Linda Dezellem, named Career, Technical Specialist at North Central Educational Service District

The North Central Educational Service District (NCESD) has announced the hire of Linda Dezellem as the agency’s Career and Technical Education Specialist. 

The North Central ESD supports districts with developing and implementing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which are an essential part of the Career Connect Washington initiative in the region. CTE programs ensure every young person has access to real world, relevant career development opportunities while in school, explained Dr. Sue Kane, who leads the Career Connected Learning team at NCESD.

“We are thrilled to bring Linda’s experience and expertise to schools across the region,” Dr. Kane added. “Career and Technical education offer 6-12th grade students some of their first opportunities to explore future careers, build skills, and gain professional credentials and experiences that can be immediately applied after high school on any path that a student chooses.”

As the CTE  Specialist, Dezellem will serve as a regional leader and engage with educators and industry and community stakeholders to expand career and technical education programs, improve alignment of career pathways, and increase the number of young people graduating from high school with the skills needed to secure a job or credential. Dezellem’s role will support all 29 school districts in the North Central Washington region to meet the diverse needs of students.

Dezellem comes to the NCESD from Brewster School District. Since 2008, she served the district as Brewster High School Principal and CTE Director. During her time there, the district increased graduation rates to nearly 100% consistently over the last several years. This accomplishment earned the High School recognition as a School of Distinction by The Center of Educational Effectiveness five years in a row. 

In this role, Dezellem hopes to directly support district CTE Directors, many of whom serve in leadership and instructional capacities in addition to their CTE responsibilities. 

“Career and Technical Education has always been my life’s passion and I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to assist the school districts in our ESD region as they expand CTE options and certifications for students,” said Dezellem. Dezellem began her new role with the NCESD in July 2022.