About our CTE PROGRAM
Welcome to our innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Gorman Learning Charter Network! Our CTE program is designed to provide students with industry-aligned pathways, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's workforce.
At the heart of our CTE program are our dedicated and credentialed teachers who bring a wealth of industry experience to the classroom. Our teachers are committed to ongoing professional development, staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies in their respective fields. This dedication ensures that our students receive the most up-to-date information and practical skills needed for success in their chosen career paths.
One of the hallmarks of our CTE program is its flexibility through a Hybrid Learning Model called GoFlex!
What is GoFlex! ? GoFlex! is a program tailored specifically for Gorman Independent Study students. Through our innovative GoFlex! Model, students have the opportunity to tailor their educational experience by choosing from a variety of industry-focused CTE Pathways. Our program offers pathways to suit diverse interests and career goals.
In addition to flexible coursework, our GoFlex! CTE program is supplemented by in-person activities and work-based learning opportunities. These hands-on experiences allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, gaining valuable insights and skills that are essential for their future careers.
We are proud to offer our students the opportunity to take up to (2) CTE Pathways, empowering them to explore multiple areas of interest and expand their skill sets. Whether students are preparing for college, entering the workforce directly, or pursuing other post-secondary paths, our CTE program provides a solid foundation for success.
We invite you to join us in our CTE programs and embark on a journey of discovery, exploration, and growth. Together, we'll help your student unlock their full potential and achieve their goals in the dynamic world of Career and Technical Education.
Kalista Combs
CTE Coordinator
About Our CTE TEAM
Director of CTE
Kalista Combs
Meet Kalista Combs, our dedicated director of CTE , bringing a wealth of experience from both the education and industry sectors. With a career spanning over two decades, Kalista has served in various capacities within Riverside County and the Department of Corrections before transitioning into education.
Her journey in education began as a classified staff member, providing invaluable support to students with Down Syndrome. Over time, she evolved into a teacher, specializing in teaching Special Education students, including those with emotional disturbances and on the autistic spectrum and eventually stepped into administrative roles.
Kalista passionately advocates for Career and Technical Education (CTE) as a transformative tool for student success. She firmly believes that CTE serves as a vital bridge for student learning, empowering them to achieve their goals while building confidence and enhancing academic performance. Her dedication to CTE reflects in her vision for Gorman. Kalista’s vision is to empower students with the tools necessary to seize diverse opportunities and build prosperous futures.
Teachers
Gretchen Benham
My name is Gretchen Benham. I am a born and raised So Cal girl who is a Gorman PLT, GVA and CTE teacher (teaching education courses), and an Academic Coach (who helps kiddos struggling with academic concepts). I LOVE teaching students about all the topics in my education courses (including nutrition, first aid, child development, how to teach, how to study, etc.). I decided to be a teacher because I LOVE learning about new concepts and working with kids, helping them get to the "a-ha" moment when they understand what's going on! I am excited to be working with students who want to learn to work with children in any manner (coaching, daycare, education, in a medical field, therapy, day camps, etc.) and helping students to learn to enjoy project-based learning methods of completing work and presenting material to others.
Career Technical Education (CTE) is one of the most important courses that students can take in high school because it prepares students for future careers and jobs!
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LINKS
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LINK: What Will I Be?
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LINK: Working With Children
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LINK: Working With Children For Real
Mrs. Benham's Canvas Course Links
Shelby Bueno
Ms. Bueno teaches the Animal Science, Floral Design, and Agriscience Pathways under the Agriculture and Natural Resources Industry sector. She has over ten years of teaching experience both in person and online. In addition she enjoys coaching students how to work with animals while running the first virtual FFA chapter in California.
My favorite part about teaching agriculture is helping students discover their true passions and watching them take the next step to achieving their goals out of highschool.
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Pre-Veterinary Animal Science with a focus in Meat Science and minor in Food Safety
I believe CTE is important because it allows students to explore careers they never knew existed, provides hands on skills that allow students to reevaluate their career interests, and helps them build their resume through unique engaging experiences.
