Coolidge CTE

Meet Our Programs!

Program: Agriculture Education FFA
Teachers: Mr. Tristen Gillespie and Ms. Jonna Nissen

Coolidge Agriculture Education has a rich history of success and tradition, dating back to 1936 when the chapter was first established at Coolidge High School. Yes, you read that right—1936! This year, Coolidge FFA turns 88 and continues to thrive as the oldest and largest Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Coolidge High School. With over 250 FFA members annually, the program's legacy of excellence is built on the dedication of its members and advisors.

Ms. Nissen and Mr. Gillespie are the current agriculture education instructors and FFA advisors, and they have done an outstanding job not only maintaining the program's success but also continuing to grow and expand its impact. Like all of Coolidge’s CTE programs, Coolidge FFA has a long list of achievements and provides countless services and activities to the community. In fact, Coolidge FFA is one of only three programs in the state to consistently achieve Gold ranking in recent years making our program constantly one of the best FFA programs throughout the entire state.

This Friday, October 4th, Coolidge FFA will host one of its longest-running traditions—the annual Homecoming BBQ—starting at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Tickets are just $10, and you’ll also have the chance to check out some incredible student work showcased at the event.

We want to extend our thanks to our FFA advisors for their hard work and dedication to our students and community. We also wish the Coolidge FFA program the best of luck as they head to Indianapolis, IN, for the annual FFA convention at the end of the month.

Meet Our Programs!

Program: Culinary
Teacher: Chef Armando Pisano

If you've been on the CHS campus over the past three years, you’ll recognize his unmistakable laugh. Coolidge Culinary program is led by the talented Chef Armando Pisano, who brings more than 20 years of professional culinary experience to the classroom. Chef "Mondo," has built a top-tier culinary program here at CHS, sharing his passion for cooking, storytelling, and teaching the art of cuisine with our students.

Under Chef Mondo's leadership, students have developed remarkable culinary skills and have been accepted into prestigious culinary schools. Coolidge Culinary assists and caters many schools events and currently feeds our CHS Bears before their football games.

The Culinary program is part of the FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), along with our Early Childhood Education Program. Together, they have seen tremendous success in student competitions. Over the summer, the culinary team qualified for and competed at the FCCLA National Convention in Seattle, WA placing Silver in many of their events.
We are grateful for Chef Mondo’s dedication to providing high-quality program and for the positivity and enthusiasm he brings to our campus every day.

Meet Our Programs!

Program: Graphic Design
Teacher: Mrs. Marie Bresee

The Coolidge Graphic Design program, though relatively new, has quickly established itself as an outstanding program amongst CHS students. Under the guidance of Mrs. Marie Bresee, an experienced CUSD educator with extensive experience in digital editing and leadership of the CHS Yearbook Club, students have the opportunity to hone their creative skills using cutting-edge technology. The program is equipped with the latest Apple computers, plotter printers, and advanced digital editing tools. In addition to classroom instruction, students in the Graphic Design program manage weekly announcements for Coolidge High School, gaining valuable experience in production and broadcasting.

Coolidge Graphic Design is a part of the SkillsUSA organization, having significant success in a short amount of time. Last year, CHS students attended the State Leadership Conference and earned multiple honors. We congratulate Mrs. Marie Bresee on her outstanding work with the program and await the continued growth and success of our SkillsUSA chapter.

Great things happening at CHS!

Career, technical education programs at CHS expand COOLIDGE — Coolidge High School is offering two new programs — diesel mechanics and sports medicine — this year for students.

Meet Our Programs!

Program: Diesel Mechanics (First year program)
Teacher: Mr. Cuave Tucker

What began as an exciting conversation has now become a reality for Coolidge High School students. Diesel Mechanics is not only a highly popular option among our students but also within our community. We extend our sincere gratitude to our community partners—John Deere Stotz Equipment, M&S Equipment, Central Arizona College Diesel Program, AutoZone and LKQ —for their generous donations and support in bringing this program to life.

We are fortunate to have Mr. Cuave Tucker leading this program, turning our vision into reality. With 20 years of mechanical experience, Mr. Tucker's brings in valuable expertise, and we are excited that he has chosen to develop this program with us.
Diesel Mechanics will also be a part of the Coolidge SkillsUSA Chapter, and we eagerly anticipate the achievements and successes this program will bring.

Meet Our Programs!

Program: Business
Teacher: Nicole Schmitt

At Coolidge High School, our Business program has a strong reputation for success. Students go beyond traditional classroom instruction by engaging in hands-on experiences that prepare them for real-world achievements. They collaborate with local businesses, developing crucial skills that translate directly into the workforce. Coolidge Business is part of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and our chapter is not only Platinum-rated (the highest level of recognition in the state) but also considered one of the best FBLA programs nationwide. Last summer, Coolidge FBLA had tremendous success, winning state competitions and sending students to Nationals in Orlando, Florida.

The Coolidge Business program doesn’t just teach theory—it shapes future leaders ready to excel in anything they do. Our graduates leave the program as skilled, motivated, and innovative individuals, fully prepared to make an impact wherever their paths take them. We congratulate Mrs. Nicole Schmitt on her hard work and the success of her program, and we look forward to another amazing year of Coolidge FBLA’s achievements. By the way, Mrs. Schmitt is also our Student Government teacher at CHS!

Please be on the lookout for upcoming FBLA events!

Meet our programs!

Program: MCJROTC
Teacher: Lt. Col Richard Callahan

Coolidge MCJROTC is an exceptional program that offers students numerous opportunities for growth and success. This program emphasizes not only leadership but also STEM learning, with a strong focus on student-led initiatives. Through hands-on experiences, JROTC students engage in challenging scenarios across the state, working together and utilizing their resources to achieve their objectives. They use cutting-edge technology, including drones to meet their goals. In addition to leadership and technology, JROTC offers students access to an indoor air rifle shooting range where they can compete in marksmanship.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in the color guard and are always willing to participate in any community event. If you would like to request the services of the CHS MCJROTC color guard, please don't hesitate to reach out to our page or contact CTE Director Wyatt Carpenter at [email protected]

Meet our programs!

Program: Early Childhood Education ECE 🧒 👦
Teacher: Danielle Tucker

Coolidge ECE provides amazing opportunities for high school students to learn about child development and how to prepare children for lifelong learning. This year, ECE is operating Coolidge’s first CTE ran preschool which provides work based learning for Coolidge High School students. High School students are not only learning but applying their knowledge with real work experience when interacting with children.

Coolidge ECE is apart of the Family Career and Community Leaders of America or FCCLA. Coolidge’s FCCLA chapter is Gold rated and viewed as one of the top chapters in the state of Arizona. This last Spring, many FCCLA students competed in events at the state level and won!🏆 Over this last summer, many of these state winners traveled to Seattle, Washington for the FCCLA National Competition and placed Silver in their events.

We like to thank Mrs. Danielle Tucker for her hard work and success within this program and could not be more proud of our students!

Welcome to the official page of Coolidge High School Career and Technical Education. (CTE)

Coolidge CTE offers eight amazing programs with over 750 students enrolled at Coolidge High School. Each week we will showcase our Gold and Platinum-rated programs and display the hard work and success of our students and advisors.

Please keep in touch with us and feel free to share our page with family and friends. Stay tuned to future posts and events!