Information Technology
Turn Your Interest in Technology into a Career
Tammie Stamm,
Instructor
Contact Me
tammie.stamm@acboe.net
Who I AM
I’m Tammie Holland‑Stamm, M.Ed., an Information Technology instructor committed to helping students build the technical and professional skills needed for success in today’s workforce. I believe every student can thrive when given hands‑on learning, real‑world experiences, and a supportive environment that encourages growth and confidence.
My Experience
I bring 10 years of teaching experience and 18 years of industry experience in technology, giving students a strong connection between classroom learning and real‑world application. My background includes work across multiple IT environments, allowing me to teach practical skills in troubleshooting, support, networking, and professional readiness.
I hold a Master of Education in Career Technical Education & Instructional Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Management of Technology with a minor in Information Systems Management, and an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science.
My Teaching Philosophy
My goal is to prepare students for college, industry certifications, and meaningful careers by providing instruction that is engaging, relevant, and aligned with today’s technology‑driven workforce. I focus on building problem‑solving skills, professionalism, communication, and confidence — all essential qualities for success in IT and beyond.
I believe students learn best when they can explore, experiment, and apply their knowledge through hands‑on activities, real equipment, and authentic workplace scenarios. Every lesson is designed to help students grow not only as technicians, but as leaders and future professionals.
Why Choose the IT Support & Services Pathway?
The IT Support & Services Pathway is designed to give students a strong foundation in computer systems, troubleshooting, networking, and professional communication. This program prepares students for real‑world IT environments by combining hands‑on learning, an industry‑aligned curriculum, and opportunities to earn valuable, employer-recognized certifications.
Students begin by learning essential hardware, software, and support skills, then progress into networking concepts, system maintenance, and advanced problem‑solving. Throughout the pathway, students develop the technical knowledge and workplace habits needed to succeed in entry‑level IT roles, college programs, and future certifications.
This pathway is ideal for students who enjoy technology, solving problems, helping others, and working in fast‑paced environments. Whether students plan to enter the workforce immediately or continue their education, the IT Support & Services Pathway provides a strong launch point for a high‑demand career.
Course Sequence & Descriptions
The Foundation: This is your entry point into the computing industry. You will explore the core building blocks of hardware, software, and basic infrastructure.
What You’ll Learn: How computers think, how components interact, and the foundational concepts needed to understand advanced technology systems.
Information Technology Fundamentals (10001G1000)
Fee: $25
A one-credit course designed to introduce students to the core knowledge and technical skills required for careers in the IT field. Students explore essential topics such as computer technology, information systems, software applications, infrastructure, databases, cybersecurity, and software development. The course emphasizes safe work practices and the development of digital and professional skills needed in today's technology-driven workplace.
PREREQUISITE: None
Credential: CompTIA Tech+
The Problem Solver: Move from theory to real-world application. This course shifts your focus toward maintenance and active troubleshooting.
What You’ll Learn: How to diagnose hardware and software issues, efficiently maintain devices, and support the technological needs of both home and business environments.
Technical Support and Services (10253G1001)
Fee: $25
A one-credit course designed to build on students' foundational knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, and software applications. Students develop advanced skills in planning, developing, and troubleshooting computer systems to support end users. Key topics include customer service, system design and upgrades, troubleshooting techniques, and ethical considerations in technology support.
PREREQUISITE: Information Technology Fundamentals
The Connector: Computers are only as powerful as the networks they connect to. This course dives into the architecture of global connectivity.
What You’ll Learn: How data moves securely across systems, how infrastructure is built, and how to safely link devices together in a modern network.
Network Fundamentals (10112G1001)
Fee: $25
A one-credit course that introduces students to the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the internet and other computer networks. Students explore devices, equipment, topologies, communication protocols, and virtual/cloud technologies. Through hands-on simulations, they examine network properties, settings, and capabilities. The course also covers routing and switching protocols, connectivity media, network management, security, and troubleshooting.
PREREQUISITE: Information Technology Fundamentals
The Sandbox: The ultimate hands-on capstone experience. This course breaks out of the traditional classroom structure to give you real agency.
What You’ll Learn: You will participate in project-based, process-oriented lab scenarios where you apply your troubleshooting, networking, and support skills to solve actual workplace challenges.
CTE Lab in Information Technology (10997G1002)
Fee: $25
A one-credit course designed to build on students' foundational knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, and software applications. Students develop advanced skills in planning, developing, and troubleshooting computer systems to support end users. Key topics include customer service, system design and upgrades, troubleshooting techniques, and ethical considerations in technology support.
