The CTSO advantage in education

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” These words commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin capture a timeless truth about education that resonates even more profoundly in today’s world. As we navigate the complexities of modern education and strive to understand today’s students, the power of involvement cannot be overstated.

Students are bombarded with information from every direction. The real challenge for educators lies in transforming that information into meaningful, lasting knowledge. How do we achieve this? By creating opportunities for students to immerse themselves in learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. Career and technical student organizations (CTSOs), such as Educators Rising, offer exactly this — an opportunity for students to be deeply involved in their education, not just as passive recipients but as active participants, leaders, and innovators.

Leveraging CTSOs to shape future leaders

The role that education professionals play in adjusting and supporting students’ future successes is nothing short of impactful. We accept the call and take it seriously, regardless of the intricacies required of our duty to provide an equitable education. As educators, we must support the development of students so that they can competitively uphold their roles after graduation.

As both an educator and a parent, my overarching goal is to prepare students not just to pass tests or earn degrees but to accept the challenges and opportunities that await them beyond the classroom walls. CTSOs can give students a competitive edge in achieving this goal, as CTSOs act as a bridge between academic learning and real-world application. These organizations are not just extracurricular activities; they are vital platforms addressing the needs of students and equipping them with the tools to navigate the complexities of life and careers.

Education has often been narrowly defined as students sitting at desks, absorbing information, and regurgitating it in the form of assignments, quizzes, or exams. While this traditional approach has its merits, it falls short in providing students with relevant and applicable experience for life. Today’s students need more than theoretical knowledge; they need the ability to apply what they’ve learned in practical, meaningful ways. This is where career and technical education (CTE) courses excel. They recognize and address this need by incorporating work-based learning (WBL) opportunities into the curriculum.

WBL experiences allow students to engage with real-world challenges, sharpening their skills in environments that mirror the industries they aspire to join. The impact of CTE is magnified exponentially when students participate in CTSOs associated with their CTE courses. CTSOs provide a platform for students to take ownership of their learning, deepen their understanding, and experience education in a transformative way.

Real stories, real impact

Calvin Plante’s life was transformed by his involvement in Educators Rising, a CTSO for students interested in education careers. As he puts it, “Student-led organizations have absolutely molded me into the person that I am today.”

Reflecting on his senior year at Pinkerton Academy in New Hampshire, he told me, “During this past school year, because of my involvement in my CTSO programs, I was selected as the CTE student of the Year at my school and also entered into the National Technical Honor Society. After giving an acceptance speech in front of the board of selectees, which included the headmaster at my school, he told me that I had a guaranteed job at Pinkerton Academy, and that he would be honored to have me come back and substitute while I was still in college pursuing my degree. That is just one of the examples of the amazing connections that can be made through participation in a CTSO.”

The stories of students like Calvin serve as a powerful testament to the impact that CTSOs can have, not just on academic achievement but on life trajectories. By actively engaging in CTSOs, students don’t just learn — they evolve, they connect, and they prepare for a future where they can thrive.

This article was written as part of PDK’s 2024 Emerging Leader and Distinguished Educator programs.

Listen to the author reflect on this topic in PDK’s There’s Power in Teaching podcast.