Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville

1405 Madison Street
Shelbyville, Tennessee  37160
(931) 685-5013
 

History

The Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville is one of 46 institutions in the Tennessee Board of Regents System, the seventh largest system of higher education in the nation. This system is comprised of six universities, fourteen community colleges, and twenty-six technology centers. More than 80 percent of all Tennessee students attending public institutions are enrolled in a Tennessee Board of Regents institution.

This institution was authorized by House Bill 633, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly on March 15, 1963, and approved by the Governor on March 22, 1963.

The Center was governed by the Tennessee Department of Education until 1983 when control was transferred to the Tennessee Board of Regents by House Bill 697 and Senate Bill 746.

Located on a twenty acre tract of land at 1405 Madison Street (U.S. Highway 41-A) approximately two miles east of downtown Shelbyville, the Center serves individuals from a broad geographical area comprised of but not limited to , Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Lincoln, Marshall, Moore, and Rutherford counties.

The first of its kind to be constructed, the Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville, opened its doors on November 30, 1964, for full-time preparatory programs with forty-one students enrolled in six programs (Air Conditioning/Refrigeration, Auto Mechanics, Drafting, Industrial Electricity, Machine Shop and Welding). In January 1965, evening programs (part-time) were opened in each of the six original areas. The following full-time program changes have been made since 1965:

1968 Office Occupations added

1969 General Masonry added

1976 Practical Nursing added

1980 Construction Electricity added

1981 Auto Body Repair added

1984 Industrial Maintenance added

1984 General Masonry closed

1984 Construction Electricity closed

1995 Truck Driving added

1999 Computer Operations Technology added

In 1981 the school was expanded to give more space for existing programs. In July of 1994, the name was changed by the Tennessee Legislature to "Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville".

The most recent expansion began in 1996 with the addition of approximately 17,700 square feet and renovation to the existing building.

The expansion brought the total square footage of the Center to approximately 61,250 square feet. Also included in the expansion was money for the upgrade of equipment in all program and classroom areas.

Philosophy and Mission

The basic philosophy of the Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville is that citizens should have the privilege and opportunity to reach as high a station in life as they are capable of reaching or desire to reach. Recognizing that all people do not have the same background, abilities, or desires and therefore cannot be fitted into the same mold, the objective of the Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville is that each student is treated as an individual. Individualized instruction is utilized to the maximum in most programs. The school policy provides that a student may enter a program when a vacancy occurs (except in Practical Nursing and Truck Driving). Education starts a the student's own level of competence and progress to the level desired within the limitations of the school. Individualized instruction provides the student with the highest quality instruction possible in the chosen occupational area.

Development of specific skills and knowledge in an individual is not sufficient. Desirable worker characteristics are also emphasized to develop character, good work habits, reliability, honesty, and respect for authority, all of which are need for a productive society.

The primary mission of the Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville is to provide education for persons who desire, need and can benefit from the instructional experience provided.

Technical education is the kind of education people need to qualify for more than 80 percent of the available jobs in America. The purpose of all skill enhancing programs is to dignify and to upgrade the social status of technical jobs and the people who work in these positions.

Each program is designed to meet the needs of persons eighteen years of age and over (except under legal agreement). To meet this objective, the school's programs are designed for two purposes:

• To prepare people for gainful employment
• To add the skills and knowledge of workers who are now employed.

The school welcomes and encourages prospective students to visit and to tour the facilities.

The Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville is a modern educational facility designed to simulate the occupational environment found in business and industry. The controlling purpose of the programs offered is to prepare individuals for useful and gainful occupations thereby enhancing their potential for employment.

Efforts are made to update equipment and program content in order to provide educational experiences necessary for an era of rapid technological change. The administrative and instructional staff are comprised of skilled and knowledgeable individuals who are competent in an occupational field as well as being proficient instructors. The staff regularly attends special in-service activities such as factory service schools, state directed workshops, fields trips, and university courses.

Graduates of the Tennessee Technology Center should not be expected to compete with persons who have developed skills and experience on the job. Students are considered "entry-level" in a respective occupation.

Policy on Affirmative Action-Title VI/Section 504 Americans with Disabilities-Act of 1990, Public Law 101-336

The Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville is an equal opportunity institution and offers equal opportunity for employment and admission to programs to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status. Procedures for filing grievances concerning discrimination of any type may be found in the Student Services office.

Support of the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville fully supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will take any steps necessary to assure that anyone having a disability will receive whatever assistance is needed to be successful in any chosen program. Areas such as parking, walkways, sinks, water fountains, and doorways are easily accessible by any handicapped individual.

Privacy Rights Act of Parents and Students - Public Law 93-380

The Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville adheres to the guidelines developed by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare regarding the privacy rights of parents and students. Access to official records are provided to students and parents of dependent students as they relate to them and limits the dissemination of personally identifiable information without the student's consent.

In accordance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690) and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, the Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville's policy is to maintain a safe and healthful environment for its students and employees. Therefore, school policy prohibits the unlawful use, manufacture, possession, distribution, or dispensing of drugs ("controlled substances" as defined in the Controlled Substance Act) and / or alcohol on school property.

The administration reserves the right to request that a student undergo drug and / or alcohol testing at their discretion.

In accordance with the Tennessee College and University Security Information Act of 1989 and the Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act, the Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville has prepared a report containing campus security policies and procedures, data on campus crimes and other related information. A copy of this report may be obtained in the Student Services office.

For a complete catalog
Email:  Ron Boyd - RBoyd@shelbyville.tec.tn.us