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Fall Quarterly Newsletter | | |
Hello, ACTE Administration Division Members! | |
Happy Fall Everyone!
As we move into the fall season, I’m reminded that the best leaders are also the best learners — always seeking new ideas, strategies, and practices to grow themselves and those they serve. In this issue, we’re excited to share highlights from September’s Best Practices and Innovations in CTE Conference, where leaders across the country came together to exchange practical strategies and inspiring successes.
Looking ahead, our division is preparing for ACTE's CareerTech VISION 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee this December. This is always a cornerstone event for leaders — an opportunity to learn from national experts, connect with peers, and take home actionable ideas to strengthen our programs.
Between these major events, we continue to support each other through our live monthly calls, where members share best practices, tackle challenges, and build a strong network of leadership across career and technical education (CTE).
This newsletter is a reflection of what we value most: collaboration, innovation, and leadership in action. Thank you for your commitment to growing as leaders and for modeling best practices that empower students and staff every day.
Be sure to see all of our the highlights for VISION this year! We have so much in store for our CTE leadership group!
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With appreciation and excitement,
Sandra Adams, Ph.D
VP, ACTE Administration Division
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Please Join Us for our Business Meeting!
We would love to have more voices at the table, or virtual table in this case.
Administration Division Business Meeting in November:
Administration Division Business Meeting
Monday, Nov. 10
4:00–5:00 p.m. EST
| | | Sandra Adams | IN | | Scott Rogers | PA | | Alan Kirby | OR | | Joe Sieczkowski | IL | | Brent Casey | OK | | Jayme Fitzpatrick | AZ | | Stephen Weltsch | NCLA | | Scott Rogers | CO- Fellow | | Ethan Dado | OK - Fellow | | | |
Thanks to everyone who attended our Best Practices event this year! It was a huge success.
Voices from the Floor – #BPCTE25
One of the highlights ofthe event in St. Louis was the energy and passion in the hallways. Attendees shared how impactful it was to connect with leaders across the country:
- “The best part was hearing how other districts are tackling the same challenges we face.”
- “I left with concrete strategies I can put in place Monday morning.”
- “Networking with peers who understand the demands of CTE leadership was invaluable.”
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Looking Ahead – Save the Date
The momentum from St. Louis already points us forward — mark your calendar now for 2026!
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We Want Your Input…
The ACTE Administration Division Policy Committee is shaping our strategic plan, and we want to hear from you! We’ve identified five key areas where we can strengthen our work together. Your feedback will help us prioritize what matters most to you in the coming year.
Member Value and Engagement
- Expand opportunities for administrators to connect and collaborate across regions.
- Create resources that directly support the day-to-day work of school and district leaders.
Professional and Leadership Development
- Offer targeted training and workshops for new and veteran administrators.
- Build mentoring and coaching networks that grow the next generation of leaders.
Advocacy and Awareness
- Amplify the voice of CTE administrators at the state and national levels.
- Provide advocacy toolkits and strategies members can use in their local communities.
Strategic Partnerships
- Strengthen connections with business, industry, and higher education.
- Develop partnerships that open doors to resources, funding, and student opportunities.
Innovation
- Share emerging best practices and new models of leadership in CTE.
- Highlight innovative programs that can be adapted by administrators nationwide.
We invite you to share your thoughts on these five areas: Which would bring the most value to your work? What should we focus on first? Contact me with your ideas!
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Leaders get ready! We have so much in store!
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
- Network, catch up and have a beverage on us in the Administration Division Hospitality Room sponsored this year by Cambridge.
- Share your experiences and network with fellow leaders.
- We are going to share an e-blast about an opportunity to join us to “share your best part of today.” We’d love to hear more from our members!
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
- Administration Division Opening Session
- Keynote Speaker, Rachael Mann, shares her talk “2025 Worktrends Round Up & Predictions for 2026”
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Meet your Candidates- Alison Belliveau | |
Don’t miss the “Meet your Candidates” at the ACTE Booth in the Expo Hall for a chance to speak with Alison Belliveau– your next VP for Administration. We are so excited for you to hear her vision!
