CENTREVILLE—ArtScene | The Podcast continues during ‘Supervisors Month’ with an exciting episode spotlighting QACPS Supervisor Adam Tolley, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. With 23 years of experience in education, Tolley has become a trailblazer in preparing students to be “career ready, no matter what you do,” building bridges between education, industry, and community.
Tune in January 15th on Spotify or at https://anchor.fm/artscene
Tolley’s leadership has earned him two Governor’s Citations for his groundbreaking work, including the creation of career coaching positions and career centers at both high schools. These initiatives, coupled with his partnerships with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, QAC Economic & Tourism Development, Upper Shore Regional Council and the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board, have revolutionized CTE in Queen Anne’s County, addressing the growing demand for skilled trades professionals.
“What we’re doing isn’t just about programs—it’s about building relationships,” Tolley explains. “From students to staff to the community, we’re creating trust and opportunities that change lives. Students leave our programs with certifications, skills, and choices that set them up for success right out of high school.”
This episode also delves into the creative collaborations between Tolley and ArtScene host Michael Bell, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts. Together, they’ve explored innovative crossovers between CTE and the Arts & Entertainment sector, recognizing the shared skills and creative thinking that fuel both industries. From forging connections between arts programming and workforce readiness to championing initiatives that blend creativity and technical expertise, their partnership showcases how collaboration can amplify impact across disciplines.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tolley is a devoted family man with a heartfelt story. His wife and daughter are also educators, inspiring students every day. His son, following in his father’s footsteps, began as a firefighter and now serves as a Marine stationed in Japan. Meanwhile, his daughter discovered her passion for teaching after working with students on the Autism spectrum, now thriving as a Special Education teacher. Tolley’s dedication to service and education clearly runs deep in his family.
This episode takes listeners behind the scenes of Tolley’s journey—from his early days as a teacher to leading one of the state’s fastest-growing CTE programs. It’s a compelling look at how visionary leadership, creative collaboration, and a commitment to community are transforming education, industry, and lives.
Tune in to hear Adam Tolley’s story on January 15th on ArtScene | The Podcast, subscribe, and give the show a ☆☆☆☆☆ rating!