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Maria Swygert, is the Interim Director for the Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE) with the SC Department of Education (SCDE). She has been focusing on education for more than 20 years striving to promote the value of career and technical education (CTE) in South Carolina. Prior to joining the state department, Maria was a K-12 computer science classroom teacher and robotics coach. Then she developed state-wide virtual curriculum resources and worked with special projects and federal career and technical legislation at the SC Technical College System Office (SCTCS). Supporting partnerships between the community, the educational arena, and business and industry is a driving factor in her career. Maria is a fervent advocate for secondary CTE student success and has been a resolute partner in the state-wide workforce and education unified state plan. This collaboration identifies state policies and procedures for connecting learners of all ages to workforce resources by developing data dashboards and leveraging funding for partnership success between state agencies and stakeholders. Maria continues to advocate for student success and promote their presence in a global economy through college and career readiness. She has her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina in Educational Technology, as well as Curriculum and Instruction. You can reach Maria at nmswyger@ed.sc.gov. Maria Swygert, M.Ed.Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE), SC Department of Education (SCDE)Contact_ 803.734.8456 (Office) or nmswyger@ed.sc.gov (Email)