DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Jill Stoltzfus, career readiness coordinator for the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) and Technical College High School (TCHS), has been recognized with the Outstanding Career and Technical Education Special Populations Teacher Award at the Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Education Special Populations (PACTESP) mid-winter conference.
The award highlights Stoltzfus’s exceptional work in supporting students from special populations, including those with disabilities, economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with limited English proficiency. Over her eight-year career, Stoltzfus has helped students connect with meaningful career pathways that address both workforce demands and individual potential.
“We need to find ways for our students to enjoy those careers, as well as develop career pathways into those career fields, so that we can sustain ourselves as a community,” Stoltzfus emphasized.
Her hands-on approach integrates real-world experiences into students’ learning. For example, she organizes visits to healthcare facilities, exposing students to roles like occupational therapy, radiology, and physical therapy. One student, during such a visit, discovered a passion for occupational therapy, a career path she had not considered before.
Stoltzfus expressed her dedication to empowering students, particularly those in special populations. “I enjoy helping those students to see that they’re valuable, that they have tremendous skills to offer, and that they have great pathways ahead of them,” she said. “This helps build their confidence and abilities to pursue what they want to achieve.”
The recognition came as a complete surprise to Stoltzfus. “I’m truly honored to be given the award,” she remarked. “I know there are so many people working in career and technical education that do amazing, wonderful things. I’m very humbled by it.”
Andrea Vaughn, CCIU Supervisor of Adult Education and Workforce Programs, who nominated Stoltzfus, praised her exceptional impact. “Her commitment to fostering both academic and career growth, along with her ability to create a sense of encouragement and excellence, makes her a truly deserving candidate.”
Stoltzfus’s dedication to career readiness has left a lasting impact on students, enabling them to envision successful futures and building stronger community connections.
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