Veteran educator Steven Vigil finished his fifth year as principal of Taylor Middle School, but he now moves to the new position of career technical education specialist within the Taylor Independent School District.
“We are excited to add this position at a critical time for our (Career and Technical Education) program, when student interest is rising and our programs are growing,” said Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen, Taylor ISD superintendent.
According to school officials, Vigil’s new role is vital to the growth and expansion of the CTE program, which already features 10 career pathways, including classes such as welding, health care and veterinary sciences.
Vigil said one of the things he’s most excited about is the chance to expand the impact of STEM programs – science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
According to Vigil, his new role is all about strengthening opportunities.
“Opportunities for our students, our families and our entire community. It’s about ensuring that every child in Taylor ISD…is engaged and has a clear pathway to success, whether that leads to college or a technical career,” Vigil said.
He will work with Taylor High School, Legacy Early College High School and the middle school to discover and build new programs that will increase student engagement and align with the students’ and their families’ needs.
Having served in the district for 15 years at three different campuses, “Vigil knows our students and families well,” said Garcia-Edwardsen.
New high-tech businesses moving into the area, including Samsung Austin Semiconductor, have led educators to offer local courses that could someday translate into jobs for these firms.
As CTE specialist, Vigil will build partnerships and alliances with community and industry leaders, such as Samsung, Temple College and Texas State Technical College.
The CTE specialist role is partially funded by grants from Samsung.
