Career & Technical Education

Welcome to our Agriculture and FFA Section! Agriculture is more than just farming, it’s the science, business, & technology behind feeding the world, protecting natural resources, and powering our future. In our Agriculture Classes you’ll explore everything from plant and animal science to ag mechanics, food production, & environmental conservation. But Ag class isn’t just about what happens in the classroom or the lab, it’s about leadership, teamwork, and real-life experience. That’s where FFA comes in. 

FFA is a National Organization that helps students develop skills in leadership, public speaking, career readiness, and community service. Whether you’re showing animals, building projects, growing crops, or competing in events, FFA gives you the chance to shine and the chance to grow. No matter your background or your future goals, agriculture education and FFA offer something for everyone. There’s more than growing plants and working with animals, it’s about growing leaders. 

Our FFA Members are always busy with different activities and doing a lot of volunteering. Here is the list of a few things that our Members do every school year;  National FFA Convention, livestock judging contests, help with the Tri-State Rodeo, help with the High School Rodeo, take animals to Senior Center Animal Day at our local nursing homes, participate in Career Development and Leadership Development Contests, host a Cattle Show, & taking care of our Land Lab.

We offer the following classes; Intro to Agriculture, Advanced Animal Science, Small Animal Care, Intro to Agronomy, Advanced Agronomy, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Agriculture Communications, Agriculture Sales, Agriculture Business

Teacher/Advisor; David Vance

Welcome to the Automotive Technologies and Skills USA Section! 

The Fort Madison Automotive Technologies program is designed to give students the skills necessary to enter the automotive industry following any path they decide to take. Whether they choose to enter the workforce, enroll in a trade school, or go on to a 4 year college after graduation. Our program will expose students to industry level standards. Giving them the diagnostic & repair facilities. Students will also have multiple opportunities to earn industry recognized credentials through our affiliations with NC3, Snap-On, Starrett, Hunter Engineering Co. and ASE.

Our students will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience within the industry through our WBL program. We have established Job Shadow Opportunities in partnership with multiple local businesses. We also have the opportunity for our students to participate in an apprenticeship program and have them certified as a Registered Apprenticeship in conjunction with Shottenkirks, General Motors, & the United States Dept. of Labor.

Through SkillsUSA, you’ll have the opportunity to sharpen your leadership skills and compete in hands-on events with students across the state and the nation. Whether you’re interested in becoming a technician, shop owner, engineer, or just want to be confident under the hood, SkillsUSA helps you grow as both a skilled worker and a leader.

We offer the following classes; Basic Auto, Auto Body, Auto 1: Dual Intro to Auto Tech (SCC), Auto 2: Dual Fundamentals of Automotive Services (SCC), Auto 3: Multimeter Certification & Electrical Diagnosis. 

We offer the following Work Based Learning Opportunities; Automotive Technician - Job Shadow, Automotive Technician Specialist - Registered Apprenticeship Program

Teacher/Advisor; Jeff Gerdes

Welcome to the Business and FBLA Section! 

Business is everywhere, from the apps on your phone to the clothes you wear, the food you eat, and the careers you’ll pursue. In our Business classes you’ll explore what makes the business world work: marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, management, communication, and so much more. You’ll learn practical, real-world skills like creating a budget, writing a business plan, delivering presentations, and understanding how companies operate in today’s fast-paced, global economy. 

FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) is the largest business Career and Technical Student Organization in the world. Each year, FBLA helps more than 230,000 members in middle school, high school, and college prepare for careers in business.FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.

We offer the following classes; Intro to Business, Entrepreneurship I, Entrepreneurship II, Personal Finance, Business Technology, Business Law, Advertising and Selling, Data Analytics, Accounting I, Accounting II, Digital Marketing, Intro to Marketing, & Business Management.

Teacher/Advisor; Tracy Vance

These Career-Connected Learning (Work-Based Learning, WBL) placements provide relevant application of a skill set in an actual work environment. They are structured opportunities for students to interact with employers or community partners at school or workplace. The purpose of WBL placements are to build student awareness of potential careers, facilitate student exploration of career opportunities, and begin student preparation for careers. These awareness, exploration, and preparation activities help students make informed decisions about high school course and program enrollment and about postsecondary education and training. 

