GETTING TO KNOW OUR MEMBERS.... ONE MEMBER AT A TIME, ft. Tiffany McCollum.

Uncovering the Real Tiffany: A Look into the Mindset of an Ambitious Individual

Edited by Brooke Knoy, Teaching Assistant at KiamichiTech ~Stigler Campus.

Tiffany McCollum is often labeled an overachiever, but that description doesn't capture her true essence. Raised in a family that values hard work and attention to detail, Tiffany exemplifies a mindset that goes well beyond ambition. From early childhood, she learned that completing tasks correctly the first time around is crucial. She takes pride in her work and always strives for improvement. This article investigates the core aspects that shape Tiffany's character and sheds light on her relentless drive for excellence.

The Foundation of Hard Work

Tiffany's solid work ethic stems from her upbringing. Her parents consistently emphasized perseverance and diligence. These core values became the building blocks of her character, steering her through life's challenges and influencing her decision-making.

She sees every task as a chance to learn and grow. For example, when given a challenging project at work, Tiffany views it as an opportunity, approaching it with enthusiasm. This perspective underscores a vital lesson: hard work reaps rewards.

Tiffany stands out for her unyielding commitment to quality. She never settles for mediocrity and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcome possible. This pursuit of excellence creates a sense of achievement that enriches both her professional and personal life.

Tiffany embraces continuous improvement, viewing feedback as essential for growth. She actively pursues education, mentorship, and new experiences, regularly attending industry workshops and conferences. Her dedication to personal development not only sharpens her skills but also inspires her students to adopt a growth mindset.

The Impact of Tiffany McCollum's Work in Career & Technology Education

Tiffany has made a significant impact on Career & Technology Education since beginning her journey at the Oklahoma Department of Career & Technology Education in 2016. If you ask her, she’ll credit much of her growth to having supportive supervisors and staff who believe in her—a motivating and empowering environment that has shaped her career and personal development.

As an instructor at the Skills Center, Tiffany does more than teach—she shapes her students’ futures. Her dedication helps them develop essential academic and life skills, preparing them for successful careers. Through her innovative methods and steadfast commitment, Tiffany stands out as a true, unsung leader in her field.

A Foundation of Support

Mrs. McCollum instructing students on creating a professional portfolio.

From the beginning, Tiffany recognized that preparing students for the job market involves more than just teaching them how to craft a resume. It requires offering complete support in their overall professional development. She plays a crucial role in guiding students through the resume-building process and coaching them on presenting themselves effectively in job interviews. Her focus on developing their confidence as job seekers has laid a strong foundation for their future.

To create a supportive environment, Tiffany organizes pre-mock interview sessions where students can practice their skills. This hands-on approach allows students to become familiar with the interview process, which can be daunting. By practicing these skills, they gain confidence and are better prepared for real-life job interviews. After participating in mock interviews, her students reported feeling more comfortable discussing their qualifications.

Nurturing Skills and Certification

Mrs. McCollum conducting training for students on OSHA-10 General Industry Safety & Health.

Tiffany’s dedication goes far beyond helping students craft resumes and preparing for interviews, she equips them with the credentials and confidence to thrive in the workforce. She teaches three courses designed to help students earn State Competency Certifications, each tailored to build essential industry-specific skills. As a certified WorkKeys Proctor, she also prepares students for the nationally recognized WorkKeys ACTE exam credentials that open doors with many employers. On top of that, she provides training in critical safety certifications like OSHA-10 General Industry and Forklift Safety (29 CFR 1910.178). Through this comprehensive, hands-on instruction, Tiffany ensures her students leave the classroom workforce ready and are empowered to succeed.

Mrs. McCollum supervising her students in Forklift Safety Training.

Tiffany also guides students in creating skills portfolios and job follow-up folders, tailored to the local job market. These tools help students track applications and follow up weekly on interviews or job offers. This added layer of support highlights her commitment to thorough preparation and student success.

Rise to the Challenge During the Pandemic

Mrs. McCollum certifying students in American Heart Association Course: BLS Provider & HeartSaver in CPR, AED, & First-aid for Adlut, Child, Infant.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Tiffany continued to grow professionally. Anticipating the rising demand for CPR training in schools, she proposed bringing Basic Life Support (BLS) certification to the Skills Center in 2019. With full support from her supervisors, she earned multiple certifications, including BLS Provider, BLS Instructor, and Level 3 Medic First Aid Instructor. This initiative equips students with vital life-saving skills and gives them a competitive edge in the job market, highlighting Tiffany’s drive to provide meaningful, career-boosting opportunities even in challenging times.

