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Spring Quarterly News Update | | Quarterly Newsletter Theme: Change is Our Only Constant | | Hello Fellow CTE Leaders, | |
If there’s one truth we can all agree on, it’s this: change is our only constant. In this age of acceleration—where innovation moves at lightning speed and the demands on career and technical education (CTE) evolve daily—staying current isn’t optional. It’s essential. As your Administration Division vice president, I’m excited to share two key highlights that reflect how we’re navigating this fast-paced environment—together.
Leading Through Innovation: Instruction, WBL, AI & Advisory Boards
In a time where instructional innovation, work-based learning (WBL), artificial intelligence, and industry partnerships are rapidly expanding, our role as leaders has never been more critical—or more complex. We are expected to lead instructional excellence, grow advisory boards with impact, and embrace AI as both a challenge and a tool. Staying ahead means investing in our own growth as much as our programs. Let’s rise to the challenge and model what adaptive, informed leadership looks like.
Stay Sharp: “It’s Worth It, Wednesday” Live Zoom Series
We know time is tight—but investing in shared best practices is one of the smartest moves we can make. That’s why we’re continuing our popular “It’s Worth It, Wednesday” live Zoom series—every first Wednesday of the month. These sessions are quick, focused, and packed with actionable insights designed specifically for CTE leaders like you.
And check out Advance CTE’s latest career clusters. As administrators, we play a pivotal role in reimagining how these clusters translate into opportunity for our students and staff.
Don’t miss our upcoming sessions, featuring topics like:
- Building sustainable WBL networks
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Driving instructional excellence through leadership
| Join us on May 7 for the next live “It’s Worth It, Wednesday: Shifting the Dialog to Make Education Relevant” or a discussion with Kevin J. Fleming about the power of intentional language to increase support for our programs. His recent framework on the student experience is a powerful lens to shift the institutional dialog towards educational relevancy and individual purpose alignment. | |
Watch your inbox and ACTE's website for Zoom links and session spotlights—because your leadership deserves to be just as innovative as the field you serve.
As we continue through this season of transformation, know that you're not alone. The ACTE Administration Division is here to equip, encourage, and empower you with the tools and community you need to thrive in the age of acceleration.
Together, let’s not just keep pace—let’s set it.
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With apperciation,
Sandra Adams, Ph.D
VP, ACTE Administration Division
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Meet Our 2025 ACTE Administration Division Sponsored Fellows
In a world where change is the only constant, one thing remains clear: leadership is our greatest renewable resource. That’s why the ACTE Administration Division is proud to invest in the future by sponsoring two outstanding Fellows for 2025. These emerging leaders represent the next generation of visionaries who will help guide CTE through whatever comes next.
By growing leaders from within, we ensure that our collective strength evolves with the times—more prepared, more innovative, and always stronger together. Join us in welcoming our 2025 Fellows as they begin their journey of impact, insight, and inspiration. The future is already calling—and they’re answering.
| Meet Our New Fellow - Ethan Dado | |
Hi, my name is Ethan Dado from Eden Prairie Schools in Minnesota. I serve as the Pathways and CTE coordinator for Eden Prairie Schools. I am excited to be participating in the ACTE Leadership Fellowship program for young leaders representing the Administration Division. Through the fellowship, I have learned a great amount of leadership, policy, and ways to increase my influence in my district and state.
In addition to great learning, the networking has been invaluable and the rest of the fellows definitely sharpen my practice and CTE knowledge. I would strongly recommend the program to others. I also thank the ACTE Administration Division for their sponsorship of my involvement in the program!
| Meet Our Experienced Fellow - Randa Pirrong | |
I am very excited about the opportunity to serve as a fellow representing Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Oklahoma ACTE, and the ACTE Administration Division. This leadership experience will strengthen my CTE advocacy skills and allow me to grow as a leader within our professional organization. It is a pleasure to share this journey with other Fellows from across the United States.
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Lead the Future of ACTE
As a member of ACTE's board of directors, you have the opportunity to influence the Association’s direction and make a lasting impact on CTE programs, professionals and students nationwide. Nominations for the ACTE board of directors are open through June 15. Explore the available positions and learn how you can get involved.
