Interviews with VE Principals for 2019 National Principals Month

What are some of the unique traits you see in a VE-JV student?

The VE-JV student has a passion for learning about business and entrepreneurship. VE-JV students are high achievers at such an early age and are already looking into the possibilities that await them in their future in business and entrepreneurship.

Why do you prioritize VE-JV in your school?

Because it’s student driven. The students are given the opportunity to experience real-world learning inside the classroom. Using VE-JV tools and resources, students are tasked with a semester-long project to create their very own virtual business.

“The students are given the opportunity to experience real-world learning inside the classroom.”

How as VE-JV impacted the larger school community?

Our students are getting a step ahead with the industry certifications and high school level class within the VE-JV programs. The VE Business Pitch Competition and Trade Show offers students the opportunity to showcase their hard work among other Broward County VE students.

What are some of your proudest moments with VE students?

Students earn industry certifications as Microsoft Office Specialists in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel within the VE-JV program. Last year, our 8th grade Academy of Finance students achieved 3rd place in the VE Business Pitch Competition at NOVA Southeastern University. We are set to compete in the event again in February.

Can you provide some background about your school?

Westglades Middle School continues to be one of the premier middle schools in the state of Florida, and I am very proud of all we have accomplished. This is a special place because of its highly qualified staff and the amazing community support. At Westglades Middle School, we aim to challenge students academically, while giving them the opportunity to participate in interest-based electives, clubs, and activities. We believe that these opportunities foster the social, physical, and emotional well-being of all our children.

What are some of the unique traits you see in a VE student?

What’s beautiful about VE is that when students enter the program, there is no one “type” of student in the class. There are some natural leaders who gravitate toward the class, but I believe the class appeals to students with all sorts of abilities and strengths.

When students complete VE, however, there are definitely a number of characteristics I have noticed. Students who truly engage in VE seem to be more sure of themselves. They have a poise that stands out and sets them apart. Students who have engaged in VE appear to truly know the value of teamwork and moving toward a common goal. They understand real world consequences and rewards and they demonstrate that they have learned to rely on one another, to support each other, and to hold each other accountable. The emotional, social, and academic growth we have seen in many of our students is inspiring.

“What’s beautiful about VE is that when students enter the program, there is no one ‘type’ of student in the class. There are some natural leaders who gravitate toward the class, but I believe the class appeals to students with all sorts of abilities and strengths.”

Why do you prioritize VE in your school?

VE is a priority at Huntington High School because VE demonstrates what school could and should look like across all disciplines. Students in VE are exposed to real-life, hands-on challenges that incorporate important skills in the areas of communication, mathematics, the arts, research, and more. It is a vehicle for students with a broad range of interests to shine and create.

If all disciplines could be in some way fashioned after VE, with its sense of challenge, experiential learning, and competition, it is certain we would see the face of secondary education change nationwide. VE is a priority at HHS because it provides our students and their teachers with an incredibly valuable experience. The program has grown at HHS and it will surely continue to grow over time.

How as VE impacted the larger school community?

VE has gained momentum throughout the school and it is becoming a class that many students want to take. Our VE firms also do a great job of sharing their ideas and fundraising, which involves the whole school community as well.

What are some of your proudest moments with VE students?

There are many proud moments, including their work at the trade show in Brooklyn last year, but I think I was most proud of them near the end of last year, when the students presented to their parents at a networking breakfast. The students’ presentations were, as they were throughout the school year, stellar. What made this moment special was to see how parents’ faces lit up as they saw their children in a corporate role. As a parent of two boys myself, it was truly heartwarming to see how much the students had grown over the school year and for their parents to experience this as well. It was like watching kids grow up right before your eyes.

In addition to this, I am most proud of the two teachers who brought this idea forth and made the vision a reality. We spent much time and effort planning together, but they are the inspired individuals who have brought this unbelievable opportunity to our students. It is through their exceptional efforts that our kids have been successful.

What advice would you give to other principals about supporting VE?

Begin yesterday. VE is more than a program or a curriculum; it is truly a way to revolutionize education in your building. This is not an exaggeration. To say that it is worth the effort and funding to arrange for the physical plant, staffing, materials, transportation, and other necessities is truly an understatement.

Can you provide some background information about your school?

Huntington High School is a diverse and academically driven institution with deep traditions and history. Students, parents, and community members have a great deal of pride in Huntington. We are always striving to achieve at higher levels and our mission is to provide an education with a focus on Empathy, Equity and Excellence.

Why do you prioritize VE in your school?

VE was a natural fit for my school as the capstone course to solidify our Global Commerce CTE sequence. VE brings the “real world” into the classroom in ways that other courses do not. Our students are interested in entrepreneurship and learning how to create and manage their own businesses—and VE provides that experience for them.