PREREQUISITE: Information Technology Fundamentals
Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment allows high school students to take college‑level IT courses while earning both high school and college credit at the same time. It’s an excellent opportunity for motivated students to get ahead, explore the IT field more deeply, and begin building a college transcript before graduation.
Through partnerships with Alabama community colleges, students can enroll in introductory technology courses that align with our IT Support & Services Pathway. These classes strengthen technical skills, build confidence, and help students transition smoothly into college or career training programs.
Dual Enrollment is one of the most affordable ways to start a college pathway in IT, and it gives students a valuable advantage as they prepare for future certifications, degrees, and careers.
Information for DE
Grade Levels: Open to rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.
GPA Threshold: Students generally need a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for general academic courses. However, some Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs will accept a 2.0 GPA.
Permissions: You must get formal written approval from a high school counselor, principal, or superintendent.
Alabama heavily emphasizes workforce development, making it one of the most affordable states for dual enrollment if you choose the right path:
CTE Scholarships: Through the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), the state funds a massive Dual Enrollment Scholarship Program. If a student enrolls in a high-demand career or technical field (like Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Welding, or Manufacturing), the scholarship often covers 100% of tuition, fees, and even textbooks.
Discounted Academic Classes: General education courses (like English Composition or Western Civilization) usually don't qualify for the full free ride, but many Alabama community colleges drastically discount them—sometimes capping them at just $100 per class.
Public Universities: Absolutely. Alabama features a built-in statewide program called the STARS Guide. If a student takes an academic course at an Alabama community college that aligns with the STARS guide, public 4-year universities in the state (such as UA, Auburn, Troy, or UAB) are required to accept the credit.
Private Universities: Transferability can be checked using the AAICU 2-to-4 Transfer Program system.
Colleges
CACC has a dedicated campus right in Prattville. They have strong, active dual enrollment partnerships with Autauga County Schools, Elmore County Schools, and Prattville Christian Academy.
IT Program Offered: Associate in applied science (AAS) in Computer Information Science.
Why it’s a great fit: Because the campus is local, students can easily blend online learning with local resources.
Located just a short drive away in Montgomery, Trenholm State is highly integrated with local high schools and the Autauga County Technology Center (ACTC). They offer one of the most comprehensive technical IT portfolios in the region.
IT Tracks Offered: You can take dual enrollment classes toward Short-Term Certificates or an associate degree in:
Cyber Security
AWS Cloud Computing
Cisco Networking
Programming / Program Coding (Object-Oriented Programming)
System Support (Microsoft Desktop/Server Support)
Why it’s a great fit: Trenholm’s career and technical education (CTE) tracks frequently qualify for dual enrollment scholarship funds, potentially making these courses completely free.
AUM offers a robust dual enrollment program with both on-campus and online course options. They offer heavily discounted tuition ($50 per credit hour for partner high schools).
IT/Tech Focus: AUM offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence open to qualified students, featuring courses like CSCI 1000: Introduction to AI and Computing. They also offer INFO 2050: Computer Applications in Business.
Why it’s a great fit: Excellent for students who plan to transition into a 4-year Computer Science or Information Systems bachelor's degree.
Faulkner allows high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to take 1000- and 2000-level undergraduate courses at a discounted dual enrollment rate on their Montgomery campus.
IT/Tech Focus: Students can enroll in introductory computer applications, computer science foundations, or information systems electives that fit into their general undergraduate requirements.
Certifications
CompTIA Tech+ is the essential certification for anyone exploring a career in tech. It provides you with the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to navigate today's digital world, giving you the confidence to take the first step toward a tech-related career. CompTIA Tech+ focuses on practical, real-world skills that help you understand core tech concepts, troubleshoot basic issues, and build a strong foundation for future learning and growth in the tech industry.
Start your tech career with CompTIA A+, the industry-standard certification for entry-level IT roles. Trusted by employers worldwide, A+ builds foundational skills in hardware, software, networking, troubleshooting, and security. The latest version, V15, is updated for today's technology and prepares you for careers such as IT Support Specialist and Help Desk Technician through two exams: Core 1 and Core 2.
