Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler Visits Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School
Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School is pleased to share that Massachusetts Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler recently visited Southeastern to speak with students.
Secretary Tutwiler met district and high school administrators, staff, students, and Southeastern School Committee members on Tuesday, Oct. 22. He joined three cybersecurity and network program students to record an episode of Southeastern’s new podcast, "Hawk Talk."
Seniors Davi Turko Affonso, Malcom Zetrenne, and Shea Calnen discussed their curriculum with Secretary Tutwiler, including the “Power Skills” they work on throughout their vocational studies.
Students had the opportunity to ask Secretary Tutwiler questions about his role as Secretary of Education, bridging the gap between school and careers, how technology and AI will change education, and the integration of STEM education in schools.
Prior to the visit, Southeastern student Affonso emailed Secretary Tutwiler and asked him to join him and the other cybersecurity students in recording a podcast to discuss skills they’ve learned during their time at Southeastern, as well as how they are preparing for the two industry certifications they will complete this year.
Affonso had previously met Secretary Tutwiler at the Bridgewater State University STEM Conference, where he was a participant in a discussion panel.
During his visit to Southeastern, Secretary Tutwiler saw the grand reopening of the Southeastern Hawk Shop and the new STEM wing, currently under construction. He visited plumbing and nursing classes before culinary arts students presented him with a barbeque meal in the Boot & Shovel restaurant.
“We are grateful that Secretary Tutwiler visited Southeastern and took the time to participate in the Hawk Talk podcast,” Superintendent McClanan said. “It was a great opportunity for students to explain their vocational studies and ask questions about the future of education. We’d like to thank Secretary Tutwiler for speaking on the podcast and touring the school and seeing the hands-on education Southeastern students receive.”
Secretary Tutwiler directs the Executive Office of Education, which oversees early education, K-12, and higher education. He sits on each of the boards governing the Commonwealth’s education agencies and the University of Massachusetts system.
He is Gov. Maura Healey’s top advisor on education and helps shape the Commonwealth’s education agenda.
Cody Shepherd, John Guilfoil Public Relations