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Experience and passion drive growth in Salmon River’s ag program
When James Boggan returned to Riggins in 2022, he thought he knew what to expect. The Salmon River High School graduate with a degree in rangeland ecology and management from the University of Idaho had worked for Agri Beef Co. and Simplot before stepping into the classroom. But teaching quickly proved to be a different kind of challenge and opportunity.
“I had to learn how to be a teacher and I really had no clue where to start,” said Boggan. “Going through the Inspire Ready program and First Camp helped me a lot. Having support from other educators around the state made a huge difference.”
His vision soon expanded beyond the classroom. With the support of the district, Boggan has added a greenhouse, doubled the number of welding booths and secured a new plasma table. He is also laying the groundwork for an aquaponics program.
“I thought I was just going to be in the classroom and in the shop,” said Boggan. “But opportunities kept opening up and we’ve been able to expand in ways I never expected.”
One of his biggest accomplishments was rechartering the Salmon River FFA chapter in 2023. What started with three students has grown to 10, all eager to take on Career and Leadership Development Events.
“It’s amazing how the FFA program helps students grow into leadership roles,” said Boggan. “I’ve seen them become more accountable, more confident and more driven.”
For Boggan, the impact of FFA is personal. As a student, he was part of the first chartering class in Riggins and credits those early experiences with shaping his own career. Now, he uses CDEs and LDEs not only as competitions but as curriculum guides, helping students tie classroom learning to real-world applications.
“Livestock evaluation has been the event students connect with the most,” said Boggan. “But now I have kids interested in public speaking, horse judging, forestry and parliamentary procedure. That’s exciting.”
He points to individual stories as proof of the program’s value.
“One student was a natural welder and always excited to take on new projects. He showed younger students what he made and now they’re all excited to be in shop class. He’s pursuing a degree in welding,” said Boggan. “Another student loved plant and animal science and took charge of our buck and bull scoring fundraiser. They even bought their own scoring kit and now measure elk and deer for people in the community.”
Looking ahead, Boggan has ambitious goals: strengthen welding and mechanics programs, expand the greenhouse, build aquaponics systems and take students to the FFA National Convention.
“One of our chapter goals is to go to Nationals in the next five years,” said Boggan. “The students are already working hard to make that happen.”
For Boggan, it all comes back to giving students opportunities that prepare them for the future—whether that’s in agriculture, leadership or life.
“I didn’t know if I would enjoy teaching when I started,” he said. “But seeing the look of surprise on a student’s face when they learn something new—that’s what makes it worth it.”
Graphic and Web Design program builds national reputation on real-world success
“Different years, different students, same results.”
That’s the unofficial motto of the Graphic and Web Design program at North Idaho College (NIC). Program Coordinator Philippe Valle has spent more than two decades making sure it holds up in the real world—and NIC students have the awards to prove it.
In 2025, they brought home Best of Show and multiple Gold, Silver and Cobalt awards at the Spokane American Advertising Awards (commonly known as the Addys)—the fifth time an NIC student has claimed the top prize. In 2024, students earned a Cobalt Award for web design. In 2023, they swept the Addys, with one student taking Best of Show plus Gold, Silver and Bronze medals while others collected regional and district honors that advanced to the national stage. Beyond the Addys, students have won the Printing Industry of America poster competition, designed logos and T-shirts for community organizations and even created a Pepsi semi-trailer wrap seen across the Northwest.
Two decades ago, when Valle first stepped in, the picture looked very different. He came to the United States in 1987 after beginning his design career in Europe . After working with Fortune 100 companies, he was asked to take over NIC’s then-struggling program in 2002. At the time, enrollment was just four students.
Today, the program functions like a two-year design agency that feeds talent to local employers and national brands. Students can earn a one-year certificate on the way to an advanced certificate or associate of applied science degree. Coursework covers Adobe applications, social media, UI/UX, video production, web development and portfolio building, with client projects and industry speakers integrated throughout.
“We teach practical and relevant skills to prepare our students for the ever-changing design industry,” Valle said.
Instructor and alumna Lydia Ramus, who worked in the field before returning to teach full time, said the format accelerates growth.