We Offer the following classes; Dual Exploring Careers, Dual Employability Skills, Dual Exploring Careers - Business, Dual Job Shadowing, Career Exploration (7th- 12th grade), & Work Based Learning. 

Teacher; Angie Williams

Welcome to the Construction and SkillsUSA Section! 

Construction is more than just hammers and nails. It’s about teamwork, problem solving, & turning ideas into real, physical structures. From Framing and roofing to reading blueprints and using power tools. You’ll also explore the different trades in the Construction Industry; carpentry, electrical, plumbing, masonry, and begin developing the technical knowledge and work habits employers look for.

This Pathway is designed to give students an introduction to traditional building trades. Students will participate in individual and/or group project(s) built throughout the semester. Included is a wide range of topics that cover job-site safety, concrete construction, rough framing construction, roofing construction, interior construction, electrical, fine finish carpentry, and other topics within the construction cluster. Hands-on experience includes a review of the traditional building trades, and also a focus on building science and current best practices. Through SkillsUSA, you’ll take those skills even further. 

SkillsUSA is a National Organization that helps students grow into leaders, compete in trade-based contests, and connect with real-world career opportunities in the construction industry.

We offer the following classes; Intro to Construction, Carpentry 1, Carpentry 2, Carpentry 3, Construction Management, & Residential Wiring. 

Teacher/Advisor; Michael Schinstock | Intro to Construction Teacher; Kristi Roach

Welcome to the Family and Consumer Science and FCCLA Section! 

In Family and Consumer Sciences, you’ll explore topics like nutrition and wellness, child development, interior design, relations, and career readiness. Whether you are planning meals, caring for others, or preparing for your future, FACS is all about helping students grow into capable, confident, and independent adults.

FCCLA is a National Organization that gives you the opportunity to lead, compete, serve your community, and connect with others who share the same passion for family and career success. You’ll have chances to participate in events, develop leadership skills, and make a difference both in and out of the classroom. In FACS and FCCLA you’re not just in a classroom but you are becoming a leader in your own life.

We offer the following classes; Culinary 1, Prostart - Capstone 1, Prostart - Capstone 2, Dual Food Safety/Sanitation, Housings & Furnishings, Fashion, Textiles, & Apparel, & Life Skills & Family Studies.

Teacher/Advisor; Michelle Crandall

Welcome to our Health Sciences and HOSA Section! 

In Health Sciences you’ll explore the foundations of medicine, anatomy, patient care, medical terminology, and health careers. You’ll learn how healthcare professionals think, work, and make a difference in people’s lives everyday. These classes are more than just textbooks and notes, it’s hands-on , career-focused learning that prepares you for the fast-paced, high-demand world of healthcare. Whether you are planning on becoming a nurse, doctor, EMT (emergency medical technician), or a therapist, you’re gaining the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take that first step.

HOSAS is a National Student Organization that gives students the opportunity to lead, serve, and compete in health-related events while connecting with like-minded students and industry professionals.

We offer the following classes; Common Procedures in Healthcare, Health Systems, Intro to Patient Care 1, Intro to Patient Care 2, Medical Terminology (Dual Credit), Medical Law and Ethics (Dual Credit), Human Relations (Dual Credit), & Exploring Careers (Dual Credit)

Teacher/Advisor; Jill Smith, Registered Nurse
 

Welcome to our Welding and Skills USA Section! 

In this pathway you will learn how to safely and skillfully fuse metal using heat and precision. You’ll explore different welding techniques and processes like MIG, TIG, and Stick Welding, understand how to read and interpret blueprints, and gain hands-on experience working with real tools & equipment. Whether you’re interested in a high-paying trade career, engineering, or just want to build and repair things on your own, welding offers real-world skills that are always in demand.

Safety, focus, and respect for the tools are key in our welding program, but so is creativity, problem solving, and pride in craftsmanship. By the end of these courses you will not only know how to strike an arc but you’ll know how to build something that will last. Students will also have opportunities to earn industry recognized credentials through our affiliations with Lincoln Electric, Snap-On and NC3.

We offer the following classes; Intro Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Principles of Welding, Welding Safety, Intro Shielded Metal Welding, Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Intro Gas Metal Arc Welding, Advanced Gas Metal Arc Welding, Intro Flux-Cored Arc Welding, & Advanced Flux- Cored Arc Welding.

Teacher/Advisor; Ryan Peters