Skills You'll Learn
- Install and maintain computer hardware and devices
- Troubleshoot PCs, software, and mobile devices
- Set up and support basic wired and wireless networks
- Apply cybersecurity best practices
- Work with Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Understand cloud computing and virtualization
- Develop professional customer service and communication skills
- Earn an industry-recognized IT certification
CompTIA A+ validates foundational technology skills and prepares students for entry-level IT careers.
Entry Points
- Starting from Scratch
- Tech Savvy
- Career Changer
Help Desk Technician - Similar Titles: Tech Support Specialist, Computer Repair Technician
Next Steps in Role:
- Help Desk Technician II
- Help Desk Technician III
This Role Can Lead To:
- Network Administrator
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Database Administrator
- Software Developer
- IT Manager
- IT Project Manager
CompTIA Network+ is the premier certification for validating your knowledge of essential networking tools and concepts. You will be assessed on your abilities in network connectivity, documentation, service configuration, data centers, cloud, virtual networking, monitoring, troubleshooting, and security hardening. This certification prepares you for jobs in technical support, network operation, and system administration.
Build essential networking skills and prepare for the CompTIA Network+ certification:
- Configure and support wired and wireless networks
- Understand IP addressing, network protocols, and network architecture
- Apply documentation, change management, and configuration management practices
- Explore virtualization and cloud computing concepts
- Monitor and maintain network performance and availability
- Implement network security measures and reduce vulnerabilities
- Troubleshoot and resolve network connectivity issues using industry-standard tools
CompTIA Network+ validates core networking skills and prepares students for careers in network support, administration, and cybersecurity.
Entry Points:
- Starting from Scratch
- Tech Savvy
- Career Changer
- Tech Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- Computer Repair Technician
Network Administrator - Similar Titles: Linux Administrator
Next Steps in Role
- Network Engineer
- IoT Engineer
This Role Can Lead To
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Cybersecurity Manager
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Penetration Tester
- IT Auditor
- IT Manager
- IT Project Manager
The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking certification is Cisco's entry-level networking credential designed for students, beginners, and individuals starting an IT career. It validates foundational networking knowledge and serves as a steppingstone toward the CCNA certification.
Quick Facts
- Certification: Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking
- Exam Code: 100-150 CCST Networking
- Exam Length: 50 minutes
- Cost: US$125
- Prerequisites: None
- Level: Entry-level
- Next Certification: CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
Career Opportunities
This certification prepares students for entry-level positions such as:
- Network Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Technician
- Technical Support Representative
Career Opportunities Through Industry Certifications
Employment Opportunities
Students who earn these certifications may find employment in virtually every industry, including:
- Healthcare organizations and hospitals
- Manufacturing facilities
- Government agencies
- Banks and financial institutions
- School systems and colleges
- Military and defense contractors
- Technology companies
- Retail corporations
- Telecommunications providers
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
Local and regional employers frequently seek individuals with technical support and networking skills to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and secure computer systems and networks.
A Pathway to High-Demand Careers
Technology professionals are needed in nearly every organization. By earning certifications such as CompTIA Tech+, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and Cisco CCST Networking, students gain both technical knowledge and industry-recognized credentials that can lead to immediate employment, paid internships, apprenticeships, military technology careers, or continued postsecondary education in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Networking, Cloud Computing, and related fields.
Whether students choose to enter the workforce after graduation or continue their education, these certifications provide a valuable competitive advantage and a pathway to rewarding careers in technology.
Career Technical Student Organization
(CTSO)
Fee: $25
What is SkillsUSA?
SkillsUSA is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that helps students develop the technical, workplace, and leadership skills needed for success in careers, college, and life. SkillsUSA serves students enrolled in career and technical education programs, including Information Technology, Networking, Health Science, Welding, Automotive Technology, and many other career pathways.
The organization's mission is:
"SkillsUSA empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens."
Why Do We Participate in SkillsUSA?
- Practice communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Serve as officers and committee members.
- Plan and lead projects and events.
- Learn professional workplace behaviors.
- Strengthen employability skills that employers value.
- Prepare for interviews, resumes, and workplace expectations.
- Compete in career-related contests that demonstrate skills learned in class.
- Apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios.
- Connect with business and industry professionals.
- Learn about careers, internships, and future employment opportunities.
- Receive awards, medals, scholarships, and certifications.
- Build a strong resume and portfolio.
- Participate in service projects and community outreach.
- Demonstrate responsible citizenship and professionalism.
We Are SkillsUSA
2026-27 Courses
- Information Technology Fundamentals
- Technical Support & Services
- Network Fundamentals
- Lab in Information Technology