Preparing Perquimans County Schools students for success in the workforce or college as director of the district’s Career and Technical Education Program is more than a job for Missy Swain.
It’s also a passion for the long-time educator.
“I find immense fulfillment in my role as a CTE director,” Swain said. “Additionally, supporting and collaborating with dedicated teachers as they empower students to achieve their academic and career goals brings me great joy and satisfaction every day.”
Around 700 students are enrolled in the Perquimans CTE program which works in collaboration with nearly 60 local employers. The CTE instructional program offers a multitude of career-path options ranging from business and agricultural to fire technology and automotive instruction, among many others.
Swain said the CTE program in Perquimans County plays a vital role in the community by providing students with practical skills and knowledge essential for success in both the workforce and in higher education. She said CTE fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that empowers students to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving and the technical skills that are needed for success in today’s economy.
“Its most important function is bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, preparing students for diverse career paths and ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of the evolving job market,” Swain said of CTE. “It offers students the opportunity to explore various career pathways early on, helping them make informed decisions about their future endeavors.”
Collaborating with local businesses and industries allows the CTE program to create valuable partnerships that benefit both students and the community by addressing workforce needs and promoting economic growth in the region.
Cultivating strong community and industry partnerships is an integral part of her job, Swain said.
“It requires active engagement with external stakeholders to advocate for the value of CTE and foster career opportunities for students,” she said. “This involves representation at conferences, collaboration with advisory boards, and continuous program evaluation and improvement.’’
Swain has been Perquimans schools’ CTE director for just 14 months but she brings nearly two decades of educational experience to the position. She holds a bachelor of science degree in agriculture with a minor in horticulture from N.C. State University and a master’s degree in agriculture education from North Carolina A&T.
Swain also holds National Board Certification and she has been honored as the 2022 N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching Teacher of the Year award and the 2023 N.C. Association for Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year.
As CTE director in Perquimans, Swain serves as a catalyst for the advancement of career-focused education and drives innovation, collaboration and excellence within the program. That includes spearheading the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment, steering the formulation and execution of the CTE Local Application and managing the program’s vision and budget allocation.
“I am responsible for cultivating a conducive learning environment through curriculum development, instructional support, and professional development initiatives for teachers,” Swain said. “I also promote various work-based learning opportunities and facilitating seamless transitions for students into post-secondary education of the workforce.”
Swain believes that CTE programs contribute to the vitality and resilience of the local economy. She said if there were no CTE programs in Perquimans County, the community would miss out on a “multifaceted array of benefits.”
“Beyond the practical skills and career readiness provided to students, CTE programs contribute to the vitality and resilience of the local economy by nurturing a skilled workforce tailored to regional needs,” Swain said. “Furthermore, CTE programs often serve as a source of pride and identity for communities showcasing the talents and achievements of students while strengthening community ties through partnerships and engagement initiatives.”
Being a rural community, the Perquimans CTE program faces some challenges that larger communities do not.
“One of the obstacles we encounter involves offering internship opportunities for our students due to limited access to the business sector compared to larger metropolitan areas,” Swain said. “We continually seek collaborations with businesses and industries to facilitate presentations, field trips, and internships.”
CTE programs are also deeply interconnected with various nonprofits and support agencies in the community that help enhance educational opportunities for students while also addressing broader community needs. Swain said nonprofits and support agencies often play a vital role in supplementing CTE programs by providing additional resources, expertise and opportunities for students.
“For example, organizations focused on workforce development may offer career counseling services, job placement assistance or skill-building workshops that complement the career readiness initiatives of CTE programs,” Swain said. “Similarly, nonprofits specializing in youth development or education may collaborate with CTE programs to provide mentorship programs, afterschool activities or academic support services tailored to the needs of CTE students.”
Swain’s exposure to CTE programs began when she was in high school, and the experience led her into a career as an educator.
“I have a strong foundation in CTE having dedicated 17 years to teaching high school agriculture education,” Swain said. “My journey in CTE began as a high school student. I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative impact of CTE classes, igniting my desire to become an educator and provide students with similar life-changing opportunities.”
When away from school, Swain enjoys fishing, gardening and traveling.
“I love to spend time with my family and friends and my dog Charlie,” she said.
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