View as Webpage

Spring Quarterly News Update

Fellow CTE Administrators,

Happy Spring season to all of you!  As the 2023-24 school year winds down, so does my three-year term in having the honor to serve as the ACTE Administration Division Vice President.  Included within this newsletter is an introduction to Dr. Sandra Adams along with her goals for the division moving forward. Sandra is currently in the VP-Elect role, and will be taking over in leading this terrific division starting July 1.  It has been my great privilege and pleasure to serve the division and cherish the many colleagues I have been fortunate to engage with. 

It was terrific to see the strong attendance from the division at the National Policy Seminar (NPS), and division representatives just completed the proposal reviews in determining the breakout sessions for this year’s Best Practices & Innovations in CTE Conference (Portland, Oregon) and CareerTech VISION 2024 (San Antonio, Texas).  Both conferences will be outstanding professional development opportunities, and very appreciative to see the willingness of so many to share their strategies, projects, expertise, and best practices to their CTE administrative colleagues.   More information regarding both conferences is provided below. 

Please also take the time to review the other newsletter items below, which includes an update from our Administration Division Fellow (Toinette Outland), a link to an industry partner resource and case study, and a variety of reminders from ACTE.   

Sincerely,

Eric Ripley

VP, ACTE Administration Division

Administration Division News

Rising to Lead

Sandra Adams

I currently serve as an Area CTE Director, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In addition, I also serve as the Principal for the Career Academy High School. My passion for active learning and high quality instruction has led me to author four books on CTE instruction and meaningful collaboration.

I have had the opportunity to work with numerous school districts across the US and serve as a regular contributor for ACTE’s Techniques magazine. I also have been fortunate to be able to provide multiple presentations for state, regional and national ACTE conferences. 

My goals as the VP for the Administration Division include:

• Continue the amazing work of Eric Ripley to increase administration membership by continually providing meaningful experiences. 

• We will launch a First Fridays Best Practices e-meeting series, beginning in August, where CTE leaders will get 15-minute leadership advice from national experts and have an opportunity to share best practices with one another. Watch for the monthly topics in a July e-blast.

• We will continue our support of the ACTE Fellows program to invest in growing future leaders. 

• We will continue to enhance the experience of all Administration Division leaders at the Best Practices & Innovations in CTE Conference and CareerTech VISION.

ACTE Fellows Update

As an ACTE Experienced Fellow, I recently had the opportunity to attend NPS. This was a great platform for educators, administrators, and policymakers to engage in discussions, advocacy efforts, and policymaking related to career and technical education (CTE). A central component of the NPS is the opportunity for attendees to directly engage with policymakers on Capitol Hill. I had the opportunity to join members from Virginia ACTE and have one-on-one visits with Senator Warner, Senator Kaine, and Congressman Bobby Scott offices. I was also able to deliver thirteen advocacy packets to other state legislators. As a result of attending NPS, I feel like I am better equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively advocate for CTE at the federal level. This includes understanding how to craft compelling advocacy messages, building relationships with policymakers, and influencing the development of federal policies that impact CTE programs and initiatives.

Additionally, attending NPS and participating in the ACTE Fellowship program was an enriching experience that fostered personal and professional growth. I walked away with leadership strategies and was able to reflect on my leadership style. I benefited from the networking opportunities with fellow educators, administrators, and industry professionals from across the country. These connections not only facilitated the exchange of ideas and best practices, but also cultivated lasting relationships that extended beyond the duration of the seminar. We have completed the Gallup Strengths Training and will be receiving individual coaching sessions soon. We engaged in a panel discussion with members of the US Department of Education of CTE and are now diving into a book study: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. 

Participating in the Fellowship program is a rewarding experience that allows attendees to deepen their understanding of CTE policy and advocacy while honing their leadership skills. Through mentorship, collaborative projects, and interactive workshops, participants emerge as empowered leaders ready to drive positive change in their schools, communities, and beyond. I am thankful for this amazing opportunity. 

