WHO is the instructor?

Nadene Blakeley recently joined the staff at the Saginaw Career Complex and has brought a great wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the Plant Science and Natural Resources program.  Prior to joining the staff at the Complex, Nadene spent some time teaching in the AgriScience/Environmental Technology program at the Lapeer County Vocational Technology Center. 

As a graduate of Michigan State University, Nadene Blakeley thinks she has a definite advantage in the field of Plant Science and Natural Recources.  According to Nadene, "the agriscience programs at MSU prepare teachers better than most other universities."

As a self proclaimed "outdoors person," Ms. Blakeley is excited about the focus of the Plant Science and Natural Resources program--greenhouse management, horticulture, plant science, turf grass and landscape management.  "I like what we do here, and I like the campus setting at the Complex," says Nadene.  Working with and communicating with students comes easily to Nadene and brings her great pleasure.

In her spare time, Nadene likes to play softball and train her five horses for barrel racing.  Currently, she has one horse that competes, and has placed 6th in her racing division.

WHAT certifications can I achieve or work toward in the Plant Science & Natural Resources program?

Students may earn a Marketable Skills Certificate. The marketable skills certification process provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate, document, and defend their achievement of employer validated standards and competencies. Achievement of the marketable skills certification should improve the likelihood of success in future employment and/or a continuing educational program.

Students may earn an OSHA CareerSafe Certification.  The CareerSafe certification program is making a valuable contribution to the Department of Labor's efforts to prepare young people for a safe future in the workplace.  Students will learn about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace and gain knowledge about how they can protect themselves and others.  Areas of safety that will be covered include:  preventing falls, personal protective equipment, bloodborne pathogens, electrical safety, machine guarding, hazard communications, ergonomics, prevention of workplace violence, emergeny action, and safety philosophy.

Students may earn the Michigan Certified Nurseryman Certification too.

What special clubs or organizations is the program involved with?

FFA Association-- The Michigan FFA Association and the National FFA Organization are dynamic youth programs that make a difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.  For more information check out these organizations at:  http://www.michiganffa.com or http://www.nationalffa.org

WHAT college credits can I earn in the Plant Science & Natural Resources program?