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LINKS
Small & Large Animal Care & Management
Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science
Introduction to Agriscience\ Agriculture Biology
Ms. Bueno's Canvas Course Links
Karina Navarro
Meet Ms. K, affectionately known as Mom by her favorite people! Formerly a healthcare maven, she's now rocking the education scene with her infectious enthusiasm. Wondering what Career Technical Education (CTE) is all about? Think of your friendly neighborhood nurse, the brave firefighter, your trusty hairdresser, and those Food Network culinary wizards - that's CTE in action! Ms. K isn't just teaching, she's living proof of the power of CTE, with her background in healthcare.
With 18 years of healthcare hustle under her belt, Ms. K decided to switch gears and dive into the world of education. Patient care and healthcare administration are her jam, and she's thrilled to pass on her knowledge to eager minds in CTE. When she's not shaping the future, you'll find her hanging out with her girls (who just happen to be 16 years apart!), whipping up gourmet delights in the kitchen, or getting crafty with cardmaking and stamping.
As for her academic arsenal, Ms. K is arming herself with an M.A. in Educational Leadership with a policy emphasis, because why stop at being awesome when you can be awesomely educated? Her journey through academia includes a B.S. in Career Technical Studies, an A.S. in Liberal Arts, and another in Social Science. And let's not forget her impressive K-12 credentials in Health Science and Medical Technology, as well as Child Care, Education, and Family Services.
With Ms. K at the helm, learning isn't just a lesson, it's a lifestyle. So buckle up, because this educational adventure is about to get epic!
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LINKS
All Classes: VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LINK
Ms. K's Canvas Course Links
Stephanie O'Connor
Originally trained as a theater artist in New York and Los Angeles, Stephanie O'Connor is committed to the belief that arts education and creative expression is vital to the development and workforce preparation of young minds. In addition to her BA in Theater, and her CA Teaching Credentials, Ms. O'Connor holds a Master of Arts in Arts Management and is active in Arts Advocacy and support of artists in her hometown of Santa Clarita, where she has resided for more than 35 years. Since 2017, she has been developing and teaching the CTE Theater Performance Pathway at GLCN. In addition, Ms. O'Connor has been a proponent of personalized education since she started homeschooling her eldest daughter in kindergarten 32 years ago! She has been a PLT for GLCN for 23 years.
"I believe CTE is important because it gives students real-world, hands-on, experience. It helps them develop self-confidence and problem solving skills that extend beyond the classroom. I encourage parents and PLTs considering a theater course for their students to read more about The Benefits of Theater Education!"
Education & Credentials:
B.A. in Theater - Smith College
CA Multi-Subject Teacher Credential - CSU Northridge
M.A. Arts Management - Claremont Graduate University
CA CTE Theater Performance Credential - Arts, Media & Entertainment, - UC San Diego
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LINKS
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LINK : Intro Class
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LINK : Intermediate Class
Mrs. O'Connor's Canvas Course Links
Jessika Unterberger
Jessika Unterberger has more than a decade of teaching experience in both the brick and mortar and online environments. She has taught courses in the social sciences, art, and CTE (business, marketing, education, and art). Some of her accolades include: creating a curriculum for the first California-based online 3D art class, receiving her PhD in General Psychology, hosting a TEDx Student Ted talk, and teaching at a college university.
Education:
B.A in history with an emphasis in Chicano/a studies; CSU Channel Islands,
M.A in Education with an emphasis in Technology; USC Rossier
PhD in General Psychology; Grand Canyon University
"I believe CTE is important because it allows students to explore their passions and realize their career dreams can become a reality! I teach pathways 1) Design and Visual Art under Media and Entertainment, as well as Personal Finance under Business and Finance."
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LINKS
All classes: VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LINK
Mrs. Unterberger's Canvas Course Links
Visual Art & Design
Career Focused Arts, Media and Entertainment
Multimedia Design
Game Design 1
