Career and Technical Education at Morton East

Welcome!

Welcome to the Morton East CTE Department!

On this page, you will find a list of courses offered, downloadable resources, staff contact information and promotional videos.

Colleen Del Monaco

Career and Technical Education Director

Email: cdelmonaco@jsmorton.org

Mission

Students will attain relevant career and technical skills and credentials to successfully move toward their chosen path.

Vision

The Career and Technical Education Department educates all students to meet or exceed recognized industry standards supporting the core curriculum and the expanding labor market.

Core Beliefs

All students will learn to solve real-world and career-related problems, application of current and emerging technologies critical and creative thinking skills to address problems in diverse family, community, and work environment workplace skills that includes soft skills, safe and healthy work environment, demonstrating work ethics and behavior, problem solving and critical thinking, career exploration.

Additional Information

Meet the CTE Staff

Business Education
Name	Email
Peggy Stefano	pstefano@jsmorton.org
Christine Tabares	ChLopez@jsmorton.org
Ian Armstrong	iarmstrong@jsmorton.org

Family & Consumer Sciences
Name	Email
Colleen Del Monaco (Lead Teacher)	cdelmonaco@jsmorton.org
Caryn Doogan	CDoogan@jsmorton.org
Karl Benford	KBenford@jsmorton.org
Jessica Herrera	jherrera@jsmorton.org
Yves Chambaz	ychambaz@jsmorton.org
Sara Kordek	skordek@jsmorton.org

Industrial Technology
Name	Email
Caryn Doogan	CDoogan@jsmorton.org
Paul Martinez	pmartinez@jsmorton.org
Bridget Michau	BMichau@jsmorton.org
John Roach	jroach@jsmorton.org
James Rogerson	jrogerson@jsmorton.org
Mark Yunker	myunker@jsmorton.org
Rick Robilotta	rrobilotta@jsmorton.org

CTE Teaching Assistant
Name	Email
William Radde	WRadde@jsmorton.org

Courses

Family and Consumer Sciences Courses

The Family and Consumer Sciences prepares individuals for jobs related to the needs of individuals, groups, and society, leading to career opportunities in education and training, government and public administration, law, public safety, corrections, and security and human services, along with personal care services. Individuals might work in schools, daycares, government agencies, law offices, hospitals, salon or spas, or in the community.

Click each course to view its description.

Introduction to Teaching

Course Description

This course introduces students to the principles underlying teaching and learning, responsibilities and duties of teachers, and strategies and techniques to deliver knowledge and information. The principles of planning, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate curricula are studied. Course content includes projects to develop an understanding of the learner and the learning process, instructional planning, the learning environment, assessment and instructional strategies, career opportunities in the field of education, and Illinois regulations and licensing requirements. From this course, students will decide whether they would like to continue into Early Childhood Education Pathway or into our Education and Training Pathway, which focuses on grade levels K-12.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-11
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take INTRODUCTION TO TEACHING I (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Early Childhood Education II

Course Description

This course will implement the Mini Mustangs Preschool Laboratory component. This course provides overview of early childhood care and education, including historical perspectives, organization, structure programming and basic values in Early Childhood Education. Professional practices of early childhood educators are outlined with an emphasis on their ability to enhance personal skills of children at these ages and stages of development. The principles of planning, implementing, and evaluating a developmentally appropriate curricula are studied. Topics covered include schedules, projects, and theme developments, integrating activities across the curriculum, setting up learning centers, activity development in curricular areas of language arts, art, science, motor, math, music, and dramatic play.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: One year of Introduction to Teaching I
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCTION II (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Early Childhood Education III

Course Description

This course will implement the Mini Mustangs Preschool Laboratory component. This course involves an examination of current early childhood administrative practices and procedures. The principles of planning, implementing, and evaluating a developmentally appropriate curricula are studied. Students examine the management process of planning, staffing, record keeping, budgeting, and purchasing and monitoring for quality. Formation of policy statements, philosophy, programming, planning, evaluation and working with parents is included. Students become familiar with state licensing standards, accreditation, community resources and professional organizations.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: One year of Introduction to Early Childhood Education II
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCTION III (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Parenting

Course Description

Parenting introduces students to the impact of parenthood by studying the roles and responsibilities involved. Emphasis is placed on learning experiences which provide knowledge and understanding of the principles of human growth and development and preparation for parenthood. Special attention is directed to parenting skills needed to guide and encourage a child’s development. Current issues of concern to parents are studied. This course is designed to help students think through the relationships, satisfaction and stress (or crisis) of parenthood.

CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take PARENTING (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Teaching Methods II

Teaching Methods

Course Description

This course provides opportunity for students to develop skills to teach and guide others. Coursework includes opportunity for students to create and develop teaching objectives, design lesson plans, and experience teaching in a controlled environment. Students examine and practice teaching strategies, learning styles, time management, and evaluation techniques. tudents will explore opportunities in education careers and develop/expand their career portfolio. This course is designed for students interested in working in Education grades K-12.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: One year of Parenting
COREQUISITES: None
OFFERED: One semester course

Teaching Internship (25-26 SY)

Course Description

Teaching Internship provides work experience in fields related to the Education & Training cluster, within grades K-12. Goals must be set cooperatively by the student, teacher, and employer (although students are not necessarily paid). These courses must include classroom instruction at least once per week, involving further study of the field, discussion of relevant topics that are responsive to the workplace experience and employability skill development.

CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: TBD
COREQUISITES: TBD
OFFERED: One semester course

Culinary Arts I

Course Description

This course provides terminology, culinary math, and practical experiences needed for the development of culinary competencies and workplace skills. Safety and sanitation instruction and classroom application will prepare students for an industry recognized sanitation exam. Classroom experiences will develop skills to work in the front of the house, back of the house, and work stations. Additional content may include: event planning, customer service and relations, food service styles, baking and pastry arts, hors d’oeuvres, and breakfast cookery. Students will be provided opportunity training experiences on commercial equipment.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take CULINARY ARTS I (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Culinary Arts II

Course Description

The course teaches high school students the management and culinary skills needed for a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry. ProStart Program curriculum is taught to unite the classroom and industry together to develop talent for the future’s restaurant and foodservice industry. Students demonstrate cooking techniques through cooking labs.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: One year of Culinary Arts I
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take CULINARY ARTS II (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Culinary Arts III

Course Description

This is the third yearlong sequence course for Culinary Arts of the ProStart Program. Students gain a deeper knowledge of culinary skills needed for a successful career in the restaurant and foodservice industry. Students demonstrate cooking techniques through cooking labs. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-life experience opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: One year of Culinary Arts II
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take CULINARY ARTS III (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Culinary Arts IV

Course Description

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: One year of Culinary Arts III
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take CULINARY ARTS IV (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Human and Public Services

Click each course to view its description.

Public Safety

Public Safety Course

Course Description

Public Safety courses introduce students to the field of public safety and extend their knowledge and skills pertaining to the safety and security of homes, workplaces, and the community. These courses cover such topics as policing, law enforcement, emergency service, and private security and corrections and may cover all or a subset of these services.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take PUBLIC SAFETY (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Fire-Fighting I

Course Description

This course is designed to provide students with the skills needed to prevent and extinguish fires, maintain and repair fire service related equipment, provide basic emergency medical treatment, and prepare public service information concerning fires and hazardous materials. Instruction includes the physical characteristics of fire as well as general safety practices, basic fire behavior, and extinguishing principles. Students learn rescue and extrication procedures, types and use of ground ladders, proper ventilation techniques, and appropriate use of various water supply systems, and how to use ropes and tie knots. Students also learn basic emergency medical techniques and practices which include medical legal considerations, terminology, airway management, patient assessment and transportation, and emergency treatment

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: One year of Public Safety
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take FIRE-FIGHTING I (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Fire-Fighting II (25-26 SY)

Course Description

This course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in Fire-Fighting I. Instruction is provided in the use fire hoses, controlling property loss along with fire control techniques, detection systems, and prevention practices. Instruction includes communication procedures, procedures for operating emergency vehicles, maintaining fire-related equipment and vehicles, and securing and protecting evidence. Students may learn procedures for treating poisonings and allergic reactions, environmental emergencies, and hazardous waste removal, as well as how to treat soft tissue, musculoskeletal, and head and spine injuries.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: TBD
COREQUISITES: TBD
OFFERED: One year course

Industrial Technology

Technology and engineering education is the study of human innovation, which provides an opportunity for students to apply and manage knowledge and resources related to the human made world. It incorporates collaborative, application-oriented, activity-based strategies used to develop creative thinking skills while solving real-world problems. The study of technology and engineering education prepares students to become lifelong contributing members of our technological society who comprehend the impact of technology and use it to improve the quality of life for all people.

Click each course to view its description.