Toinette Outland

ACTE Experienced Fellow

Rhodes Branding – Industry Partner

Bastrop ISD introduced two new early college academies in health sciences and advanced manufacturing, as part of the Texas Education Agency's P-TECH initiative. In collaboration with Austin Community College District and industry partners, students in these programs can earn a high school diploma, industry certifications, and gain work experience through job training and mentorship. Bastrop ISD partnered with Rhodes Branding to boost community awareness of these opportunities.

Click the link to read more about the recent CTE case study.

Division Associate Update – NCLA

The Gerald Paist Distinguished Service Award 2024

The Gerald Paist Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals and organizations who have provided extraordinary service to CTE and NCLA. The recipient has made a significant and lasting impact on the field of CTE through their professional accomplishments and having served in this profession for an extended period. They have also earned the respect and admiration of their colleagues.

The next Distinguished Service Award will be announced at the Best Practices and Innovations in CTE Conference in Portland, Oregon, Oct. 9–11. If you know of a deserving individual, please be sure to submit your nomination by July 31.



The form is now available on the NCLA website. Nominate someone today!

From ACTE

The Early Bird Gets the Best VISION Rates



ACTE’s CareerTech VISION is the must-attend event for career and technical education (CTE) professionals! Happening Dec. 4–7 in San Antonio, Texas, VISION offers attendees:

• Hundreds of concurrent sessions covering high-quality secondary and postsecondary CTE
• Inspirational keynote speakers sharing innovations in CTE
• CareerTech Expo with hundreds of exhibits, workshops and live demonstrations
• Numerous networking opportunities to forge meaningful professional connections with educators and industry leaders

Register by July 31 for the best rates!

Calling all Postsecondary CTE Professionals!

ACTE’s Postsecondary CTE Summit happens Sept. 18–20 in Chicago, Illinois, and we hope to see you there! Tackling critical issues in postsecondary CTE, this event addresses apprenticeship models, best practices related to faculty recruitment and retention, and strategies for securing business partnerships. Interested in presenting? The deadline to submit you presentation proposals is May 17.

Call for ACTE Board of Director Nominations

As a member of ACTE's board of directors, you have the opportunity to determine the direction of the Association and make an impact on CTE programs, professionals and students nationwide. ACTE encourages you to apply for one of several open board positions. Applications are due June 15.

Boutique Event for CTE Administrators

Join us this Oct. 9–11 in Portland, Oregon for ACTE’s and NCLA’s Best Practices and Innovations in CTE Conference with focused content on strengthening the field for CTE administrators of both secondary and postsecondary CTE programs and institutions.

Delivering $2,500 in Scholarship Money

Encourage students and adult learners, ages 18–35, to apply for the Horatio Alger Association Career and Technical Education Scholarship, worth up to $2,500 to pursue CTE. The application is open now through June 17. To request a presentation to students or educators please email Julia Kasper at jkasper@acteonline.org.

Student Trophy Design Contest

Encourage your students to participate ACTE’s Student Trophy Design Contest. The winning trophy will be 3D-printed by Stratasys and presented to the 10 national award winners at the ACTE Awards Gala, happening Dec. 4 at CareerTech VISION in San Antonio, Texas. The winning team will receive a $1,000 scholarship, a free one-year lease of a 3D printer for the winner’s school, courtesy of Stratasys, and more! The deadline for design submissions is May 1.

Now Accepting Impact Awards Applications

The ACTE Impact Awards recognize groups and individuals from the education, business and industry communities who contribute to the improvement and promotion CTE. The deadline to apply for the Impact awards, the Business-Education Partnership Award and the Champion for CTE Award, is June 30.

New Teach CTE Workshop 

ACTE’s Teach CTE initiative focuses on addressing teacher recruitment and retention challenges and preparing tomorrow’s CTE teaching workforce. To support this effort, ACTE is pleased to offer an upcoming Teach CTE workshop — Developing Customized CTE Educator Retention, Professional Learning and Support Programs — at the ACTE Region III Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 12, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Cost to attend is $225 and includes lunch.