Students learn more than technical proficiency in this Ohio career and technical center. A decade-long emphasis on developing character has produced students who demonstrate how to be excellent craftspersons, caring contributors to society, and exceedingly fine human beings. Sentinel, a career and technical center that offers 16 different career programs to students drawn from 13 school districts, began its character education journey in 1999 upon the revelation by local employers that they needed workers with “soft skills” in addition to technical competence. The center faced an unusual challenge, because students attend there for just half of each school day and pursue their academic studies at their home schools. Their character lessons had to sustain them in their home schools and in the workplace.
Read more about Sentinel in the 2010 NSOC book: “Creating a Culture of Character 24-7.”
Sentinel Career Center Video
Signature Practices
Lesson Plan: Give a Friend a Hand
This lesson is designed to help students recognize and empathize with people who have disabilities.
Promising Practice: Bridging the Generation Gap
A pen pal program has been established between high school juniors and the area's nursing home residents to bridge the generation gap. The pen pals learn about one another and develop friendships through visits and written correspondence throughout the school year.
Promising Practice: Alumni Hall of Fame
Graduates who have demonstrated performance character are recognized at a community assembly.
Contact Information
Cathy SorgInstructor
793 E. Township Road 201 Tiffin, Ohio
Phone: (419) 448-1212, ext. 243
Email: sorg-c@vscc.k12.oh.us
Website: www.vscc.k12.oh.us/sentinel.html