Professional Development
Testimonials:
Mark’s message is for all of education, not just for CTE. If all schools listen to his points, education in the US would be excellent instead of average.”
Charles Benton
CTE Director at Dover Area School District
Was one of the most profound, truthful presentations I’ve ever attended on education!”
Florence Batten
Sports Medicine Instructor at Lancaster County CTC
This presentation needs to be made to the state legislature.”
B. Keith Yohn
Assistant Executive Director at Lancaster County CTC
Outstanding presentation. 17 years of teaching and no one has ever delivered a more meaningful and valuable set of strategies to use in CTE.”
Jody Kessinger
Biology Teacher at York County School of Technology
Powerful, engaging, funny, enthusiastic, energized me for the school year.”
Kelly Gordon
Math Teacher at York Tech
Enjoyed the Tree concept and the idea of educating students on what careers are possible in their technical area. Mr. Perna was approachable and enjoyable. He provided familiar aspects while also introducing new, innovative ideas.”
Kelsey Wisman
York County School of Technology
Thanks for a very interesting, fact-filled and exciting presentation. The Career Tree is excellent way to communicate about careers and what is needed.”
Ruth Mallinson
School Counselor at LCCTC Bronstown Campus
The concept of the Career Tree should be present in every school in the United States.”
Morgan Shrom
English Teacher at York County School of Technology
I am so excited to welcome my students in to my classroom this year and remind them how valuable, impressive and gritty they are for coming to Tech!”
Elisabeth Stuckey
English Teacher at York County School of Technology
Dynamic and real. Great strategies.”
Kerry Stauffer
Teacher at York County School of Technology
Oh my goodness! I can’t even think straight! This was so inspiring and energizing, loved it all. I want a Tree!”
Larlyn Muller
ESOL Specialist at York County School of Technology
Best meaningful session/seminar I have been too since I started teaching 5 years ago.”
Brian Singer
Auto Tech Instructor at Lancaster County CTC
CTE is the best gateway to a student’s future! Great presentation about the true philosophy of what CTE really is.”
Joe Hudak
Carpentry Instructor at York County School of Technology
This session motivated me to change the way I start this school year and change the way I recruit for next year.”
Wendy Bertoli
Early Childhood Education Instructor at Lancaster County CTC
Love the Career Tree! I love the Wade story and the concept of taking pride in whatever job you currently have; you never know how you can affect someone.”
Emily Falvey-Smith
Special Ed Teacher at York County School of Technology
Enjoyed the presentation. Reinforces information previously learned from experience teaching classes and gives me new strategies and ideas for instruction. Excellent! Loved the Wade Factor.”
Denise Hawkins
RN Instructor at York County School of Technology
Excellent program and information. I will change the way I present my program, especially to the students the 1st week of school.”
Michele Foland
Instructor at Cumberland Perry Vocational Technical School
Education with Purpose, exactly what CTE needs!”
Tanya Long
Health Instructor at Lancaster County CTC
Great energy with wonderful ideas for CTE.”
Holly Maisano
Lancaster County CTC
Your presentation has inspired and motivated me to step outside my comfort zone.”
Tiffany Brenner
Cosmetology Instructor at Lancaster County CTC
As a parent and educator, this material is impactful and relevant. This is energizing!”
Nina Kostalas
Related Studies Curricular Leader at York County School of Technology
The Career Tree was a great way to show students a pathway and justify your existence to the skeptical.”
Edward Fox
Broadcasting & Video Production Instructor at Carlisle Area High School
Absolutely amazing, I wish all parents, students and educators could hear your message.”
Hannah Coligan
Learning Support Teacher at York County School of Technology
As a new administrator, I felt more empowered. I feel like I can change our program and make it more effective and relevant to what the students need for the healthcare industry.”
Frances Bietsch
Adult Nursing Supervisor at York County School of Technology
I saw Mr. Perna 8 years ago and his presentation and message are even more impactful today!”
John Colgan
Tech Ed Teacher at Gettysburg Area High School
Awesome presentation! Motivational and exciting.”
Shandi Frey
Psychology Teacher at York County School of Technology
You are on track! I am a Pernaite! Thank you for helping give our kids access to a better future. Keep pushing for a change!”
Jennifer Smith
Social Studies Dept. Chair at York County School of Technology
Very interesting and easy to follow.”
Jason Baney
Cumberland Perry AVTS
The generational information, priceless! I am a staff member, but also the parent of a student here. I cannot wait to share this info with other parents.”
Amy Rowcliffe
Guidance Admin Assistant at York County School of Technology
Every subject is important, technical or not, we just need to find the relevance. You are a Wade.”
Valerie Heverly
York County School of Technology
The Career Tree is awesome.”
Patty Bacha
York County School of Technology
Loved the Tree. Students, parents and guidance counselors can see where the students are going and what they need to get there.”
Karen Dumas
Early Childhood Education Teacher at Carlisle Area School District
Mark brings perspective to our school.”
James Roberts
Director, Information Technology at York County School of Technology
Excellent presentation.”
Gregory Naylor
Teacher at York County School of Technology
I teach 11 & 12th grade English and our curriculum has changed to help students make connections to the real world. Your words and info will help that. This was the best presentation ever. Great and positive way to start the school year.”
Elizabeth Pavich
English Teacher at York County School of Technology
I liked the idea of how to gain the students’ attention and add excitement to keep them invested in my program.”
Jason Coyle
York County School of Technology
Wonderfully motivational morning. Your knowledge of Gens Y & Z is impressive and your anecdotes and explanations hit home.”
Joanne Prettyman
Media Specialist at York County School of Technology
This was one of the best sessions I’ve sat in. I feel like there were a lot of good tips to use and I understand and buy into them. That doesn’t often happen.”
Jebidian Linburg
Dover Area CTC
It’s about lifestyle not simply $. I think this is a huge deal.”
David Yohn
Teacher at York County School of Technology
Great speaker, great way to motivate people.”
Justin Anderson
Carpentry Instructor at Lancaster County CTC
Mr. Perna is an excellent speaker who makes a connection with his audience. I aim to do this with my students on a daily basis.”
Melissa Stonesifer
York County School of Technology
Love the Tree idea — doing this on the first day! Rally the students, let them talk about themselves, respect them, make them feel respected.”
Wendy Lenker-Badorf
Advertising Art & Design Instructor at Cumberland Perry Voc Tech
For many years I struggled with the difficulties of students making decisions to attend CTE. This information would really help parents to help their kids.”
Ron Atticks
Graphic Teacher at Cumberland Perry Voc Tech
Thank you for the positivity!”
Nancy Reitzel
Cumberland Perry Voc Tech
Most passionate speaker I’ve heard in a long time.”
Joe Wagner
Business Teacher at Carlisle Area School District
Your presentation will really help me answer the question ‘why do we have to do this?’.”
Kris Karpulk
English Teacher at York County School of Technology
Very good ideas for student retention and strategies for faculty.”
Mike Moeller
Lancaster County CTC
This was an excellent presentation and Mark was able to make the time fly by. He points out the major issues and gaps between generational understanding and how we as educators can meet our students’ needs for the future.”
Rachel Hirsch
Adams County Tech Prep
Thank you Mark for lighting a new fire under me. I have a new motivation for me and my students!”
Christie Rushoe
Science Teacher at York County School of Technology
Love the Career Tree. Very well done, very engaging.”
Kevin Hardy
Electronics CTE Teacher at Gettysburg Area High School
Show the students the light at the end of the tunnel, earn their respect and keep their interest early and always. Great presentation.”
Mike Spahr
Power Sports Instructor at York County School of Technology