Auto Mechanics I

Course Description

Automotive Mechanics I provides students with the foundational skills and knowledge essential to a career in the automotive industry. Semester I areas of study include general shop safety, vehicle design and drive train configurations, lifting and jacking procedures, hand and power tool usage, tire maintenance, cooling system operation and maintenance. Semester II begins with an examination of the internal combustion engine, it’s processes, and components. Students will use precision measuring instruments to analyze various automotive engine systems which enable engine operation which include the fuel system, ignition system, induction system, and exhaust system. The course will be presented as a combination of classroom activity with accompanying lab activities.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take AUTO MECHANICS I (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Auto Mechanics II

Course Description

Automotive Mechanics II provides students with a thorough understanding of automotive braking systems. Areas of study include hydraulic brake operation, conservation of energy, disc brake systems, drum brake systems, parking brake systems, basic antilock brake operation, brake hardline construction, and brake hose construction. The second semester of Automotive Mechanics II provides students with an understanding of theory and operation in addition to an examination of various types of suspension exercises in addition to wheel alignment, wheel balancing, and tire repair. The course will be presented as a combination of classroom activity with accompanying lab activities.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: One year of Auto Mechanics I
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take AUTO MECHANICS II (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Auto Mechanics III

Course Description

Automotive Mechanics III provides students with the basic theory and operation of automobile electrical and electronics systems. Semester one areas of study include basic electrical theory, digital multi-meter usage, wiring diagram interpretation, and electrical system diagnosis and repair. Students will earn an industry recognized certificate for digital multimeter usage upon successful completion of training and assessment. The second semester of Automotive Mechanics III provides students with an understanding electronically controlled automotive emissions control and engine management systems. Additionally, students will learn the operation and design features of modern automotive heating and air conditioning systems. The course will be presented as a combination of classroom activity with accompanying lab activities.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: One year of Auto Mechanics II
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take AUTO MECHANICS III (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Construction Trades I (East Campus Only)

Construction Trades I

Course Description

Construction Trades I offers a diverse range of skills and knowledge crucial for anyone seeking a career in the construction industry. Covering essential topics such as OSHA 10 hour certification, safety protocols, and power tool usage, it prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of workers on the job site. Additionally, the course delves into the intricacies of foundation systems, floor systems, and basic framing techniques, providing a solid foundation for understanding.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take CONSTRUCTION TRADES I (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Construction Trades II (East Campus Only)

Construction Trades II

Course Description

This course provides opportunity for students to develop skills to teach and guide others. Coursework includes opportunity for students to create and develop teaching objectives, design lesson plans, and experience teaching in a controlled environment. Students examine and practice teaching strategies, learning styles, time management, and evaluation techniques. Students will explore opportunities in education careers and develop/expand their career portfolio. This course is designed for students interested in working in Education grades K-12.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: One year of Construction Trades I
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take CONSTRUCTION TRADES II (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Construction Trades III (East Campus Only)

Construction Trades III

Course Description

Construction Trades III delves deep into the world of construction and building craftsmanship. The comprehensive program covers a broad spectrum of essential skills, from mastering roofing skills and installing roofing covers to the intricate craftsmanship of building stairs, rails, and decks that elevate any structure. Students gain advanced proficiency in electrical systems, ensuring safety and efficiency in complex wiring projects. The curriculum also includes the cutting-edge field of metal framing, where students learn to create durable and versatile structures, and siding installation, enhancing both the aesthetics and durability of buildings. With hands-on experience and expert guidance, this class equips students with the expertise to excel in the construction industry, whether it’s crafting a solid roof, designing functional outdoor spaces, or working with advanced electrical and metal framing systems.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: One year of Construction Trades II
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take CONSTRUCTION TRADES III (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Introduction to Engineering Design

Course Description

Learn how to be a designer, architect, and engineer. Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) exposes students to design, digital communication, invention process, and technical documentation. This project based course gives students the opportunity to develop skills in research and analysis, teamwork, technical writing, engineering graphics, and problem solving, while engaging in developing their own design concepts to solve real-world problems. Students use 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems and learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 9-11
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

Principles of Engineering

Course Description

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 10-11
PREREQUISITE: One year of Introduction to Engineering Design
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course

PLTW Capstone (East Campus Only)

PLTW Capstone

Course Description

Engineering Design and Development 1 students use the knowledge and skills acquire throughout PLTW Engineering come together in this class (EDD) as they identify an issue and then research , design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their solution to a panel of practicing engineers. Students apply the professional skills they have developed to document a design process, and they complete the class (EDD), ready to take on any post-secondary program or career.

CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: One year of Principles of Engineering
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take PLTW CAPSTONE (SPRING)
OFFERED: One year course