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T TEACHINGEACHING

WISCONSIN’S 4K–12 EDUCATION CONNECTIONTODAYTODAY WI ™
Summer/Back-to-School 2025
WI

Building Futures: Delavan-Darien’s Middle Schoolers Become Digital

Construction Pathway Prepares Storytellers at Video Production

Students for Real-World Success CTE Camp

the Construction Pathway introduces stu-
dents to the foundational skills and technical
knowledge required in today’s construction
industry. The program combines in-class
instruction with industry certifications and
hands-on experiences to give students a com-
prehensive view of what a career in the trades
can offer.
“Our goal is to help students see the real-
world value of what they’re learning,” says
Mr. Duval, who brings over two decades of
experience in both teaching and the construc-
tion industry. “We’re not just teaching them
how to swing a hammer, we’re teaching them
how to think critically, work as a team, and
understand the systems behind what they’re
building.”
Through a sequence of courses that
begin as early as freshman year, students
learn everything from safety protocols and
tool usage to blueprint reading, framing, Madison Metropolitan School District not a CTE subject offered in MMSD middle
and finishing techniques. They also gain Middle schooler Carter B has been live- schools.
exposure to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC streaming on Twitch for more than a year, Starting last summer, MMSD has been
Delavan-Darien School District systems to better understand how all trades engaging in the world not only through books taking strides to close that educational gap,
As the demand for skilled trades con- work together on a job site. The curriculum is and letters, but through internet videos and providing a camp aptly titled Discover the
tinues to grow across Wisconsin and the aligned with industry standards, and students photos. This is a common experience for many World of Video Production that teaches the
nation, Delavan-Darien High School and can earn certifications such as OSHA 10 and students in the modern age, whether it’s using basics of videography to middle schoolers.
DD Technical Schools are answering the call First Aid/CPR, which give them a competi- video for outlets like Twitch or other social The camp is one of 23 different opportunities
with a hands-on, career-focused Construc- tive edge when entering the workforce. media platforms, school projects, or simply in the summer Career and Technical Education
tion Pathway program that’s helping students One of the standout features of the personal enjoyment. (CTE) programs, taking advantage of the new
graduate ready for the workforce — or further program is the opportunity for students to Whatever the case, it’s clear now that lab spaces in MMSD high schools built thanks
technical training. Under the leadership of work on real construction projects. In part- much as reading and writing is a foundational to the 2020 referendum.
educator Mr. Tom Duval, the program has nership with local businesses, nonprofits, skill for students, the internet has made under- Like all of the full-day CTE camps, Dis-
become one of the district’s most successful and municipalities, Mr. Duval’s classes standing photography and videography just cover the World of Video Production runs
examples of connecting classroom learning have completed everything from storage as important for thriving in the professional for four day sessions, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30
with real-world application. sheds and remodeling projects to building a and social worlds. However, education on p.m. each day. Though the camp, located at
Launched as part of the district’s broader those subjects is still mostly lacking for pre-
commitment to college and career readiness, Continued on Page 10 high school students, as video production is Continued on Page 16

THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!

UW Stevens Point • Viterbo University • IBEW 158 • Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

WICPA • UA 400 Pipe Trades • Carthage College • UW Milwaukee • Wisconsin Science Festival

ABC Wisconsin • Iron Workers Local 8 • Ed Events/CESA 11 • Bellin College • Ecybermission
Northeast WI Building & Construction trades Council • FTIUM