To promote educational excellence, the Alabama Education Association serves as an advocate for its members and leads the advancement of equitable and quality public education in Alabama.
DeKalb County Educator Appointed to National SkillsUSA Leadership Role
Jonathan Phillips, an educator and AEA member in DeKalb County, has been selected by SkillsUSA to serve as the National Technical Committee co-chair for the 2025-2026 Job Skills Demonstration A and Open competitions.
Phillips, a 24-year educator, is the DeKalb County Career and Technical Education director at the DeKalb County Technology Center. Since 2014, he has served in various capacities within the organization, including as a lead national judge and as a member of both the SkillsUSA National Education Committee and National Technical Committee. “I’m blessed to be associated with a great organization like SkillsUSA that plays an important role in preparing students for lasting careers,” said Phillips. “It’s an honor to be selected to serve in this leadership role.”
SkillsUSA teaches students the soft skills needed to build a lasting career in any field. Through national competitions, students participate in mock interviews and connect with business and industry leaders, opening doors to scholarships, training opportunities, and even potential jobs. “You’re preparing kids for a lasting career,” said Phillips. “Whether they make a living of it or not, they’re going to leave here with something they can take and use for the rest of their life.”
The National Technical Committee includes educators and technical professionals from across the country who run the National SkillsUSA Conference. The committee sets contest standards, focusing on leadership, job, and technical proficiency.
For Phillips, success in this new role centers around the success of the students attending the competition. His work embodies the mission of public education: preparing students to thrive in both their careers and communities. Whether they win the top prize or not, he wants them to learn something to help them grow as students. “I want everyone to have a great and safe experience,” said Phillips. “I want them to learn something new and take something away that will make them a better person.”
You can read more about Phillips’s role and his leadership philosophy in the upcoming edition of the Alabama School Journal!