“VE brings the ‘real world’ into the classroom in ways that other courses do not.”

How has VE impacted the larger school community?

Students now look forward to running a business in their class. Now we see students beginning to plan during junior year and competing for which business plan will be selected for the class-run enterprise. We are further bringing VE to life through our Investment Club, which was an opportunity for our students to participate in real investing that came through our partnership with VE.

What are some of your proudest moments with VE students?

I have seen so much growth in our students since we began implementing VE. Three moments that stand out are:

1. Attending our first Business Plan Competition and seeing my students have the confidence to get up and present their plan was awesome, especially knowing how hard they worked to pull it together.
2. Walking into the VE class this year and seeing one of my shy students “running the HR department.” To me, this illustrates the power of a student-run classroom where students are expected to rise to the occasion and do so when provided with the opportunity.
3. Finally, a parent stopped by recently with her children who graduated in June and are former VE students. Both are in college now and wanted to share some success stories about their classes this fall. One student is doing extremely well in his math class and the other was recently recognized for public speaking. The parent said, “This school and program really prepared my children for college. Thank you.” Her daughter was the CEO in VE last year and is taking steps to make the VE company into a real business.

What advice would you give to other principals about supporting VE?

I would advise other principals to identify a strong committed teacher and allow that teacher to own the class—it may be messy and not look like any other class—but trust in your teacher to make it happen. Also, be flexible! Let the teacher participate in the professional development offered by VE. Invest in the program. Let the students and teacher participate in all of the trade shows and other competitions. The experience will be well worth it!

Can you provide some background information about your school?

At the Brooklyn Academy for Global Finance, we prepare students for their post-secondary education and to compete in a global economy. BAGF provides an environment where students are academically challenged and are able to experience the real-world applications of their learning, through exciting internships and other opportunities to interact with our partners in the business and financial industries.

What are some of the unique traits you see in a VE student?

I have been amazed at the confidence, poise, and maturity shown by our VE students. The business skills and interpersonal skills learned in this program are like none I have seen cultivated in any other program on a high school campus.

“The business skills and interpersonal skills learned in this program are like none I have seen cultivated in any other program on a high school campus.”

Why do you prioritize VE in your school?

VE is a valued program on this campus because of the tremendous benefits to the student. It is a great way to connect our school with our community, as we have built some very strong partnerships.

How has VE impacted the larger school community?

VE is a program that has made us proud as a school community. We certainly have some of our top students in the program, but it has been an opportunity to see students of all academic levels and backgrounds work together.

What are some of your proudest moments with VE students?

A great example of the fruitfulness of this program is when I have spoken with 20-year-old alumni who intern on the East Coast for Fortune 500 companies and they tell me that they would never have considered this pathway without their involvement in VE.

What advice would you give to other principals about supporting VE?

Be sure and take the time to travel with the students. Be an active supporter. Take the time to see firsthand how this program is impactful for a wide range of students.

Can you provide some background information about your school?

Murrieta Valley High School (MVHS) is a four-year comprehensive high school fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. MVHS offers a rigorous academic program, award-winning student activities program, outstanding interscholastic athletic and visual and performing arts programs as well as many other social and academic enrichment opportunities, including the opportunity to compete in Robotics, Mock Trial, Science Olympiad, and Virtual Enterprises.

What are some of the unique traits you see in a VE student?

VE students are collaborative, self-directed, and they know how to apply their business knowledge and technology skills in order to start up and operate a VE business.

“VE students are collaborative, self-directed, and they know how to apply their business knowledge and technology skills in order to start up and operate a VE business.”

Why do you prioritize VE in your school?

Our VE program is a capstone to the business department as students are able to apply their prior business knowledge and experience to day-to-day operations of their own company. It is through this capstone course that our students are encouraged and challenged to have a constant entrepreneurial mindset.

How has VE impacted the larger school community?

Students have successfully acquired and secured event sponsorship from local businesses for trade show incentives and giveaways. Parents volunteer their time to share their business experiences and they play a role in coaching our VE firms for a variety of competitive events.

What are some of your proudest moments with VE students?

• Consistently achieving favorable competition results for the school through online and live events and at both the Northeast and International Trade Shows.
• VE companies making the VE Top 50 throughout the year by meeting all of the targeted VE benchmarks and initiatives.
• Being featured and interviewed on Fox Rochester’s “Good Day Rochester” about typical daily VE activities and the process of starting and running a virtual business.
• Competing online during the Romanian Trade Show with successful results and recognition.

Can you provide some background about your school?

Pittsford Sutherland High School is an exceptional educational institution that caters to the Pittsford Community. It has consistently ranked as one of the best High Schools in New York State and nationally. The school was built in 1952 and currently has an enrollment of approximately 1,015 students.