The Career Academy Network of Public Schools is excited to announce the hiring of Dr. Jim Thorne as our new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director. With over 20 years of experience in Indiana education, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our growing CTE programs.

Jim’s career spans a variety of roles, including CTE Business teacher, K-12 building administrator, and central office leadership positions such as Director of CTE, Director of Instructional Technology, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent. His passion for CTE has taken him beyond Indiana, where he led a large CTE district in Illinois and helped implement new programs across multiple school systems.

Jim’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Indiana University Bloomington, a Master of Science in Secondary Education from Ball State University, and a Ph.D. in Education Administration from Indiana State University.

A lifelong Indiana resident, Jim and his wife April, a dental hygienist, recently returned to the Hoosier state after living in Arizona for four years. They are thrilled to be closer to family, including their son Stephen, a CNC machinist, his wife Kate, and their granddaughter Palmer, as well as their son Jack, a construction manager and Army reservist, and his wife Cassie.

“I’m most excited to return to Career and Technical Education, where I’ve been fortunate to lead and develop programs that prepare students for success,” Jim shared. “I look forward to contributing to and growing the outstanding CTE opportunities at Career Academy Network of Public Schools.”

Please join everyone at CANOPS welcoming Dr. Jim Thorne to our team! We are eager to see the impact of his leadership and experience as we continue to expand and enhance our CTE programs.

Isaac Moore, Success Academy South Bend Student Support Center (SSC) coordinator, has added “author” to his list of accomplishments! His debut children’s book, Today I Tried My Best, encourages kids always to give their best effort, no matter the challenge.

💬 “I want kids to try anything they set their minds to—even when it’s hard,” Moore shared.

Over 200 copies have been sold since its release! Inspired by this success, Moore plans to write more books that empower young readers with messages of resilience and confidence.

👏 Join us in celebrating Mr. Moore’s inspiring journey!

If you would like to order the Today I Tried My Best, book, you can find it on Amazon at this link https://bit.ly/4ihfNWC