Shelby County teachers outline work-based learning for students with complex needs; students receive certificates

Ryan Cooper, a teacher at Collins High School, and Heather Row, an MSD teacher, told the Shelby County Board of Education on April 23 that their work-based learning and transition program helps students with moderate intellectual/developmental disabilities move from in-school jobs to paid, community employment by age 21. "We have in grades 9 through 12, we do in-school jobs… and we're kind of preparing students to work in the community," Cooper said.

Cooper described a multi-part model: weekly pre-employment classes delivered through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation teach interview skills, workplace dress and interpersonal communication; in-school jobs give practice in cafeteria, custodial and coffee-cart work; and community placements provide on-site experience. Partners named by Cooper include Protein Hub, family activity centers, Anytime Fitness, Domino's, Simpsonville and a Hardees co-op where at least one student held paid employment. He also described a partnership with the regional ATC welding program in which a student earned the same welding certification as other enrollees.

Board members asked about scale and logistics. Cooper said the program is growing: "I started with freshman and now they're all grade 14," and described a funding arrangement for transportation in which Collins High School and Shelby County High School split bus costs so students can travel to work sites. A board member asked about peer mentors; staff reported there are 44 peer mentors supporting students in the program.

Students Jason Hernandez, Fabiola Cartahena, Islam Kawatch, Jacob (surname not stated) and Jaden Hippard were called forward and received certificates, and board members and staff offered congratulations.

At the same meeting Miss Brittany Money introduced Leland Montesino, who attended Shelby Academy for a month and earned his GED. Money said Montesino also connected with community partners that helped him find employment and that the program provided a "second chance." Dr. Matthews, in the superintendent's report that followed, praised the students and the work-based learning effort.

The program leaders and the board said they will continue to develop community partnerships and vocational pathways to expand opportunities for students who remain in district programs through age 21. The board did not take a formal vote tied to this presentation; the item was presented for information and recognition.