In a groundbreaking collaboration, Wortham High School and Teague High School have partnered to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for their students. This innovative partnership allows students from both schools to benefit from specialized programs that prepare them for high-demand careers.

Starting this fall, Wortham High School students interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology are now attending classes at the Teague High School Cosmetology Program. Meanwhile, Teague High School students with aspirations in emergency medical services (EMS) and the culinary arts are traveling to Wortham High School to take advantage of their state-of-the-art facilities and expert instructors.

A Win-Win for Both Schools

This partnership arose from a shared vision between the two schools to provide their students with more diverse educational opportunities, especially in fields that require specific training and certification. By pooling resources and expertise, Wortham and Teague High Schools can now offer their students a wider range of CTE courses, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen careers.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Teague High School,” said Wortham High School Principal David Hayes, “This collaboration allows our students to access top-notch cosmetology training, which we wouldn’t have been able to offer otherwise. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

Teague High School Principal Monte Shields echoed this sentiment: “Our students are excited to take advantage of Wortham’s EMT and Culinary programs. The hands-on experience they’ll gain is invaluable, and it’s great to see our schools working together for the benefit of our students.”

Preparing Students for the Future

The new arrangement is already making an impact. Cosmetology students at Teague High School have access to a one-of-a-kind salon lab where they learn everything from hair styling and coloring to nail care and skin treatments. These students will graduate with the skills needed to pass their state licensure exams and start working in the beauty industry immediately after high school.

On the other side, Wortham High School’s EMT program is providing Teague students with critical emergency medical training. The program includes both classroom instruction and real-world practice, preparing students for certification exams and careers as EMTs.

Additionally, the culinary program at Wortham High School offers aspiring chefs from Teague hands-on training in a professional kitchen environment, where they learn everything from basic cooking techniques to advanced culinary arts.

A Model for Future Collaborations

This partnership between Wortham and Teague High Schools serves as a model for other rural school districts looking to expand CTE offerings without the significant financial burden of creating new programs from scratch. By working together, both schools have enriched their students’ educational experiences and better prepared them for the workforce.

As the school year progresses, administrators from both schools are optimistic that this collaboration will continue to grow, potentially expanding into other CTE fields or even taking it virtual in the future. For now, the students of Wortham and Teague High Schools are benefiting from an education that is not only comprehensive but also tailored to meet the needs of the local job market.

The community has expressed strong support for the partnership, recognizing the long-term benefits of providing students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s economy. As one local parent put it, “It’s great to see our schools coming together to give our kids the best possible start in their careers. We’re proud of what they’re accomplishing, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

The Teachers Making It Happen

Teaching Cosmetology for Teague High School is Mrs. Taylor Espinoza. Mrs. Espinoza moved to Teague in 2021, she is originally from South Dakota. Taylor has been a licensed cosmetologist since 2011 in four different states. Her passion is to help others in finding their niche in this field. She appreciates that cosmetology has many specialties. She has expanded her education into eyelash extensions, makeup, and editorial hair. She states, “Witnessing young minds grow and grasp their love for cosmetology is a highlight. When I love something, I want to share it!” In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her 3 children and husband. They love sports and anything to do with the outdoors.

Teaching EMT, Phlebotomy, CMA and EKG Tech for Wortham High School is Teresa McLaughlin. Mrs. McLaughlin has had a distinguished career in emergency medical services (EMS) spanning over three decades. Her journey began in 1990 with the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, which merged with the NYC Fire Department in 1996. In 2015, Mrs. McLaughlin returned to her birthplace in Texas and continued her commitment to education as a paramedic instructor at TEEX-Texas A&M Engineering Extension in College Station.

Currently, Mrs. McLaughlin serves as an instructor at Wortham High School’s Health Careers Academy, where her dedication to educating and inspiring future EMS providers is evident. The academy’s impressive 100% pass rate on the National Registry of EMT certification exam reflects her commitment to excellence in EMS education. Despite the 90-minute commute from her home, her dedication to teaching youth and fostering the next generation of EMS providers remained unwavering.

Teaching Culinary Arts for Wortham High School is Mrs. Amy Gose. Mrs. Gose started her food journey with McDonald’s Restaurants, where she worked at many levels for the company for over 25 years. This experience gave her a strong foundation in customer service, business ethics, and knowledge, as well as a passion for teaching. During this time, she also gained a passion for food safety which she loves sharing with others. Mrs. Gose is a certified proctor and instructor for the ServSafe Industry Certification exam. Four years ago, she changed her path and began a career teaching high school Culinary Arts. She loves sharing her joy of cooking with the students and seeing their passion for food develop and grow. In the early summer of 2023, she decided to broaden her knowledge to be a better teacher for the WHS students and began the path to become a Certified Chef with Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. She completed the program on August 20th of this year and will graduate on November 15th. Mrs. Gose states, “I am enjoying learning new things to bring to my students. I have decided to continue my education and get my degree in pastry and baking and will begin those classes early next year. I plan on continuing to teach Culinary Arts at Wortham High School for many years to come.”

Conclusion

The partnership between Wortham and Teague High Schools represents a forward-thinking approach to education, one that prioritizes student success and community collaboration. As students from both schools embark on their new educational journeys, they do so with the confidence that they are receiving top-tier training in their chosen fields, setting them up for a bright and prosperous future.

 

Pictured at top:  WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE advancement of students are (left to right): AmyJo Miller-Wortham High School CTE Coordinator, David Hayes-Wortham High School Principal, Crista Payne-Teague High School Counselor, Monte Shields-Teague High School Principal, and Lori Wills Sutton-Teague High School CTE Coordinator. (Submitted Photo)