LISBON Man trains for new teaching career path

The program tailors technical training to disabled students' individual needs.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- John Garwood is about to set out on a new career path and hopes to prove that his late son Zach was right.
Garwood said his son had wisdom and insight beyond his years. Shortly before Zach's death last year from cancer, the 13-year-old told his dad that he should be a teacher.
The Garwoods, of Leetonia, recently quit farming and sold their potato-packing operation in June. Now Garwood is taking classes at Kent State University, preparing to teach the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center's new workforce readiness program.
The program tailors technical training to the individual needs of disabled students to hone skills and find appropriate vocational programs for them.
During the years of operating the potato farm and then specifically a potato-packing operation, Garwood often welcomed career center students to High Hope Farms and the packing shed to give them exposure to a work environment.
Out of the blue
Garwood said he enjoyed working with the career center students, but had not considered teaching as a career.
"We were working in the packing shed one day, and Zach just looked at me and said, 'Dad, you really should be a teacher.' I was floored. It was just out of the blue. Now I have this opportunity."
Shortly before selling the packing operation, Garwood learned there would be some openings at the career center. Some friends suggested he apply.
Soon after he accepted the position, Garwood began attending classes at Kent State University in preparation for his career change.
He said the KSU courses are designed to help experienced workforce professionals prepare to teach. They are learning how to do lesson plans and other skills needed in the classroom setting.
"It's been a few years since I was a student," Garwood said. "School has been tough, and I'm always asking questions. I want to do well. I have to do this. I can't let Zach down."
Cut out for the job
Curt Kaiser, principal of student services at the career center, said Garwood is a perfect fit for the workforce readiness program.
"We wanted to provide a program for students who are struggling and not ready for the traditional programs here," Kaiser said. "John Garwood brings years of experience in trade and industry to this position. He has experience in designing machines and has worked with at-risk kids. He has the temperament to work with the students for whom this program is designed."
Kaiser said the workforce readiness program is designed to give disabled students specialized instruction in the vocational and technical setting.
There will be about eight students in the class to start, and more will be added as their needs are assessed. The students will attend classes in their home districts half of the day and spend the rest of the day in Garwood's classroom.
The students can explore various career opportunities and will learn citizenship, how to communicate effectively, and what skills are needed in applying for and in keeping a job.
Kaiser said the goal of the workforce readiness program is to move students into the traditional programs at the career center, which can occur at any point.
He said students can also earn a two-year workforce readiness certificate or continue at the career center until they are 20 if needed.