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Winter Quarterly Newsletter | | |
Looking Ahead: Building on VISION 2025 & Preparing for ACTE’s Centennial Celebration at VISION 2026 | |
Dear ACTE Business Division Members,
As Vice President of the ACTE Business Division, I am pleased to welcome you to an important and energizing moment for our division and for career and technical education (CTE) as a whole. Following the success of ACTE's CareerTech VISION 2025 (with over 6,400 in attendance, our largest conference ever) we find ourselves well positioned to reflect on our progress while preparing for a truly historic milestone ahead.
VISION showcased the strength, creativity, and leadership of business and marketing educators from across the country. The conversations, sessions, and connections made during the conference reaffirmed the critical role our discipline plays in preparing learners for a dynamic and increasingly complex economy. The ideas and collaborations that emerged from VISION 2025 will continue to inform and elevate our work in the months and years to come.
Looking forward, 2026 marks ACTE’s Centennial Anniversary — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate 100 years of connecting education and careers. This milestone is more than a celebration of longevity; it is a recognition of a century of advocacy, innovation, and impact made possible by dedicated educators like you. The centennial invites us to honor our history, acknowledge those who built the foundation we stand on today, and recommit ourselves to shaping the future of business education. Plan to join us for the Centennial Celebration at CareerTech VISION 2026, taking place this Dec. 2-5 in New Orleans!
The Business Education Division has long been a vital part of ACTE’s story, and your leadership, engagement, and expertise remain essential as we move toward this historic year. I encourage you to stay actively involved, share your voice, and participate in the initiatives and celebrations that will highlight our collective achievements and set the stage for the next century.
Thank you for your continued commitment to ACTE and to the Business Education Division. I look forward to working alongside you as we build on our momentum and prepare for an exciting year ahead.
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Sincerely,
Jonathan Walker
ACTE Business Education Division VP
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VP ELECT
The ACTE Business Education Division will be seeking a President-Elect candidate this summer. This upcoming leadership opportunity is an important step in advancing the division’s mission and shaping its future direction. Members are encouraged to consider how their experience, vision, and commitment to CTE could contribute to guiding the Business Education Division through a period of continued growth, collaboration, and impact. Additional details regarding the nomination and selection process will be shared in the coming months.
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Business Division Professional Development Committee Meeting
Our next professional development committee meeting is today, Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 6:00 p.m. ET. Share your ideas for upcoming programs. Please email Cheryl Ayers to RSVP.
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VISION 2025 Reflection
ACTE's CareerTech VISION Conference in Nashville, Tennessee was a resounding success, bringing together thousands of CTE leaders, educators, and industry partners from across the nation. The conference showcased forward-thinking strategies, innovative programs, and meaningful discussions focused on strengthening workforce development and preparing learners for an evolving economy. Attendees benefited from high-impact general sessions, practical breakout workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities that reinforced the power of collaboration across CTE systems. The energy and engagement in Nashville underscored the momentum of the CareerTech community and set a strong foundation as we look ahead to continued innovation and the Centennial Celebration in 2026. Make plans now to celebrate the 100th
anniversary of ACTE this Dec. 2-5 in New Orleans .
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2025 Outstanding Business Education Student Awards
The ACTE Business Education Division recognizes five secondary and five postsecondary outstanding students who have demonstrated leadership potential through enrollment in business courses and involvement in career and technical student organization activities, as well as the school and community. This year the following students were awarded this honor.
Secondary
Region I Daneah Prince Dr Henry A Wise Jr HS, Upper Marlboro, MD
Region II Vivika Arora Hillsborough County Public Schools, Tampa FL
Region III Kavin Ramasamy Whitney M Young Magnet HS, Chicago, IL
Region IV Jimmy Rivera Dayton High School, Dayton, TX
Region V Jack Hurley West Career & Technical Academy, Las Vegas, NV
Post Secondary
Region I Brianna Le Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA
Region II Kaia Dolor University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA
Region III Jonathan Neverhoven Iowa State University, Ames IA
Region IV Kaitlin Bailey University of Central Arkansas, Conway AR
Region V Alexis Ritzman Bismarck State University, Bismarck, ND
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Alexis Ritzman receiving her award at a ceremony at Bismarck State University
Be ready to nominate your star business students this fall to be awarded at the Business Education Division Opening Session at CareerTech VISION 2026 in New Orleans.
