In this episode of the NCLA podcast, our host, Rachael Mann, is joined by Frank Polen for a discussion on implementing all-day labs, using classroom reduction aids, workforce development through CTE summits, the challenges of funding CTE programs, best practices in CTE, community impact, and ensuring visibility and growth of CTE programs.
Frank Polen is the Assistant Superintendent, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Adult Education Director at Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia, Ohio. He has helped students of all ages discover their passion and prepare for their future through career and technical education. This year marks his twenty-seventh year in public education. Prior to BCC, Frank served eight years as the principal of Warsaw Elementary in the River View Local School District, leading them to the rating of Excellent with Distinction by the state of Ohio five times. Mr. Polen also served as a middle school teacher at both River View Junior High and Indian Valley Middle School. Frank also has collegiate experience at Ohio Dominican University and Denison University.
Mr. Polen is committed to schools, community development, and leadership initiatives. Active with several organizations and committees, Frank currently serves on numerous boards, most notably as the board president of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce, as a Board of Trustees Member for the Ohio FFA Association, and was chosen as one of the charter class of only twenty leaders across the United States by the Association for Career Technical Education (ACTE) as a NEXTLEVEL Postsecondary CTE Leader. He was also a past recipient of the NCLA Dave Berryman Scholarship Award for Leadership and Development.
Frank earned his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and participated in men's basketball at Ohio Dominican University. He received his Masters of Educational Leadership from Salem International University. Frank is a resident of New Philadelphia, where he and his wife Gretchen, a fourth-grade teacher at Indian Valley Schools, are the parents of two daughters, Kendall and Reese.
Connect with Frank:
X @frankpBCC
Linkedin linkedin.com/in/frank-polen-7a22b6153
Blog: http://beingfrankwithfatherhood.blogspot.com/
Company/Work accounts:
X @BCCcareertech
Instagram @bcccareertech
Buckeye Career Center Website: www.buckeyecareercenter.org
