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Winter Quarterly Newsletter | | |
Welcome Back, CTE for All Members! | |
Happy New Year and welcome to a new semester! As we begin the spring term, I hope this message finds you refreshed, energized, and ready for all that 2026 has in store.
Within the CTE for All Division, we have exciting work ahead. From meaningful professional development opportunities to new initiatives, resources, and conversations centered on access, inclusion, and high-quality career and technical education (CTE), we remain committed to supporting you and the students you serve. Keep an eye out for ways to get involved, share your voice, and help shape the direction of our division.
This semester is an opportunity to deepen collaboration, amplify diverse perspectives, and continue advancing inclusive CTE for all learners. Thank you for your dedication to CTE and for the important work you do every day to prepare students for their futures.
Wishing you a successful and inspiring spring semester. I look forward to the work we’ll do together.
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Sincerely,
Krista Paul
ACTE CTE for All Division VP
| | CTE for All Division News | |
VISION 2025 Recap
The CTE for All Division made a powerful impact at ACTE's CareerTech VISION! Our Opening Session was a highlight of the week, bringing members together around shared values of access, innovation, and opportunity for all learners. We were honored to feature an inspiring keynote from Edgar Blunt, IMAGO Co-Founder and CEO, whose message invited CTE leaders to reimagine how belonging can shape classrooms, campuses, and communities. Through powerful stories, reflection, and practical insights, Edgar explored how diverse perspectives fuel creativity, problem-solving, and equity in CTE.
Attendees were challenged to see inclusion not as an obligation, but as the engine of innovation that propels CTE forward, strengthening student success, supporting educator resilience, and amplifying the collective impact of CTE for All. Together, we explored how co-creating cultures of belonging can lead to programs where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and lead.
We were also grateful for the generous support of the Mitsubishi Electric Foundation, with Kevin Webb, Senior Director, and Tara Halvike, Program Manager, offering a warm welcome and highlighting their continued commitment to expanding access and opportunity through CTE. Their partnership underscores the critical role that collaboration plays in ensuring CTE works for every learner.
The session concluded with the presentation of the CTE for All Division Awards, recognizing outstanding members whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication embody the division’s mission. Their work continues to elevate inclusive practices and strengthen CTE systems at the local, state, and national levels.
VISION 2025 provided a meaningful opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the collective efforts of CTE for All professionals. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the momentum of our division; we look forward to building on this work together.
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Edgar Blunt
IMAGO Co-Founder and CEO
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Kevin Webb, Senior Director
Tara Halvike, Program Manager
Mitsubishi Electric Foundation
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CTE for All Division Award Winners
At this year’s ACTE VISION conference, the CTE for All Division proudly recognized outstanding professionals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to inclusive, high-quality CTE. These individuals go above and beyond to expand access, advocate for CTE, and strengthen career development opportunities for all learners.
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Outstanding Contributions to CTE for All Award
Award Recipient: Tony Huff
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The Outstanding Contributions to CTE for All Award honors a current division member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing CTE for all students, with a particular focus on Perkins funding, Special Populations, and access to opportunity.
This year’s recipient, Tony Huff, director of student services for the career school system at Butler Tech, has transformed the landscape of transition education through visionary leadership and a wholehearted commitment to students with disabilities. From launching innovative programs at Butler Tech to leading the national and international replication of Project LIFE, Tony’s work has opened doors of opportunity for learners across more than a dozen states and beyond.
A mentor, advocate, and true champion of inclusive CTE, Tony has reshaped how schools prepare students for independence, meaningful employment, and lifelong success. His impact is evident in classrooms, communities, and programs across the country.
| Learn more about Tony’s work in the article featured in The Journal Post. | | |
Rising Star CTE for All Award Winner
Award Recipient: Mandy D’Andrea
| | 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. | | |
Our winner, Mandy D’Andrea, CTE principal at the F. Donald Myers Education Center, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in advancing CTE for all learners through the creation and implementation of MTSSi, a system designed to ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed. She consistently provides guidance to both students and staff, addressing challenges both big and small with dedication and care.
By removing barriers and fostering equity, Mandy has expanded access and opportunities for all students to engage meaningfully in CTE, setting a powerful example of advocacy and commitment early in her career. Her work has not only strengthened student outcomes but also empowered educators to better serve diverse learners.
| | Congratulations to Our ACTE National Leadership Fellow | | The CTE for All Division is proud to congratulate Devon Anderson Winters, district career and CTSO coordinator for Waterloo Schools, on being selected for the ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program. As a Fellow, Winters will participate in this highly competitive, year-long program (January–December), gaining professional growth opportunities, policy knowledge, and leadership development while collaborating with CTE leaders from across the country. Winters’ selection reflects her commitment to inclusive, high-quality CTE and her leadership in advancing opportunities for all learners. We are excited to see the impact of her work through this fellowship and beyond. Congratulations, Devon; we are proud to have you representing the CTE for All Division! | |
CTE for All Division Policy Committee
Our CTE for All Policy Committee continues to be hard at work as a new and growing division. Members have been meeting regularly via Zoom to collaborate on advocacy priorities, share regional insights, and strategize ways to strengthen inclusive practices in CTE.
For many committee members, VISION 2025 marked the first opportunity to meet one another in person, further strengthening relationships and energizing our work. This momentum, dedication, and teamwork continue to drive meaningful progress for both the CTE for All Division and the broader ACTE community.
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Members pictured: David Marks, Krista Paul, Tim Lankford, Shelly Thome, Paige Quinn, Alexa Green, Joe Sciekowski, Tara Havlicek
Members not pictured: Snehal Bhakta, Krista Demetrulias
The Policy Committee is excited to welcome its newest member, Dr. Maggie Velasco, who is stepping into the role of professional development chair. Maggie brings a strong background in career-connected learning, rural education, and systems-level leadership, along with a deep commitment to elevating student, caregiver, and community voice. Her approach to professional development, connecting learning to systemic change and collective action, reflects exactly the kind of leadership we aim to cultivate within the CTE for All Division. Maggie’s vision aligns closely with the division’s mission, as she is dedicated to designing professional learning experiences that meet members where they are while intentionally moving the work forward. We are excited for the insight, energy, and perspective she brings to this role!
Strategic Plan update: Thank you to those who shared feedback on the strategic plan prioritization survey. Responses yielded an immediate focus on CTE for All, followed by Strategic Partnerships. A draft plan is in the process of being created. Please email me if you would like to be a part of this process!
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CTE for All Division Business Meeting
Stay informed about our division, discover current initiatives, and connect with fellow members by joining us for our upcoming virtual business meeting.
Division Business Meeting
Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 5:00–6:30 p.m. CST
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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 — we encourage colleagues across the division to consider submitting a session. Each year, we are especially in need of proposals that highlight program-specific curriculum, best-practices and innovations. Sessions grounded in the realities of specific programs help ensure VISION offers practical, relevant learning for our diverse audience.
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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