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ACTE & MBA Research Announce Strategic Integration of Conclave Into VISION 2026
ACTE and MBA Research and Curriculum Center are pleased to announce a new strategic collaboration that will integrate MBA Research’s annual Conclave: A Curriculum and Teaching Conference with ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2026, happening Dec. 2–5 in New Orleans.
For years, Conclave has been the premier national professional development conference designed specifically for business and marketing educators. This event has served as a hub for secondary and postsecondary teachers to connect with industry leaders, share best practices in pedagogy and explore the latest trends in the business world to ensure classroom instruction and standards stay relevant.
Through this event integration, ACTE and MBA Research are advancing their shared commitment to high-quality professional learning and strong industry connections. By merging Conclave with VISION, the nation’s largest annual gathering of CTE professionals, the organizations will create a more comprehensive and collaborative experience for business and marketing CTE professionals nationwide.
MBA Research and ACTE’s Business Education Division will work in close collaboration to curate and develop high-quality CTE programming that reflects shared priorities and collective expertise. Through this partnership, MBA Research will draw on its strong relationships with leading business professionals and bring its annual consortium of state leaders to VISION, fostering deeper collaboration, strengthening the community of practice and elevating the visibility of business education within the broader CTE ecosystem.
This strategic partnership further underscores ACTE’s leadership in convening the CTE community while highlighting the power of collaboration to expand professional development opportunities, strengthen cross-disciplinary connections and amplify the collective impact of business and marketing CTE nationwide.
Top Business Trends in 2025
Exploring recent trends: Our Action Briefs, based on primary and secondary research, highlight business trends and their impact on the workplace. In 2025, we explored emerging trends like AI's influence in the workplace and recruitment challenges.
Visit our website to explore all six of this year’s featured trends. Educators in member states can access the full library via State’s Connection.
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Simplify Your Planning With MBA Research Course Guides
Chart your course: Take the guesswork out of lesson planning with our comprehensive course guides. These all-in-one roadmaps provide performance indicators, ethical case studies, and engaging activities.
What’s new? The Ethical Leadership Course Guide has recently been revised! The one- and two-semester courses introduce students to essential leadership knowledge and skills. Students bridge the gap between theory and practice by applying ethical principles to everyday challenges.
Visit our online store to browse the full collection of course guides.
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FBLA
By crosswalking AP learning objectives with FBLA knowledge areas and competitive event rating sheets, this initiative will create a practical toolkit designed to support teachers in the classroom and strengthen student preparation for both AP assessments and FBLA competitions. The effort also highlights the strong connection between CTSOs and classroom instruction, reinforcing how CTE equips students with real-world skills and academically aligned learning experiences.
Learn more about the partnership below.
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Industry-approved Certification Examinations
Administrators and educators are welcome to request complimentary preview copies of both Exam Resources Packages. Please email Cheryl Ayers for access.
| | U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification Examination | | |
Entrepreneurial skills are modernized workforce readiness skills for the Innovation & Gig Economy.
The Exam Resources Package includes the exam manual, vocabulary list, reading guide including a free e-textbook, study guide and curriculum framework, and two practice exams written on different literacy levels.
| | U.S. Personal Finance Certification Examination | | |
Financial literacy skills are workforce readiness skills.
Two exam options are available based on the reading level of the exam taker — lower middle school or high school — which are especially important for SPED and ELL students. Both exams assess the same important personal finance knowledge and skills.
The Exam Resources Package includes the exam manual, study guide and curriculum framework, vocabulary list, two practice exams also written on different literacy levels, and a multimedia curriculum toolkit of classroom-ready resources.
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Call for Presentation Proposals: VISION 2026 & ACTE's 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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. Open to individuals or teams. Submit a two-minute video by April 1.
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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.
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Association for Career and Technical Education
1410 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-3111
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