Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Welcome to CTE!
What is your student up to in their favorite class? Watch the slideshow below or visit our virtual showcase to see the fantastic projects, events, and activities directly related to career discovery and preparation that our wonderful teachers facilitate every day.
Seattle Public Schools Career and Technical Education prepares students of all ages for career and college readiness after high school. Through CTE classes, students explore a wide array of careers and with the opportunity to deep dive into career pathways of particular interest to them!
CTE strengthens students’ technical skills and knowledge through hands-on projects and problem-based learning. Working closely with industry partners, our curricula exposes students to in-demand jobs of the future.
Starting in elementary school, students have access to computer science activities, robotics, and hands-on STEM learning. In middle school, students begin envisioning life after high school with their High School and Beyond Plan with access to classes like media arts, engineering, and technology. Upon entering high school, students tailor their schedules to explore careers of specific interest to them. They gain technical skills through preparatory CTE classes in Skills Center, internships, field trips, and much much more.
Robotics – Career and Technical Education is partnering with the Digital Learning department to bring after school robotics clubs to all elementary schools in Seattle Public Schools! Interested in getting your student signed up? Contact k8robotics@seattleschools.org.
Computer Science – 3rd-5th grade teachers have access to Hour of Code, which happens every December. During Hour of Code, volunteers from Amazon, MineCraft, Microsoft, and Google visit elementary schools to provide hands-on learning activities in computer science along with a safe introduction to interfacing with artificial intelligence.
Class Chats – Elementary Schools are partnered with volunteers from a variety of STEM and other pathways to discuss their work and help students begin to see themselves as part of the workforce of the future! Classroom presentations from guests help build connections between what students are learning and possible career paths.
CTE Exploration – Middle School and High School students have access to CTE classes in information technology, STEM, Media Arts, and more. Learn about classes available at your student’s middle school by contacting jwparker@seattleschools.org.
CTSOs – Students interested in taking their skills to the next level can join a Career and Technical Student Organization. Let by a CTE teacher with knowledge of industry, these clubs allow students to engage in STEM and design competitions with other schools, locally, state-wide, and nationally. Read more about available CTSOS on our Student Leadership page.
Career Connected Learning – Middle School and High School students go on industry-centric field trips, participate in career interest surveys, and go on job shadows facilitated by their CTE teachers.
Career Quest Internships – CTE’s goal is for all interested high school students to be able to engage in a meaningful internship experience. Our Career Connected Learning Coordinators and Internship Coordinator maintain a list of internships available to all SPS students.
Seattle Skills Center – Seattle Skills Center offers hands-on, preparatory career and technical learning opportunities in many different pathways. Skills Center classes are available to all SPS students and are located at community, high school, and middle school sites around the city. Learn more about Seattle Skills Center offerings.
CTE Dual Credit – Many CTE classes offer CTE Dual College Credit or the opportunity to earn credit through passing an AP or IB examination. Learn more about which classes offer CTE dual credit by visiting our Pathways page or emailing ksyork@seattleschools.org.
Apprenticeship – CTE offers an L&I recognized Pre-Apprenticeship associated with the SCWA, and SPS project labor agreement. Students in the cohort can qualify for trades apprenticeships upon graduation.
Other – CTE teachers and Career Connected Learning Coordinators work closely with Counseling to connect students to relevant post-secondary educational opportunities that connect with their career interests and goals for the future. Students can use Naviance to browse colleges and scholarship opportunities.