“There are so many opportunities for them,” Ramus said. “By the time they graduate, they’re ready to go out and do everything.” She added that courses are designed to build upon and support one another. “It’s constant reinforcement all around,” she said.
Funded through Gov. Brad Little’s Building Idaho 2.0 one-time grant, the program’s $500,000 lab expansion has transformed its footprint. The space now rivals—and in many cases surpasses—the technology in professional design agencies. Students work on iMac M4 workstations networked across the studio, experiment with 3D printing and packaging design and collaborate in front of a 14-foot interactive touchscreen wall that projects student work, allows real-time annotation and archives feedback for later review. They also train on a computer numerical control machine—industrial-grade equipment used to cut precision shapes from a variety of materials.
Valle said the facility was designed to feel like an agency rather than a classroom. Its central location on campus also gives the program visibility, often drawing in visitors who stop to ask about the work on display.
Those experiences lead directly to jobs. Valle cites a 95% placement rate, with many students landing internships or offers before graduation. Alumni now work at Adobe, Marvel, Carvana, Netflix Animation and high-end print firm Digital Lizard, as well as regional employers such as Buck Knives and Litehouse Foods.
“When you’ve worked in the industry for a long time, you know people,” Valle said. “We bring that network to our students.”
State Board of Education names Peter Risse administrator of the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education
The Idaho State Board of Education has named Peter Risse to serve as the next administrator of the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education (IDCTE). His appointment is scheduled to go before the Board for formal approval in October.
“Peter’s experience building partnerships between education, government and industry makes him uniquely suited to lead Idaho’s Career Technical Education division,” said Jennifer White, Executive Director of the Idaho State Board of Education. “We are excited to have his vision and leadership as our state continues to expand opportunities for Idahoans to gain the skills they need for today’s workforce.”
Risse currently serves as Director for Government and Industry Relations in the Office of the President at Boise State University. He previously held the role of Associate Dean of the Division of Extended Studies at Boise State where he oversaw community-based education programming, non-credit professional and continuing education and adult-focused degree programs. Prior to working at Boise State, Risse was the Director of the Chugiak-Eagle River Campus and Assistant Professor of Technology Education for the Community and Technical College at the University of Alaska. In that role, he led large-scale community and technical college training programs in fisheries, marine safety, oil and gas, and adult basic education. Risse earned a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
“Idaho’s continued success depends on a workforce that is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” said Risse. “Career technical education equips our students with the hands-on skills and experiences they need to succeed, and I am eager to work alongside our industry and education partners to strengthen that pipeline.”
FCS teacher brings real-world skills to rural Idaho
At South Fremont High School, family and consumer sciences (FCS) teacher Kristy Hammond is proving that life skills aren’t “just electives.” They’re stepping stones to careers, confidence, and even small businesses.
“I never imagined I’d become an FCS teacher,” Hammond said. “But when the job opened, I realized all the jobs I’d worked in high school and throughout college—restaurant work, bookkeeping, preschool teaching, even baking for friends and family—actually taught me valuable skills. Each one gave me knowledge and experience that now makes me stronger in my role as an FCS teacher.”
Now in her fourth year teaching, Hammond leads two main career pathways: culinary arts and hospitality. Students begin with introductory food and nutrition courses, then advance to hands-on training. The capstone classes, she says, go far beyond textbooks.
“In our culinary capstone, students partner with Panera Bread in Idaho Falls,” Hammond explained. “They rotate through every station—taking orders, prepping food, even washing dishes. It’s the real deal, and the kids love it.”
Her program also partners with Texas Roadhouse, giving students field trip experiences that highlight customer service in a high-energy environment. Locally, Hammond works with a retirement home chef who calls her when job openings arise and often hires her students on the spot thanks to the food handler certifications earned in class.
One of Hammond’s proudest initiatives is Food Truck Wars, a capstone project where seniors design logos, set menus and run mock food trucks during finals.
“The teachers come in, sample everything, and vote for their favorite,” Hammond said. “It’s amazing to watch the kids apply every skill they’ve learned—cooking, budgeting, marketing—in one project.”