Administration Division Vice President-Elect: Serves a one-year shadow term beginning July 2026, followed by a three-year term beginning July 2027.
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VISION 2025: Early Bird Registration is Now Open!
Join 5,000+ career and technical educators, business leaders and industry experts for an unparalleled professional development experience at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. As the largest annual gathering of its kind, VISION offers:
• Hundreds of concurrent educational sessions covering instructional best practices, curriculum design, hands-on strategies for improving student outcomes and more
• Inspiring keynote speakers and thought leaders sharing insights on the latest trends and the future of CTE
• The CareerTech Expo, a dynamic space to explore the latest tools, technologies and resources that drive innovation in CTE
This year, we're headed to Nashville, Tennessee! Join us Tuesday–Friday, Dec. 9–12, at the stunning Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center — the perfect backdrop for networking, collaboration and career growth.
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CTE Books, Resources & More!
Check out the complete collection of resources and publications for career and technical educators in ShopACTE, including the all-new Instructional Strategies for Career and Technical Educators, The CTSO Competition Survival Guide, The Advisory Board Advantage, Transformational Work-Based Learning, the Perkins V Guide, and more!
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CTE Educators: Encourage Your Students to Enter ACTE’s Student Design Contests!
Two student design opportunities are waiting for your talented students to make their mark:
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Student Merch Design Contest: In honor of ACTE’s 100th anniversary in 2026, we invite students to submit original artwork for a chance to be featured on official centennial merchandise!
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Student Trophy Design Contest: Have your students design the 3D-printed trophies for ACTE’s prestigious Excellence Awards.
Entries for both contests are due May 1.
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Register Now for ACTE's Spring School Study Visit
Explore one of the nation's most innovative postsecondary CTE centers during the Kirkwood Community College School Study Visit in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Happening June 2–3, this immersive experience includes state-of-the-art facility tours, networking with CTE leaders from across the U.S., and exclusive insights from institutional leaders. Registration includes accommodations, meals, ground transportation, and airport transfers, and there are special rates for educational institution members.
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Elevate Your Leadership: Best Practices for CTE Administrators
Mark your calendars for the Best Practices and Innovations in CTE Conference 2025, taking place Sept. 24–26 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark in Missouri. Hosted by ACTE and the National Council of Local Administrators, this event offers CTE administrators cutting-edge strategies, innovative solutions and best practices designed to address today’s most pressing challenges in CTE.
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Future Ready: The New Era of Postsecondary CTE
Join a vibrant community of practitioners and researchers dedicated to shaping the future of postsecondary CTE at the Postsecondary CTE Summit 2025! Happening Oct. 5–8 at Hilton Austin Airport in Austin, Texas, this event is packed with innovative professional development, insightful presentations from leaders transforming postsecondary CTE, and evidence-based strategies for emerging sectors and technologies.
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ACTE Impact Awards: Celebrating CTE Champions!
Know an outstanding educator, business partner, or industry leader transforming CTE? The ACTE Impact Awards are seeking nominations. Spotlight exceptional Business-Education Partnerships and Champions of CTE by June 30. Your nomination could honor the innovators driving workforce education forward!
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National Leadership Development Opportunity
The ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program is designed to empower CTE professionals by enhancing their leadership skills, offering hands-on experience in policymaking and supporting their professional growth. The 2026 cohort will run January–December 2026, with fellows receiving a $1,500 stipend, along with complimentary registration for ACTE’s CareerTech VISION and National Policy Seminar. Applications are open May 1–Sept. 15.
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Apply Now for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize!
We are excited to announce that the application period is now open for the 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence! The prize, offering $1.5 million in cash prizes, honors outstanding U.S. public high school skilled trades teachers and their programs. The application deadline is May 2.
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Student Scholarship Opportunity!
Encourage students and adult learners, ages 18–35, to apply for Horatio Alger Association Career and Technical Education Scholarships, offering several CTE-specific scholarships for students planning to enroll in CTE programs at public institution. The application is open now through June 15.
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Association for Career and Technical Education
1410 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-3111
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