Hundreds of students pass through the halls of Communications High School every day in the hopes of a substantial education. Contrary to popular belief, the opportunities that the Monmouth County Vocational School District offers are not just limited to high schoolers. 

Any resident of Monmouth County over the age of 16 is given the opportunity to explore fields of study varying from hairstyling to practical nursing.

Victoria Law, nursing instructor  and former student of the Licensed Practical Nursing program at the MCVSD, provided insight into the different techniques instructors employ to best teach their students. 

“Instructors work extremely hard preparing our students for the workforce,” said Law. “We use many tools to prepare them: lecture, demonstration, lab time, as well as round-robin (which include questions, videos, games, online practice questions, scenarios) to test out skills that they have learned throughout the year.”

The program offers a wide variety of courses, ranging from professional vocational training to basic high school courses, allowing students to earn their GED. Most of the courses available cost anywhere from 100 to 300 dollars. The vast selection of classes in fields like health science, horticulture, technology, and more has something for everyone.

The executive position within the program is currently held by Dana Schaed. Schaed, whose official title is Director of Adult Education, has held the position for around eleven years. She helps to organize the district’s instructional resources.

“The MCVSD Adult Education program offers adults in the county an opportunity to earn various industry recognized credentials as well as to enjoy enrichment programs,” said Schaed. “Our mission is to provide workforce ready opportunities for community members.”

The wide variety of location and frequency of these classes allows individuals to more easily find a class that fits their schedule. Night courses and one-time classes are also offered to students who don’t have flexible schedules, although summer courses are not available for adults at the time. 

Departments range from specialized facilities to impromptu classes hosted in MCVSD’s own vocational school buildings. Many of the courses revolving around technology are hosted within the halls of CHS. 

Many students of the program, like Law, have gone on to lead successful careers in the various fields they studied. Schaed recalls an ambitious nursing student that became the valedictorian of her class despite tough circumstances, serving as an example of success of the students within these programs.

“One story that comes to mind is about an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) student that completed the accelerated program, worked as a CNA (Certified Nurse Aide) at night and was a single mom of six kids,” said Schaed. “Her perseverance and determination was inspiring to all of us.”