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Spring Quarterly News Update

Farewell from Your FCS VP – But Never Goodbye

Well fellow division members, here we are—my final newsletter as your ACTE Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Division vice president. It’s a little surreal to write this farewell, but before I officially sign off, I want to share a few thoughts as I wrap up this incredible journey.

First and foremost—thank you. Thank you for trusting me to serve, lead, and represent this amazing division. Over the past couple of years, these newsletters have been a space to spotlight the passion, innovation, and heart that FCS educators bring to the table every single day. We’ve had opportunities to celebrate your successes, elevate your voices, and remind the world that FCS is essential to preparing students for life.

Whether you're in a middle school, high school, or postsecondary setting, FCS educators have the unique opportunity to guide students as they explore who they are and the impact they want to make in the world. From culinary arts to child development, interior design to financial literacy, we help students build skills for both careers and life. We don’t just teach content—we nurture confidence, character, and purpose.

And that brings me to one of my favorite quotes:

"Find out who you are and do it on purpose." – Dolly Parton

To me, that’s what this role—and this field—is all about. FCS helps students discover who they are and equips them to live with intention, purpose, and confidence. And as professionals, we do the same. We lead with heart, we serve with purpose, and we show up—every day—for the betterment of others.



So while this is my official farewell as your VP, it’s definitely not goodbye. I’ll always be an advocate for FCS and CTE—whether I’m cheering you on from the sidelines or jumping back into the arena right beside you. There’s still work to be done: more voices to amplify, more policies to influence, and more students to inspire. But we’ve got the tools, the talent, and the tenacity to do it.

As you continue your work—teaching, leading, advocating—I hope you keep finding those moments of joy, connection, and purpose. Thank you for letting me be part of your story. Let’s keep shaping the future—together.



With gratitude, heart, and a little flair,

Katy Blatnick-Gagne, Ed. D

VP, Family & Consumer Sciences Division

Forever a Champion of FCS & CTE 💛

From ACTE

Lead the Future of ACTE

As a member of ACTE's board of directors, you have the opportunity to influence the Association’s direction and make a lasting impact on CTE programs, professionals and students nationwide. Nominations for the ACTE board of directors are open through June 15. Explore the available positions and learn how you can get involved. 

VISION 2025: Early Bird Registration is Now Open!

Join 5,000+ career and technical educators, business leaders and industry experts for an unparalleled professional development experience at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. As the largest annual gathering of its kind, VISION offers:

• Hundreds of concurrent educational sessions covering instructional best practices, curriculum design, hands-on strategies for improving student outcomes and more

• Inspiring keynote speakers and thought leaders sharing insights on the latest trends and the future of CTE

• The CareerTech Expo, a dynamic space to explore the latest tools, technologies and resources that drive innovation in CTE

This year, we're headed to Nashville, Tennessee! Join us Tuesday–Friday, Dec. 9–12, at the stunning Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center — the perfect backdrop for networking, collaboration and career growth. 

CTE Books, Resources & More!

Check out the complete collection of resources and publications for career and technical educators in ShopACTE, including the all-new Instructional Strategies for Career and Technical Educators, The CTSO Competition Survival Guide, The Advisory Board Advantage, Transformational Work-Based Learning, the Perkins V Guide, and more!

CTE Educators: Encourage Your Students to Enter ACTE’s Student Design Contests!

Two student design opportunities are waiting for your talented students to make their mark:

• Student Merch Design Contest: In honor of ACTE’s 100th anniversary in 2026, we invite students to submit original artwork for a chance to be featured on official centennial merchandise!
• Student Trophy Design Contest: Have your students design the 3D-printed trophies for ACTE’s prestigious Excellence Awards.

Entries for both contests are due May 1.

Register Now for ACTE's Spring School Study Visit



Explore one of the nation's most innovative postsecondary CTE centers during the Kirkwood Community College School Study Visit in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Happening June 2–3, this immersive experience includes state-of-the-art facility tours, networking with CTE leaders from across the U.S., and exclusive insights from institutional leaders. Registration includes accommodations, meals, ground transportation, and airport transfers, and there are special rates for educational institution members. 

Elevate Your Leadership: Best Practices for 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 Missouri. Hosted by ACTE and the National Council of Local Administrators, this event offers CTE administrators cutting-edge strategies, innovative solutions and best practices designed to address today’s most pressing challenges in CTE. 

Future Ready: The New Era of Postsecondary CTE

Join a vibrant community of practitioners and researchers dedicated to shaping the future of postsecondary CTE at the Postsecondary CTE Summit 2025! Happening Oct. 5–8 at Hilton Austin Airport in Austin, Texas, this event is packed with innovative professional development, insightful presentations from leaders transforming postsecondary CTE, and evidence-based strategies for emerging sectors and technologies. 

ACTE Impact Awards: Celebrating CTE Champions!

Know an outstanding educator, business partner, or industry leader transforming CTE? The ACTE Impact Awards are seeking nominations. Spotlight exceptional Business-Education Partnerships and Champions of CTE by June 30. Your nomination could honor the innovators driving workforce education forward!

National Leadership Development Opportunity

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. Applications are open May 1–Sept. 15. 

Apply Now for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize!

We are excited to announce that the application period is now open for the 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence! The prize, offering $1.5 million in cash prizes, honors outstanding U.S. public high school skilled trades teachers and their programs. The application deadline is May 2.

Student Scholarship Opportunity!



Encourage students and adult learners, ages 18–35, to apply for Horatio Alger Association Career and Technical Education Scholarships, offering several CTE-specific scholarships for students planning to enroll in CTE programs at public institution. The application is open now through June 15.