Steve Smith
Entrepreneurship and Technology Instructor
Otay Ranch Academy for the Arts
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
First, I found out how to have a work ethic by making money doing odd jobs at a young age.
Then, I was employed by the collegiate system and worked under the guidance of the department head.
Then, I went to work for a tradesman who spent his entire career mastering his trade from his father.
Then, I went out and started up my first small business and employed friends and family.
Then, I went into a career where I entered as a novice and moved up to a managing position over time.
Then, I patented my first invention and work with large attorney firms and venture capital groups.
Then, I entered the collegiate system and found an area of study that featured my area of interest.
Then, I went back to education to show students how to create their entrepreneurial experiences.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
James Madison Senior High School
James Madison Senior High School
Bachelor
Graphic Design
San Diego State University
Graphic Design
San Diego State University
Graduate
Technology Teacher Education/Industrial Arts Teacher Education
High Tech High Learning
Technology Teacher Education/Industrial Arts Teacher Education
High Tech High Learning
Certification/License
CTE Certification Program
University of California-San Diego
CTE Certification Program
University of California-San Diego
Career
Entrepreneurship and Technology Instructor
I develop curriculum for K-8 students to connect their core instruction to entrepreneurial careers.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Technology
Education
Being Creative
Day to Day
My day begins with opening the site at 7:00 a.m. and running a state-of-the-art media lab that features all forms of digital / analog media. Our class arrives around 8:30 and we dive into 3 individualized learning blocks that are designed around Entrepreneurship and Career Technology Education. We break for lunch and PE and then return to the studio for 1 more learning block of CTE coursework and end the day with elective / workshop exploration designed around project-based learning.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for professionals
Spend time being an apprentice to a journeyman worker or work under a management leader in your field of interest. Explore various career paths and dabble in numerous occupations that your friends have. Keep networking around your local area businesses and spend time attending / supporting 501c3 nonprofit events. Don't be afraid to call people and always introduce yourself as an entrepreneur who is seeking mentoring opportunities.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Graphic Design
Graphic Design
Graduate
Technology Teacher Education/Industrial Arts Teacher Education
Technology Teacher Education/Industrial Arts Teacher Education
Certification/License
CTE Certification Program
CTE Certification Program
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"My father always trash talked my choices and he said I would end up being lazy like my friends...and my room would never be clean! His inability to be sober was the scourge and drive to make myself a success and I promised to not follow in his footsteps."
Challenges I Overcame
Learning Issues