Creating Opportunities for Every Student

Tiffany's initiatives have made a remarkable difference in the programs she runs. Offering a variety of certificates and practical skills training gives every student a chance to pursue their career aspirations. She emphasizes the importance of soft skills, such as effective communication, dependability, teamwork, and problem-solving, traits that employers highly value.

Tiffany is proactive in helping students develop job-search strategies, ensuring that they understand how to network, utilize online job search tools, and follow up with potential employers. This holistic approach ensures that her students are not only qualified but also equipped to navigate the job market effectively.

Students who gain skills and certifications under her guidance not only access job opportunities but also experience a boost in self-worth and confidence. They often become positive role models within their communities, showing others that success is achievable regardless of their background.

The Ripple Effect of Support

The influence of Tiffany's work goes beyond her classroom. The support she provides for her students spreads to co-workers, families, and communities, creating a culture of achievement.

Tiffany was approached in March 2023 to be involved in leadership within the Education Services Special Population Division. She ran for Co-Reporter for ESSP Committee and was voted in. This position put her in the OkACTE Reporter for this year in 2024. Since she has taken on these duties, she has actively and successfully maintained up to date information on their social media platforms & division website at https://www.esspok.org. ESSPOK.org is the online home for Education Services - Special Populations. Serving CTE professionals at every level. Whether it is a counselor in a major metropolitan setting or an agriculture instructor in a rural area, they all find themselves serving students meeting the definition of "at-risk". Those students—and all the specific categories they fall into—are considered Special Populations. Tiffany has continued to research and find more valuable resources for students. Tiffany's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of leadership and advocacy in education services. As she progresses in her role, her unwavering commitment embodies the model for others aspiring to make a meaningful impact in their communities. By centering her focus on the needs of both students and educators, Tiffany is not only enhancing her own abilities but also inspiring hope in those around her.

Tiffany’s involvement in the Education Services Special Population Division shows what servant leadership truly means. By actively engaging with her community and advocating for at-risk students, she highlights the importance of collective effort in education. Her determination and passion exemplify the true essence of leadership in this vital sector, leaving an indelible mark as she effectively pursues her mission.

In today's fast-changing educational landscape, mentorship is vital. Tiffany has always been willing to step up to the plate when it comes to helping mentor others. Recently, she had the opportunity to speak at the Teaching to Lead program, hosted by Nancy Rodriguez, M. Ed, the Leadership & Professional Development Coordinator. With her practical advice and genuine experiences, she inspires new instructors to embrace their roles with confidence and enthusiasm.

Mrs. McCollum guest speaking at Teaching 2 Lead for new instructors.

By encouraging a culture of continuous learning and community support, Tiffany has provided these educators with the tools they need to thrive. The echoes of her session will undoubtedly resonate as they set out on their teaching journeys, equipped with fresh insights and a robust support network. By empowering fellow co-workers, students, and communities, Tiffany contributes to breaking cycles of unemployment and under-educated.

A True Advocate for Students

In an industry often overlooked, Tiffany shines as a source of hope and dedication. Her commitment to empowering her students embodies the true spirit of Career & Technology Education. Through her innovative approaches and relentless dedication, Tiffany leaves a legacy that positively impacts countless lives.

Now more than ever, it is vital to acknowledge the broader implications of her work for the community. By equipping today’s youth with essential skills and knowledge, Tiffany truly exemplifies an unsung hero in Career & Technology Education.

Final Thoughts on Tiffany’s Journey

Tiffany is much more than an overachiever. The essence of her character is built on hard work, quality commitment, and the pursuit of ongoing progress. By embracing these values, she enhances her own life while positively influencing those around her.

In a fast-paced world that often views ambition through a narrow lens of superficial success, Tiffany teaches us that true achievement lies in our mindset. By dedicating ourselves to hard work, reflecting on our experiences, and aiming for quality, we can achieve meaningful outcomes. For anyone inspired by Tiffany's journey, this is an invitation to explore their own values and consider how to emulate her dedication to excellence in their lives.

Tiffany is not just changing lives, she’s paving the way for others to aim high, put in the effort, and achieve their dreams.

"When people say you can’t, I say, show them you will. Chase Your Dreams!"

~ Tiffany McCollum