for the Building Construction Technology program to use, some of which include metal finish materials.

“We do not sacrifice the learning experience because of that,” he said. “If we can, we try to salvage whatever pieces of lumber we can to use somewhere else. We will sometimes even take down a structure that we built just to reuse the lumber for the next class. It is unfortunate, but we use it as a training opportunity and discuss how to properly salvage lumber during a renovation and remodel.”

The uncertainty of lumber prices is a learning experience for TSTC’s Building Construction Technology students. 

“The students run their take-offs and estimates and see how much we are going to pay for those materials and explore other alternatives,” Vargas said. “It helps in the value engineering portion of construction, where the goal is to save money but still accomplish the same design outcome.”

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu. 

TSTC Welding Technology student eyes oil fields

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – James Martin, of Mason, has always liked to work with his hands.

After four years of welding classes in high school, Martin is furthering his education in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. He is planning to obtain a certificate of completion in order to work in the West Texas oil fields.

“I have always liked the feeling of working with my hands,” he said. “I like to do that more than sitting at a desk.”

Martin said studying welding at TSTC is easier than his high school welding classes were.

“It is easier because of the amount of time you can spend on a project. We also get more one-on-one time with our instructors,” he said. “It is easier to learn when you can talk to the instructors about what you are doing right and wrong.”

Instructor Taylor Elston said Martin is a hardworking student.

“He completes most of his projects first and takes a lot of pride in his work,” he said. “He will probably be one of the first students to complete all of his projects this semester and will do them well.”

The reason that Martin chose to attend TSTC was simple.

“I knew how TSTC was known to produce good welders. I wanted to learn to be the best I can,” he said.

One portion of the program that Martin enjoys the most is working in the lab, but he also said it is the most difficult.

“We have to get used to the moment that we are doing our profession all day. That is the way our labs are set up,” he said.

He also likes working with his classmates.

“We are very comfortable in class. We are respectful of each other’s work and want to make sure we succeed,” he said. “While it is like a work environment, it is easygoing for all of us.”

Martin also appreciates TSTC’s pledge to help graduates with job searches.

“That is a very good thing, and I am looking forward to working with the staff in helping me find my career,” he said.

Martin said he plans to buy his own welding equipment, knowing that TSTC will prepare him for work. He tells his friends about his experience anytime he can.

“I let people know what a great opportunity they can have by studying at TSTC,” he said.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Recent winter weather provides TSTC plumbing students with real-life lessons

(WACO, Texas) – February’s winter weather experienced in Texas is giving Texas State Technical College’s Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology students plenty to think about.

“There’s a lot of money in plumbing right now,” said Austin native Jack Guerrero, who is scheduled to graduate in December with a Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology certificate. “A lot of things broke that I know how to fix now.”

Guerrero not only had a health issue to deal with during the winter weather, but he and his family had to heat water in a fireplace as they endured a loss of electricity and heat in their home for several  days.

Guerrero, who wants to work in Austin after graduation, recommends that people keep their faucets dripping to reduce the chances of freezing water pipes.

Jimmy Maldonado, of Gatesville, is also scheduled to graduate with a Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology certificate in December. He said people should think about covering their windows and doors to cut down on cold air seeping in. He also recommends using outside faucet covers to provide wind and freeze protection.

Chris Porter, an instructor in TSTC’s Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology program, said the winter weather should show students how to come up with their own solutions for problems. He said students in the program are learning the proper way to do work, which can benefit them as they advance in their careers.

Porter said he wants the students to pay attention to weather reports and know when to stock their work vans with supplies once they are working after graduation. He said the students need to be prepared for pipe breaks and not always having access to the right equipment. 

Porter said the winter weather did have a positive aspect: It brought attention to the plumbing profession once people realized how valuable the workers are. He said consumers and business owners should be aware of who they hire to do repair work and that social media is not the place to seek plumbing recommendations. Porter said people can go to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners’ website to search for plumbers’ professional information.

Porter said insurance companies will need invoices from plumbers for completed work.

“If you want good quality work, you will pay a plumber for good quality work,” he said.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a need for more than 511,000 plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters by 2029. The agency attributes this to maintaining existing plumbing systems, along with the construction of new residences and buildings.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu. 

TSTC Nursing student follows childhood dream

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Jadin Casto’s interest in nursing was sparked when she was a child.

The Texas State Technical College Nursing student personally saw how nurses helped her injured sister recover. She also observed family members who were nurses, and it became her dream to make nursing a career.

“My aunts and my mom were nurses, so I have always been interested in the field,” she said.

Casto enrolled in TSTC’s Nursing program in Breckenridge to become a licensed vocational nurse.

“TSTC has some great instructors and a really good support system,” she said. “Everyone at the campus goes above and beyond to help us.”

Casto said Breckenridge’s program is a “hidden treasure” in Texas, and she hopes more people will take advantage of the opportunity.

“The staff is one of the best you could ask for,” she said. “They want to make sure we have everything available to be successful.”

Instructor Jenny Wingate is seeing Casto grow into the profession.

“Even though she is in the beginning stages of the program, she is already growing her professional nursing skills in both the classroom and clinical setting,” Wingate said.

Wingate also noted Casto’s admirable work ethic and willingness to help others.

“She recently gave back to her community by participating in a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Breckenridge, serving a large number of patients,” she said. “Her hard work and dedication to serving others are just a few top qualities that ensure her future success as a nurse.”

Casto said Wingate helps her with any situation.

“She goes above and beyond by spending time making sure we are told the best way to do things,” she said. “All of the instructors show us what we could be doing, and that helps build my confidence. The teaching styles they all possess motivate me to work hard.”

Casto said the fast pace of the program is sometimes challenging, but with constant communication, students can succeed.

“If we do have a question, the instructors make sure to take the time to answer it. All they want is for all of us to succeed,” she said.

During the month of March, TSTC wants to honor women in history and right on our campus who work to make strides in STEM fields every day. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC EMS program prepares students with real-world experience

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Emergency Medical Services program at Texas State Technical College takes pride in preparing students for their futures in health care with hands-on training that will allow them to get to work on day one.

Instructor Daniel Forbing discussed the emphasis that the program places on real-world environments, as well as an opportunity that allowed eight TSTC EMS students the chance to roll up their sleeves and get to work when they volunteered at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

“Students assisted with the rehab portion of the vaccine, which included the 15-minute check after patients received their dose,” he said. “They were able to facilitate care and interact with patients.”

Current EMS student Vanessa Hurtado said she is grateful that she was able to play a role in a historic moment for the Rio Grande Valley.

“I learned that organization, communication and teamwork are the formula for success,” she said. “There were 6,000 vaccinations given that day, and I am happy I was able to be a part of it and play a tiny, but important, role in a huge piece of our history.”

While experience outside of the classroom is essential, the tools that students are able to learn with also make a difference.

“Students in our program train with top-of-the-line equipment, like our ambulance simulator,” Forbing said. “We prepare them for the national registry and provide them with all certifications to get a job.”

It is essential that students graduate with several achievements under their belt.

“All of our students graduate with all required certifications, such as CPR training, to get straight to work,” Forbing said. “TSTC establishes a real-world learning environment for them.”

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paramedic, as well as certificates of completion in Emergency Medical Services – Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic.

To learn more about the EMS program at TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/EmergencyMedicalServices or email Daniel Forbing at daniel.forbing@tstc.edu.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.