Alison Belliveau serves Rockwall Independent School District (ISD) as the Principal for the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy as well as the Executive Director of CTE. Alison holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s of Education in Educational Administration. In 2015 she was the Texas Administrator of the Year for the Career and Technical Education Association of Texas (CTAT). Her 25 years of education include 18 years as a CTE administrator and a Business and Marketing teacher. She currently serves on the CTAT state board as well as the North Texas CTAT board and is a committee member of ACTE Region IV. Alison also serves on local boards to include the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce. She has presented on various CTE topics at several local, state, and national/international conferences. She has had the privilege of establishing two CTE centers in two different school districts. She and her family reside in Rockwall, Texas. She has been married to her husband Owen, for 28 years and they have two adult children, Haley (an Esthetician) & Mason (a college student); both whom took advantage of CTE programs in high school. Alison is a proud Army brat and sister/relative to many who have & continue to serve in the US Armed Forces.
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Admin Pre-Conference Workshops
ACTE is offering several pre-conference workshops geared just toward administrators.
Here are the highlights
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CTE Admin 101
Speakers: Michelle Conner & Kirsten Coury
Dec. 9, 8:00 a.m.–noon
Registration Cost: $175
ACTE’s popular pre-conference workshop for new K-12 career and technical education (CTE) administrators returns to VISION offering engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Participants will explore the role of a CTE administrator, with a focus on the CTE program model and ACTE's high-quality frameworks. New and aspiring K-12 CTE administrators will learn strategies for leading classroom instruction, managing CTSOs, overseeing work-based learning, building industry partnerships and aligning curriculum. The workshop will also briefly cover how AI can be used to simplify and streamline the work of a CTE administrator. With practical tips, templates and forms, attendees will leave with actionable tools to enhance their programs and implement key takeaways in their own districts. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your leadership and stay at the forefront of CTE!
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CTE Admin 102: Making Data Useful-Building Stronger CTE Programs with Insight
Speakers: Alisha Hyslop, Catherine Imperatore, and Michelle Conner
Dec. 9, 1:00 -5:00 p.m.
Registration Cost: $175
This workshop is for CTE administrators who are new or still learning the job. In the first half, you will learn how to identify, understand and use important data and information about your programs. This includes Perkins accountability numbers, enrollment data (including for special populations) and local job market information. You will see how these numbers can show what is working well and what needs attention. In the second half, you will learn step-by-step how to use this information to complete the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA), using examples to show how data can guide data-driven decisions that lead to better outcomes for students and programs. You will leave with simple tools to help apply this process in your own work and the know-how to use the right data to improve programs and meet program quality requirements.
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District Administrator Best Practices for CTSO Support & Engagement
Speaker: Robert Van Dyke
Dec. 9, 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Registration Cost: $200
This session will provide district administrators with essential strategies for managing Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). Participants will learn how to foster student engagement, support advisors and align CTSO activities with district goals. Key topics include budgeting, resource allocation and leveraging community partnerships. Attendees will also explore best practices for promoting CTSOs, ensuring compliance with state and national standards, and measuring program success. By the end of the session, administrators will be equipped with actionable insights to enhance the impact of CTSOs, driving student achievement and career readiness.
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Powerhouse Strategies to Recruit, Retain & Reinspire the Post-Pandemic Student
Presenter: Mark Perna
Dec. 9, 8:00 a.m.–noon
Registration Cost: $175
Join education visionary Mark C. Perna for cutting-edge insights to recruit, retain and reinspire post-pandemic students with hope and motivation! Amid challenging levels of student apathy and negative behaviors, CTE has a new opportunity to reconnect with Gen Z. Discover how to:
- Unlock Gen Z’s missing motivation to build a personal competitive advantage
- Attract, retain and graduate more of the right students in the right programs/pathways
- Set a compelling rally point in your classroom, organization and community
- Empower parents to partner with you
- And much more!
Perna will share not just his positive, data-driven outlook on CTE, but also the practical steps to reach that strong future. Join us to experience a new vision for the post-pandemic student.
