With the start of the 2009/2010 school year Mary Ament, veteran business teacher began teaching the Digital Quest curriculum, based on ARC GIS software. In preparation for this new endeavor, Mary spent several weeks this summer in a Teachers in Industry for Educational Support (TIES) experience working with Spatial Technologies, and attending other training opportunities.

The three-year sequential GIS program will prepare students for work in the industry in entry-level positions, or to attend post-secondary programs for advanced education in the field. They will be prepared to take the GIS Technician industry certification exam and hands-on assessment at the completion of their second year in the program, and may be available for paid internships and/or summer work in the field in their junior year. This program has been so successful in some high schools that students are sought for employment before they are even ready to graduate. The program needs interested parties from the industry to serve as Advisory Committee members, to help guide and support the program. If you are interested in sharing your expertise to help them develop a strong program, please contact Dee Avvampato, Resource Teacher, Office of Career and Tech Ed, Brevard Public Schools, at (321) 633-1000, X383.