Meet Jason Simon, director of Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC). Simon’s interview appears as part of a spotlight series on 2020–21 fellows in the Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation.
What leadership skills do you hope to develop as part of the Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation?
Being selected to participate in the Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to hone my leadership skills alongside the best and the brightest in CTE.
All of the great leaders I have had the honor to serve alongside over the course of my career have not only led their teams, they have inspired them to be the very best. I hope that I will gain the skills needed to inspire others and make meaningful changes in my organization and in CTE as a whole.
How do you anticipate your participation in the program will better equip you to support career and technical education (CTE) students, particularly underserved groups, toward career success?
With AMTEC, I have the privilege of serving a large and diverse group of students. AMTEC supports CTE programs nationwide, serving students in underserved rural communities as well as diverse urban settings. Navigating 2020 and its unique challenges alongside such an amazing and diverse group of leaders has helped me to be intentional in looking for ways to ensure all students have the same opportunities for success. It is not enough to be aware of students’ needs; we have to be intentional and focused on meeting them.
In your opinion, what are the most important elements of professional development for postsecondary leaders?
It is easy to get lost in the daily grind and forget to look for ways to improve yourself. Postsecondary leaders need to practice what we so often preach and strive to be lifelong learners. As 2020 has reminded us, our world is constantly changing. In order to be truly effective for those we serve, it is critical that we seek out ways to stay on top of emerging trends and best practices. Participation in programs offered by ACTE, attending conferences, reading publications and blogs, and communicating with peers across the country are all great opportunities for professional development.
Learn more about the PLSP–ECMC Foundation.
The Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation presents a yearlong professional development experience. The program is intended to develop the organizational leadership and management skills of postsecondary CTE professionals, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of underserved populations. Applications for the third cohort accepted Oct. 1–Dec. 15.