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The Lineup for “Worth It Wednesday Live” Zoom Talks
We’re excited to share the lineup of upcoming Zoom sessions and their topics! These meetings are a great opportunity to learn, connect, and engage with fellow members. Use the link below to register and join us for the upcoming sessions.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://acte.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ag5SqTwpTBy7zVVNXBu7rQ
| | | Month | Topic / Focus | Featured Speaker(s) | | November | EduCommunity Concept | Kristy Volesky | | December | Insights for CTE Leaders | Kevin Fleming | | January | New Teacher Support and Retention | Shannon Williams | | February | Women in CTE Panel: Cultivating International Women’s Day for March | Featured Women Leaders | | March | Key Legislation & National Policy Seminar | Alisha Hyslop & Policy Experts | | April | Class of 2026 Student Panel |
Class of 2026 Student Panel
Student Voices | | May | Valuable CTE Resources You May Be Missing to Advance Your Students and Staff | ACTE Resource Panel | | | |
Register Now for VISION!
Don’t miss ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025, the premier gathering for CTE professionals! Join 5,000+ educators, administrators, business leaders and industry experts this Dec. 9–12 (Tuesday–Friday) at the spectacular Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Choose from hundreds of concurrent sessions on teaching strategies, curriculum design, strategies for improving student success and more
- Be inspired by keynote speakers and thought leaders sharing the latest trends shaping CTE
- Discover innovative tools, technologies and classroom resources in the CareerTech Expo
- Take a deeper dive into focused CTE topics via pre-conference workshops and local tours
- Honor your peers and excellence in the field at the ACTE Awards Gala
Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned educator, VISION offers something for everyone.
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Exercise Your Right to Vote!
Renew Your Membership by Nov. 10
Ensure your membership is current by Nov. 10 to participate in the 2026 ACTE board of directors’ election.
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Student Video Contest: Gateway to the Cosmos — NASA’s Lunar Outpost
ACTE and NASA HUNCH invite students of all ages to enter the eighth annual Student Video Challenge: Gateway to the Cosmos — NASA’s Lunar Outpost. This year’s theme explores NASA’s Gateway as a vital stepping stone for humankind’s return to the moon and exploration of deep space. Students are challenged to imagine its impact on science, technology and humanity — while showcasing the CTE courses and careers that make it possible. Together, let’s celebrate a century of CTE excellence while inspiring the next generation of innovators who will lead us into the cosmos. Open to individuals or teams. Submit a two-minute video by April 1.
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Mentorship Matters: Apply for CTE for All Mentorship Program
Apply now for ACTE’s CTE for All Mentorship Program, proudly sponsored by IMAGO — designed to help members grow, lead and thrive through meaningful professional relationships. Whether you’re seeking guidance or ready to mentor, this program fosters a welcoming CTE community, supports career development, builds professional networks and encourages lifelong learning. Take the next step in your journey — applications are due Jan. 11!
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Elevate Your Impact: Apply for NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Fellowship
Ready to shape the future of postsecondary CTE? Apply now for the 2026 NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellowship — a powerful, yearlong experience that builds leadership skills, expands your network and boosts your impact. Fellows gain immersive training, personalized mentorship and opportunities for national advocacy. Applications are due Dec. 15, and your journey begins Jan. 28. Learn more about program expectations, benefits and costs, and take your next step toward transformative leadership.
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Keep Your Member Profile Up to Date!
One of the easiest ways to be sure you’re receiving the latest ACTE updates, resources and opportunities is by keeping your member profile current. A quick update ensures you’ll always receive:
- Election communications sent to your preferred email and mailing address
- Division and region-specific newsletters, eblasts and updates tailored to your interests
- Full access to the Techniques archive
- On-demand learning through CTE Learn
- Access to CTE Communities
- Exclusive offers through the new Member Deals program
Quick steps to update your profile:
1. Log in at acteonline.org.
2. Click the “Profile” tab.
3. Confirm or update your personal email and mobile number.
To update your Techniques subscription preferences, click on My Demographics and select the pencil icon to update preferences (scroll down for Preference for Techniques magazine subscription). Stay connected; update your member profile today!
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Association for Career and Technical Education
1410 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-3111
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