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Summer Quarterly Newsletter

Dear CTE for All Colleagues and Friends,

It is an absolute honor to greet you as I step into my role as Vice President of CTE for All and continue to support our shared mission. My name is Krista Paul, and I have been proudly serving as a high school Special Education Teacher in Illinois, where I have the privilege of working alongside students with diverse strengths, needs, and aspirations.

For many years, I have been committed to ensuring that every learner, regardless of background, ability, or life circumstance, has access to high-quality career and technical education (CTE) experiences that open doors to future success. Like many of you, my days are filled with guiding students through hands-on learning, collaborating with colleagues, and celebrating each step of their growth, whether that means mastering a new skill, finding their voice in a career pathway, or building the confidence to take the next step toward their goals.

What excites me most about CTE for All is the opportunity to champion a vision in which every student is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive in their chosen future. Together, we are preparing the next generation not only for work but also for life.

Welcome Back: A New School Year with CTE for All, A Shared Commitment

Connecting to Strategic Plan Elements: Leadership Development; Professional Growth

As we begin a new school year, I am excited to extend a warm welcome to each of you and express my appreciation for your dedication to CTE. CTE for All reminds us that every student can benefit from engaging, high-quality career learning experiences that build skills, spark interests, and open doors to future opportunities.

Our classrooms and programs are more than places to learn technical skills. They are where confidence grows, passions are discovered, and plans for the future take shape. The strength of our CTE for All community comes from the way we share ideas, support each other, and work together to help students prepare for both their careers and their lives.

This year, let us continue to inspire our students, collaborate with one another, and keep moving forward with our shared vision for CTE for All. Together, we are shaping futures through the power of CTE.

Tips for the Year Ahead

As we begin this school year, here are a few reminders to help us stay focused and energized in our shared mission:

• You do not have to do everything at once. Focus on what matters most for your students and program. Protect your time and energy so you can give your best where it counts.

• Your classroom or lab does not need to look perfect. What matters is creating a welcoming environment where students feel safe to learn, explore, and grow.

• Connect with your CTE for All community. Collaborate, share ideas, and draw strength from colleagues who understand your work. We are stronger when we support one another.

• Celebrate student successes, no matter how small. Whether it is mastering a tool, completing a project, or discovering a career interest, every step forward is worth recognition.

• Take care of yourself. The best way to serve your students is to ensure you are recharged and ready to inspire. Make time for rest, joy, and balance.

Together, we will continue building a future where CTE for All is not just an idea, but a reality for every learner.

Looking Ahead to Growth and Connection

I look forward to connecting with many of you at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION this Dec. 9–12 in Nashville, Tennessee. This annual gathering is a time to learn new strategies, recharge our energy, and reconnect with the passion that drives our work in CTE. Watch for more details as the event draws closer.

Thank you for your dedication, your expertise, and your steadfast commitment to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality CTE experiences. I am excited to serve alongside you and continue advancing the mission of CTE for All in the year ahead.

Wishing you a successful and inspiring school year,

Krista Paul

ACTE CTE for All Division VP

The Board is composed of:  

Krista Paul 

ACTE VP-CTE for All 

Alexa Green

Secretary 

David Marks

Treasurer

Paige Quinn

Policy Lead

Brandi Anderson

PD Lead

Shelly Thome

Mentorship Rep

Joe Sieczkowski 

Division Awards

Rising Star Award 

This award recognizes early-career educators or professionals at the secondary or post-secondary level with three years or less of experience at the time of nomination. It celebrates those who have made meaningful contributions to CTE for all learners, demonstrating innovation, dedication, and leadership at the start of their careers. 

Nominations must include:

• A summary of the nominee’s contributions to CTE for All and CTE education
• Details on their professional experience and division involvement 
• Three letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, or state representatives

If you know someone who has made a lasting impact on CTE for All, we encourage you to submit a nomination.

Questions? Contact Joe Sieczkowski at joseph.sieczkowski@d300.org

Let’s recognize those who shape the future and drive the success of CTE for All!

ACTE Updates

Discounted Rates for the CTE Event of the Year End Oct. 13!