That entrepreneurial spirit carries into FCCLA, the national student organization tied to FCS programs. At South Fremont, Hammond’s students sell decorated sugar cookies for Christmas and Valentine’s Day, raising up to $1,600 each year.
“It started as a school fundraiser, but it grew into community orders,” Hammond said. “Parents wanted cookies delivered to their elementary school and junior high students. Teachers were making large orders for neighbor gifts. My culinary students were baking nonstop for weeks.”
For Hammond, the impact goes well beyond fundraising. One standout graduate took every class she offered, served as a state FCCLA officer, and went on to major in food science—eventually planning to help run her family’s beef jerky company.
“She told me she wasn’t really sure what she wanted to do in her life,” Hammond recalled. “But through our classes, she found her passion.”
Looking ahead, Hammond hopes to add interior design and eventually an early childhood education pathway. She also speaks directly to eighth graders about elective choices, making sure students know the career-technical options available.
“My goal is for students to understand that career technical education gives them real skills,” Hammond said. “Even if they don’t go to a four-year college, they can graduate ready to work, start a business or support themselves through school. That’s powerful.”
Persistence pays off for Idaho’s Adult Education Student of the Year
Each September, Adult Education and Family Literacy Week highlights the importance of programs that help adults build foundational skills, earn credentials and pursue higher education or career goals. The week also raises awareness of the barriers many adult learners face and the life-changing impact education can have on individuals, families and communities.
As part of this recognition, Idaho celebrates outstanding students and educators through the annual Adult Education Student and Teacher of the Year awards. Colleagues, supervisors and administrators from adult education programs across the state nominate individuals who exemplify persistence, growth and leadership. A review committee evaluates the nominations and selects the recipients.
This year’s Student of the Year is Alexandria “Ali” Horner, whose story of perseverance and achievement reflects the very spirit of adult education.
When Alexandria “Ali” Horner walked into her first adult education class, she carried more than textbooks. She carried the weight of anxiety, the sting of past bullying and the echoes of teachers who once told her she would never amount to anything.
Now, after more than 387 hours of dedicated study in a single year, Horner has proven those voices wrong. The Idaho Adult Education program has named her the 2025 Student of the Year, honoring her resilience, determination and academic progress.
“What motivated me the most was my therapist at the time encouraging me to go back for my mental health,” said Horner. “I also wanted it for myself. I had crippling anxiety, but working toward my GED opened up doors for me. I don’t really have anxiety anymore. I’ve learned to open up more, express myself and make friends.”
Alexandria “Ali” Horner
“I have really bad memory, so I applied myself a lot more. I just kept studying more and more until my English got so much better,” said Horner.
Transportation was another hurdle. Without reliable access to a car, Horner pieced together rides using buses, taxis and Ubers—whatever it took to get to class.
“That wasn’t gonna stop me, and it won’t,” she said. “I love going to class. It keeps me focused, and it helps my brain more.”
One teacher in particular made a lasting impact. Horner credits Tami Porter, an adult education teacher at the College of Western Idaho, who helped her break down complex reading and writing concepts. “She taught me how to understand big words, read properly and identify the narrator’s point of view,” said Horner. “She is a wonderful teacher.”
Porter, who was also named Idaho’s 2025 Adult Education Teacher of the Year, said watching Horner grow has been inspiring.
Horner’s journey hasn’t been easy. She lives with multiple disabilities including ADHD, autism and a language impairment. These challenges, especially with memory and focus, made schoolwork daunting. But rather than deterring her, they fueled her determination.
“Ali has shown determination and persistence by showing up to Reading and Language classes as well as studying in the Community Learning Center nearly every weekday. She isn’t afraid to ask questions and seek answers, which has helped her to find the right resources to help her improve her math and language skills,” said Porter. “I was thrilled when she came to me and asked to try the more challenging class, showing me that she has gained confidence in herself and in her reading. She has been a great example to the students around her by showing them that you can succeed through hard work.”
When the workload felt overwhelming, Horner leaned on her mother, mother-in-law and boyfriend. Her mother, she said, was especially instrumental.
