We have three new teachers at Caddo Career & Technology Center this year!
Mr. Dane Shillings is our new Architectural Design and Drafting instructor. Mr. Shillings has twenty-four years of experience in the Drafting field, but this is his first year teaching. He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and graduated from Southwood High School in 2001. Mr. Shillings was also a CCTC Drafting student during his time at SHS, and was very involved in the SkillsUSA organization. Through SkillsUSA, he competed in Opening & Closing Ceremonies (winning at the state competition to progress to Nationals) and Extemporaneous Speaking. Mr. Shillings likes to play the guitar, play video games with his children, listen to music, watch movies, and fish.
When asked why he wanted to teach at CCTC, Mr. Shillings had this to say:
“I wanted to teach at CCTC because of Mr. Ypya. When I was in high school, I did not apply myself with academics. When I came to the Career Center, Mr. Ypya got me excited about learning and made me feel like I was part of something with SkillsUSA. Spending time with him and Mrs. Bothel on weekends practicing for Opening & Closing Ceremonies introduced me to my best friend, who I still keep in touch with. Being at Career Center also gave me great confidence, which I needed to take the first step into my adult life. My best friend and I were hired as seniors at Frymaster and learned how to be professionals while still in high school. When Mr. Ypya asked me if I would consider taking over the Drafting program, it was an honor and I am looking forward to the opportunity to, hopefully, impact the lives of just a few kids that are trying to find their way through high school the way mine was impacted.”
Welcome, Mr. Shillings!
Our second new teacher is Mr. Bill Ricks. Mr. Ricks is the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) instructor. He has fifteen years of experience in residential and light commercial air conditioning repair. This is his first year teaching in a classroom setting. Mr. Ricks has been married for thirty-seven years. He and his wife have one son, who is twenty-six years old. Mr. Ricks grew up on a farm in rural Mississippi about forty-five miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. His father is a retired Memphis firefighter and his mother was a retired nurse, before she passed away in 2004.
One of Mr. Ricks and his wife’s favorite things to do is taking cruises. They have traveled on over fifteen cruises!
When asked why he wanted to teach at CCTC, Mr. Ricks had this to say:
“I’ve always had an interest in teaching but never thought I’d have the opportunity until I found out about CCTC. I realized that I had the qualifications to teach HVAC, so I applied for the job and I am absolutely loving it.”
Welcome, Mr. Ricks!
Our third new teacher this year is Dr. Daton Dean. Dr. Dean is working in Academic Support and Dual Enrollment. She has seven years of experience in this area and seventeen years total in education. Dr. Dean was born in Charleston, West Virginia, and attended West Virginia State University, Marshall University and West Virginia University.
Some of her hobbies include baking, crafting, listing to audiobooks, and watching cooking competitions. Dr. Dean is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Beta Beta Omega Chapter, NAUW, Kappa Delta Pi, Council for Exceptional Children, and CHS Alumni Association.
When asked why she wanted to teach at CCTC, Dr. Dean had this to say:
“I wanted to come to CCTC because of the reputation it has for helping students succeed. The accomplishments that students are able to achieve in multiple fields provide the beginnings of their future careers. This is a school where foundations for futures are nurtured and celebrated. I wanted to be a part of a team of instructors and staff that are able to come together and help to push students into a future where they can grow into their greatness.”
Welcome, Dr. Dean!