Don’t miss ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025, the premier event for CTE professionals! Join 5,000+ educators, administrators, business leaders and industry experts this Dec. 9–12 (Tuesday–Friday) at the stunning Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. You'll have the opportunity to experience:

• Hundreds of high-impact sessions on teaching strategies, curriculum design, strategies for improving student success and more
• Inspiring keynote speakers and thought leaders sharing insights on the latest trends in CTE
• A bustling CareerTech Expo showcasing innovative tools, technologies and classroom resources
• Pre-conference workshops and local tours for deeper learning on focused topics
• The ACTE Awards Gala, honoring excellence across the CTE community

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned educator, VISION offers something for everyone. Register by Oct. 13 to secure discounted rates!

A Heartfelt Thanks: Incoming & Outgoing Board Members

ACTE is excited to welcome our new board members:

• Robert Torres, President
• Brandon Russell, President-Elect
• Carrie Giles, Past President
• Jonathan Walker, Business Education Division Vice President
• Karin Davis, Family and Consumer Sciences Education Division Vice President
• Rich Trinkwalder, New and Related Services Division Vice President
• Martin Hanley, Region III Vice President

We look forward to their leadership and collaboration in advancing CTE nationwide.

Please join us in celebrating and thanking ACTE’s outgoing board members for their dedicated service:

• Chaney Mosley, Past President
• Sean Crevier, Business Education Division Vice President
• Katy Blatnick-Gagne, Family and Consumer Sciences Education Division Vice President
• Susan Leon, New and Related Services Division Vice President
• Brandon Russell, Region III Vice President

We are truly grateful for their leadership and professional expertise and for the lasting impact they’ve made on the CTE community

SC ACTE Unifies with National ACTE

ACTE is pleased to announce that the South Carolina (SC) ACTE has officially unified with the national Association. Through this unification, CTE educators in South Carolina can now simultaneously join both their state and national professional associations. Members will also gain access to ACTE’s robust suite of benefits, including premier professional development resources, federal public policy advocacy and leadership development opportunities. SC ACTE will now benefit from a variety of organizational and association management services provided by ACTE, such as online membership processing, electronic communications tools and more. At the national level, this unification enhances ACTE’s engagement with the CTE community in South Carolina and strengthens collaboration on key federal public policy and shared advocacy priorities.

Calling All 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 St. Louis, Missouri. Hosted by ACTE and the National Council of Local Administrators, this event offers cutting-edge strategies, innovative solutions and best practices designed to support CTE educators. 

Transformative Career Impact at the Postsecondary CTE Summit

Shape the future of CTE alongside fellow innovators at the premier gathering for postsecondary career and technical educators. The Postsecondary CTE Summit 2025, happening Oct. 5–8 at the Hilton Austin Airport in Austin, Texas, brings together practitioners, researchers and industry leaders who are redefining how we prepare students for tomorrow's workforce.

What awaits you:

• Cutting-edge professional development tailored to current industry needs
• Transformative presentations from CTE leaders driving real change
• Evidence-based strategies for emerging sectors and breakthrough technologies
• Dynamic networking with a vibrant community of forward-thinking professionals

Apply Now for the National Leadership Fellowship Program!

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.

Act fast! Applications are open through Sept. 15. 

Travel & Entertainment Discounts for Members!

Don’t forget to take advantage of our new Member Deals program — your new portal to travel savings and unforgettable entertainment experiences! As an ACTE member, you now have access to discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, hotels, rental cars and more. To start exploring your perks, log in to your member profile from the ACTE homepage and click the Member Deals icon.

Make the Most of Your ACTE Benefits: Update Your Member Profile

Make sure you’re getting the most out of your ACTE membership by keeping your member profile up to date, so you never miss important news, resources or professional development opportunities.

Quick steps to update:

1.      Log in at acteonline.org

2.      Click the “Profile” tab

3.      Confirm or update your personal email and mobile number

Tip: A personal email helps ensure you stay connected, even during job changes. For extra peace of mind, add your home contact info under “My Addresses” at the bottom of your profile page.

Take a moment today to stay connected and make the most of your ACTE benefits!