BUSINESS LEADERSHIP MISSION STATEMENT
To prepare students to be responsible citizens who make a difference in the world around them through leadership, communication, innovation, teamwork, relationship-building, and transferable business skills.
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course is designed to provide critical 21st Century skill, leadership, and personal development, as well as a foundational knowledge and skills in the area of Business. It is an academically rigorous program ideal for students seeking to build leadership, employability, and technical skills for a broad range of careers. Business is the essence of all careers, so the skills and experience gained in the program are applicable to all career paths.
Instructor: Sarah Jo Willey
Education: A.S. Advertising/Public Relations, Johnson & Wales University; B.S. General Studies, Johnson State College; CTE Teacher Prep Program, Vermont Technical College; Currently working on M. Ed. at Johnson State College.
Professional Background: Non-profit leadership, small business management; entrepreneurship; organizational development; training & consulting; graphic design & marketing; floral design; project management.
Ms. Willey’s EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
My experience as a student at the Cold Hollow Career Center was transformational. It allowed me to excel at college, earn scholarships, and graduate 2 trimesters early. It also afforded me invaluable leadership development opportunities, networking, and employment that was pivotal in my development as a professional. Those experiences, combined with my background in corporate training & development, entrepreneurship, marketing, and management have helped form my educational philosophy. I believe all students deserve opportunities to realize their potential. I value growth. I am committed to facilitating an environment of engaged learners, and coaching students to levels of academic, technical, leadership, and personal achievement that will allow them to excel in their future educational endeavors, in the workplace, and as citizens.
INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Students can expect to actively engage in the program through academically rigorous and challenging hands-on assignments and projects typical of the business field. High-quality work is expected and students will be given the opportunity to revise and resubmit work until it meets proficiency standards and expectations. Classroom activities will include reading, writing, research, analysis, problem-solving, presentations, reflections, and projects. Major projects will be presented to the class and to external audiences that could include other staff members, students, industry professionals, and consumers. Students will apply technology appropriately and effectively both for the purposes of research and production. Inter-program and community relationships with peers and adults will deepen understanding and enhance the application of skills. Students will be expected to work both independently and in teams. Students can expect frequent feedback through informal and formal assessments including self-assessment, teacher assessment, peer review, professional review, and Monthly Goal Meetings. These feedback-based assessments will provide students with ample opportunity to gauge their success, modify behaviors, and access support as needed to ensure maximum achievement and mastery.
