Spotlight on Educator: Beth Vasquez 

Empowering the Next Generation: Beth Vasquez’s Journey in Criminal Justice Education at Destinations Career Academy  

Meet Beth Vasquez, an inspiring high school Social Studies and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado. With two decades of teaching experience, Ms. Vasquez leads the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Pathways. She also co-advises for Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). 

Ms. Vasquez embarked on her teaching journey over 15 years ago with K12 and set a strong foundation in social studies. With a master’s degree in criminology, she transitioned into the CTE program when Destinations Career Academy of Colorado evolved into a CTE-focused educational model. This shift allowed her to merge her passion for education with the practical aspects of criminal justice, providing her students with real-world relevancy and engaging discussions tied to daily news events. 

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety pathway that Ms. Vasquez leads is a robust program designed to give students a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of the criminal justice system. This three-year course covers a wide range of topics crucial to understanding and engaging with the fields of law enforcement and public safety. Students delve into areas such as criminal justice, forensic science, criminology, and the structure and process of law and order. The curriculum is designed not only to educate but also to inspire students to think critically about the role of law enforcement and legal systems in society. 

What sets this pathway apart is its strong emphasis on experiential learning. Ms. Vasquez has orchestrated numerous field trips and practical experiences for her students. These include visits to courthouses, where students participate in mock trials and observe real court proceedings, giving them a firsthand look at the legal process.  

Tours of the law enforcement training facilities provide insights into the forensic and investigative aspects of the field. At these facilities, students observe police training routines, including driving courses and firearms practice . They also visit K9 facilities to see law enforcement dogs in action, learning about the processes that enable these animals to assist in police work. 

The program also features guest lectures from professionals within the criminal justice field, such as FBI agents, sheriffs, crime scene analysts, and attorneys. These sessions provide students with valuable networking opportunities and the chance to learn directly from experienced practitioners. Looking forward, her students are excited about upcoming events, including a presentation from a speaker at the Innocence Project which is highlighted through in a Netflix series called The Innocence Files. They also plan on returning to visit to the K9 training facility. 

Ms. Vasquez’s dedication to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety pathway reflects her commitment to providing a meaningful and comprehensive education that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in these critical fields. Her approach emphasizes not just learning about the field in theory but experiencing it in practice, which enriches her students’ educational journeys and prepares them for future success. 

Outside the classroom, Ms. Vasquez enjoys tacos, traveling, hiking Colorado’s 14ers, and cheering on the Denver Nuggets. Her commitment to her students and her enthusiasm for both teaching and her personal interests inspire all who work with her and learn from her. 

Beth Vasquez is more than just a teacher; she is a mentor, a guide, and an inspiration to her students at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado, making a difference one lesson at a time. 

Join Destinations Career Academy of Colorado and explore our Criminal Justice and Public Safety Pathway. Experience hands-on learning and real-world insights with dedicated educators like Beth Vasquez. Visit our website to enroll today!

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