Those connections were the focus of the 2026 Weakley County Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Council Meeting, held November 3 at Dresden High School. The annual gathering brought educators, employers, and community partners together to explore CTE programs and discuss how students can be better prepared for careers in Weakley County and beyond. 

Throughout the morning, participants toured programs, connected with CTE teachers and current students, and shared perspectives on the skills and experiences needed in their industries. 

For WCS CTE Director Kandace Jackson, the meeting reflects the importance of giving students opportunities to see how their education connects to their future, as well as gaining the necessary feedback of local partners to continue improving programs. 

"Our community partners play an important role in helping students see what's possible for their futures," shared Jackson. "Through these partnerships, students gain experiences that help them build their skills and prepare for opportunities after graduation." 

A highlight of the meeting was the recognition of the district's 2026 Partners in Education, whose contributions support career exploration, hands-on learning, and student experiences beyond the classroom. 

Work-based learning and clinical partners recognized included Dynamix Physical Therapy, ABC Medical, West Tennessee Healthcare–Volunteer Hospital, Greenfield Family Care, Bank of Gleason, The Color Shop, Duncan Pharmacy, Urban Design, Terrell Veterinary Clinic in Greenfield, Tennessee Tractor, the University of Tennessee at Martin football program, the Weakley County Prevention Coalition, Weakley County Mayor Dale Hutcherson and the Weakley County Election Commission. 

School partners included Dresden Elementary School, Greenfield School, Gleason School, Sharon School, Martin Middle School, Martin Elementary School, Martin Primary School and Westview High School. These partnerships provide students with opportunities to explore careers in education and gain experience in school-based settings. 

Additional recognition went to UT Martin's Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking and Hendrix Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise for their support of Future Business Leaders of America, Stanley Black & Decker for its continued involvement in Manufacturing Day, and Tosh Farms for its investment in the district's hog production facility and agriculture programs. 

Together, these partnerships help bring career education to life, giving students opportunities to learn from professionals, gain practical experience, and explore pathways that align with their interests. 

Following program tours, advisory council members joined CTE teachers for discussions about the skills in demand in their fields and ways to strengthen student learning experiences. 

While technical skills and industry knowledge remain important, a consistent message emerged across the conversations: students also need the professional skills that help them succeed in any workplace. 

Communication, responsibility, initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving were among the priorities shared by industry representatives. Participants also discussed the importance of helping students develop confidence, ask thoughtful questions, and approach workplace challenges with professionalism. 

Another focus was helping students discover the variety of career opportunities available within their own communities. 

Through workplace tours, guest speakers, job shadowing, and hands-on projects, local employers can introduce students to careers they may not have previously considered. These experiences also help students better understand how the skills they develop in school translate to the workplace. 

Discussions also explored new technology, industry certifications and ways to keep CTE instruction aligned with current workplace practices. Feedback from the meeting will help teachers and district leaders identify opportunities to strengthen programs and expand student experiences throughout the school year. 

For Weakley County Schools, these relationships are about more than preparing students to fill jobs. They're about helping young people discover their strengths, understand their options, and build futures that reflect their goals.