“My mom has always had a hard life, and she didn’t want that life for me. She encouraged me, bought my GED books and even paid for my rides,” said Horner. “If it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would have kept going.”
Her boyfriend also played a big role. “He woke up extremely early every day to take me to the bus or drop me off when I didn’t have a ride. He’s my better half,” said Horner.
Horner also found family in the Community Learning Center. Staff members like Shani Cummins, Vicki Flowers, and David Wheeler made a huge impact on her journey. “Most of the staff at the CLC became a second family to me,” she said.
Along the way, Horner also discovered tools that worked for her, like Khan Academy’s online lessons. She also relied on music to stay calm and focused during class. “International music and learning new languages helps a lot with intellectual and cognitive disabilities; it keeps me focused and helps me not have my ticks in class,” Horner explained. She also finds inspiration in artists like Skitz Kraven, a horrorcore musician who speaks openly about mental health struggles, including paranoid schizophrenia, OCD, and bipolar depression.
Brad Terry named permanent program director for Idaho Fire Service Training
Brad Terry has been appointed permanent Program Director for Idaho’s Fire Service Training (FST), effective April 1.
Idaho Fire Service Training, housed within the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education (IDCTE), plays a crucial role in Idaho’s fire service community. As an accredited entity through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, Idaho FST offers access to industry credentialing, maintains transcripts, and provides training.
Terry brings extensive experience to his new role, including four years in the Marines and 17 years in the Air Force, including two deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Terry also served more than 26 years with the Nampa Fire Department. He progressed through various positions within the department, including firefighter, engineer, captain, shift training officer, and battalion chief, finally retiring in 2021.
“Since August, Brad has been serving in an interim role leading the work of Idaho’s Fire Service Training,” said Clay Long, IDCTE’s state administrator. “I’m excited to have Brad take the helm in the permanent role to continue building and moving FST forward.”
Terry is honored to serve in this new capacity.
“It’s a privilege to continue serving the firefighting community and contributing to the invaluable work of Idaho FST,” said Terry.
IDCTE releases its 2023 Annual Report
The Idaho Division of Career Technical Education (IDCTE) has released its 2023 Annual Report
For the third year in a row, the report highlights successful programs in each region, calling attention to the initiatives and collaborative efforts that help ensure students are prepared to meet workforce demands. This year’s report features:
- Bonners Ferry High School’s Cabinetmaking and Bench Carpentry program.
- Lewiston High School’s Digital Media Production program.
- Swan Falls High School’s Diesel Technology program.
- North Idaho College’s Center for New Directions.
- College of Southern Idaho’s Commercial Driver’s License program.
- Idaho State University College of Technology’s Automotive Technology program.
- Idaho Falls School District No. 91 Career Technical Education Center’s Cybersecurity program.
“Our programs benefitted from the financial support of Governor Little and the legislature, and this year’s report is a powerful testament to the return on those investments,” said Dr. Clay Long, IDCTE’s state administrator.
The report documents some of IDCTE’s major accomplishments, including:
- Finalizing a request or proposal for a new data and reporting system.
- Supporting almost 300 new CTE educators.
- Experiencing exponential program growth.
- Investing in program expansion and modernization.
- Reassessing and aligning program standards.
- Increasing the number of Workforce Readiness and CTE Diplomas issued.
The 2023 Annual Report also highlights IDCTE’s Exemplary Program Awards. Read the full 2023 Annual Report online.
Automotive technology program bridges skills with industry demands
Seeing former students return and witnessing their career growth in the industry after five or 10 years, is truly satisfying.
Brock gunter
Growing up on a farm in Marsh Valley, Brock Gunter’s curiosity drove him to tinker endlessly.
“I took auto all four years of high school,” said Gunter. “My favorite classes were where I got to see how things worked and tear them apart.”
That passion led Gunter to the College of Southern Idaho, where he earned a certificate in diesel technology. For 13 years, he worked in the service department of a Pocatello car dealership. Though he loved his work, a personal connection with Dave Treasure, chair of Idaho State University College of Technology’s transportation department, changed the course of his career.
“They needed an automotive technology instructor, and it felt like a perfect fit,” said Gunter. “Eighteen years later, it still is.”
