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Winter Quarterly Newsletter

Fellow CTE Leaders,

Wishing you all a happy New Year! 🎉 As we step into this new season, our Administration Division is realigning our work with you at the center. One of the ways you’ll see this come to life is through a new monthly memo designed to share key resources, national trends, and timely insights that matter to your work. Our goal is simple: to provide pragmatic, meaningful support that helps you lead your teams with clarity, confidence, and impact.

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s this: career and technical education (CTE) is no longer the “alternative” pathway — it is the pathway. Every day, we’re preparing students for real careers, real challenges, and real impact. And let’s be honest… we’re doing it while juggling innovation, accountability, partnerships, and about a dozen “urgent” emails before lunch. 😉

But that’s what makes this work so powerful. We are builders. Connectors. Champions of relevance. Whether you’re launching a new pathway, strengthening industry partnerships, or finding new ways to embed literacy and leadership into your programs, you are shaping the future workforce — one student at a time.

I’m excited to continue learning with you, celebrating our wins, tackling our challenges head-on, and pushing the boundaries of what CTE can be. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Best Practices for CTE Administrators Conference, happening Oct. 6–8 in Denver, Colorado, and consider submitting a presentation proposal! The work we do matters — and so do the relationships we build along the way.

Here’s to bold ideas, strong partnerships, and students who leave our programs ready to thrive.

With appreciation and purpose,

Sandra Adams, Ph.D

VP, ACTE Administration Division

Admin Division News

Fawn Wilde - Early CTE Professional

Danielle Meyer - Experienced CTE Professional

ACTE Updates

CFPs: ACTE's CareerTech VISION 2026 & Centennial Celebration



ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2026 and Centennial Celebration take place this Dec. 2–5 in New Orleans, Louisiana, marking 100 years of CTE leadership, innovation and impact. More than 6,000 educators, administrators, industry partners and business leaders will gather for dynamic sessions, inspiring speakers, a vibrant Expo and unforgettable centennial events. The call for presentation proposals is now open — share your expertise and help shape the next century of CTE at the field’s largest annual gathering. Proposals are due March 15.

ACTE’s National Policy Seminar: Celebrating 100 Years of CTE Advocacy 

Join CTE professionals March 22–25 in Arlington, Virginia, for ACTE’s National Policy Seminar. Celebrate a century of advocacy, shape the future of CTE and strengthen your advocacy skills through expert sessions, peer collaboration and Capitol Hill visits. Special centennial events will honor 100 years of ACTE’s impact.

Register by Feb. 18 to save with early bird rates!

From Partnerships to Pathways: Strengthen Your WBL Program



Join us April 29–May 1 in Providence, Rhode Island, for ACTE’s rapidly growing Work-Based Learning (WBL) Conference 2026. Held during ACTE’s 100th anniversary year, this premier event brings together WBL professionals for specialized professional development, practical strategies and forward‑looking insights that support high‑quality WBL. Sessions will explore building strong partnerships, expanding access, navigating compliance, enhancing pathways and driving innovation.

Register by Feb. 13 to secure early bird rates and take part in this milestone year for CTE and WBL. 

Call for Presentation Proposals Now Open: Best Practices for CTE Administrators



Mark your calendar! The Best Practices for CTE Administrators Conference will take place Oct. 6–8 at the Grand Hyatt Denver in Denver, Colorado. This premier event offers focused professional development for all current and aspiring administrators working with CTE nationwide — and it's all happening during ACTE's centennial, celebrating a century of leadership and impact in CTE. Presentation proposals for concurrent sessions and roundtables are now open through Feb. 28. Topics of interest include curriculum and program management, funding and policy, staff support, partnerships, data-driven improvement and student supports.

Inspiring Careers for 100 Years: Celebrate CTE Month!

Generously sponsored by NAHB

In February, we celebrate CTE Month during a historic milestone year — ACTE’s centennial! For 100 years, CTE has opened doors, strengthened communities and inspired learners of all ages to turn their passions into careers. Join us as we honor the educators, professionals and advocates who continue to shape the future of CTE. 

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. Open to individuals or teams. Submit a two-minute video by April 1. 

Celebrating 100 Years of Connecting Education & Careers



Celebrate a century of leadership, impact and innovation in CTE on ACTE’s centennial microsite. Discover milestone moments from the past 100 years, share your own stories and artifacts, browse commemorative merchandise, read featured Techniques centennial pieces, and download resources highlighting state and CTSO anniversaries and 2026 events.