Gunter’s curriculum, accredited by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), primes students in engine repair, transmissions, steering, brakes, electrical systems, HVAC, and engine performance. He attributes the program’s success and high job placement rates to plenty of hands-on learning opportunities.
“The last eight weeks of the program, our students focus on what we call live work,” said Gunter. “Some of them work on the cars we have in the shop, and others work in a shop in the community.”
Gunter leans on connections with his technical advisory committee (TAC) to help students find internships and job opportunities. Comprised of representatives from local dealerships and independent shop owners, their insights help Gunter align his teaching methods with industry demands, leading to program enhancements and equipment upgrades. Recent feedback from the committee led Gunter to request new diagnostic equipment and electrical trainers using funds from Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative. But it’s not just the hands-on learning opportunities, state-of-the-art equipment, and active and engaged TAC that draw students to Gunter’s program.
“ISU is kind of unique in that, in addition to technical certificates, students can earn an associate’s degree in two years by completing general education requirements,” explained Gunter. “There’s also a path to a four-year Bachelor of Science degree, which draws a lot of students from out-of-state.”
Gunter’s program also attracts interest from area high schools by offering dual credit.
“So I have about 10 students from all three high schools come up here for the last two hours of the day,” said Gunter. “They get the whole first semester done while still in high school, saving them time and money if they choose to continue the program after graduation.”
Regardless of where they come from or where they end up, Gunter takes immense pride in witnessing his students succeed. “Seeing former students return and witnessing their career growth in the industry after five or 10 years, is truly satisfying,” said Gunter.
Cybersecurity program leads the charge to meet growing workforce need
Just four years after its inception, the cybersecurity program at Idaho Falls School District No. 91’s Career Technical Education Center is already impacting the growing need for cybersecurity professionals. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, cybersecurity job openings in Idaho have increased 160% since 2015.
“Because the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is in our backyard, it seems like they never have enough people to fill all the jobs they have in cybersecurity,” said Cathy Owen, who teaches the district’s cybersecurity classes.
Fortunately, the constant need for employees has translated into a steady stream of support for Owen’s program.
“The INL’s Cyber Corehas been phenomenal from the start,” said Owen. “They’ve provided everything from paid internships to equipment to mentors.”
In fact, some of Owen’s students discovered her program through the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) and INL’s Cyber Core Summer Camp, which introduces freshmen thruough senior high school students and CTE teachers to cybersecurity and related topics. Students participate in hands-on learning activities, hear from industry mentors, and tour industrial facilities. The weeklong beginner course was held in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Boise, and Lewiston last summer, with an advanced course being held exclusively in Idaho Falls.
Through this program, Owen was introduced to Dr. Michael Haney, an assistant professor of computer science at the University of Idaho and a cybersecurity researcher at the INL. Haney, who serves on Owen’s technical advisory committee, has been instrumental in procuring resources Owen needs, like access to equipment, and use of the RADCIL Lab so students can work in a virtual network environment used for teaching cybersecurity without impacting school networks. Haney also introduced Mrs. Owen to the range and helped her secure a spot with cyber.org and their range, which is very important so students can work in a virtual environment.
It allows students to practice security techniques in a controlled, simulated space, offering hands-on experience without jeopardizing actual system. The range allows me to facilitate basic security practices to advanced threat detection in a safe, virtual environment.
Cathy owen
The summer camp has also facilitated partnerships with CEI, which offers dual credit opportunities for Owen’s students and paved the way for Security+ certification, an industry-recognized validation of foundational cybersecurity expertise.
Beyond academics, students benefit from participation in four content-related clubs, including the Cyber Patriot Program, Cyber Start America, Business Professionals of America, and, Idaho’s first high school chapter of Women in Cyber Security. These clubs foster practical application of the skills students learn in class and further their knowledge of cybersecurity.
The support and resources her students have access to have led to many promising opportunities in this growing field.
“I love hearing from my former students and having them share their experiences,” said Owen. “One of them received a full-time position at INL’s Help Desk; they’re actually earning a decent wage and getting their college experience paid.”