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Winter Quarterly News Update

Hello, Family and Consumer Sciences Educators!

As we dive into the new year, I can’t help but reflect on the energy, passion, and commitment that makes our family and consumer science (FCS) community so extraordinary. Whether you’re guiding students in life-changing skill development or collaborating with peers to elevate our programs, you embody the heart of FCS and its vital role in shaping strong individuals, families, and communities.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended ACTE's CareerTech VISION conference! Seeing so many of you proudly wearing your FCS shirts on the first day was an incredible reminder of the unity and pride within our division. I encourage you to scroll down further and find out more about submitting a session at ACTE's CareerTech VISION 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. We need more FCS sessions for our educators! I also want to extend my congratulations to this year’s award winners. Our division recognized twelve individuals for their work in FCS. Beth Beattie (MO) and Debbie Nelson (CO) received our highest distinction, the FCS Roll of Honor. Thank you all for your dedication and innovation to inspire us all! Be sure to check out the award presentation to celebrate these remarkable leaders and their accomplishments.

Looking ahead, I encourage each of you to make plans to attend the ACTE National Policy Seminar and/or the Work-based Learning Conference this spring. These events offer powerful opportunities to not only advocate for FCS and career and technical education (CTE) but also to explore innovative strategies that connect students with real-world experiences. Together, we can ensure that the voices of our students and educators are heard and that FCS continues to lead the way in preparing learners for success in life and work.

Finally, I’m thrilled to introduce our incoming FCS Vice President, Karin Davis (OK), who will officially begin her role in July 2025. Her leadership, vision, and enthusiasm will undoubtedly propel our division into a bright future. Please continue to read below for more about Karin. 

Thank you for all you do to champion family and consumer sciences education. Let’s continue to make a difference—together!

Sincerely,

Katy Blatnick-Gagne, Ed. D

VP, Family & Consumer Sciences Division

FCS Division News

My connection to FCS began in high school with FCCLA, where I discovered a deep love for leadership, service, and community. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong commitment to the field, leading me to earn an undergraduate degree in FCS education and a master’s degree in family science. Over the years, I’ve embraced many opportunities to give back to FCCLA, serving on the National Board of Directors and Oklahoma’s FCCLA Alumni and Associates Board. I’ve also been actively involved in the Oklahoma Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (OATFCS) and the Oklahoma Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (OAFCS), where I’ve built lasting relationships with incredible colleagues who inspire me daily. These experiences have shaped not only my professional career but also my belief in the power of FCS to transform lives.

Outside of work, I cherish time with my husband of 21 years, Darrin, and our two cats who add so much joy to our lives.

As I prepare to step into the role of Vice President in July, I am energized by the opportunity to work with all of you to champion FCS education. Together, we can strengthen our programs, uplift our profession, and empower students to lead with confidence and purpose. I look forward to connecting with you and collaborating on new ways to elevate the impact of FCS for generations to come.

Karin

From ACTE

ACTE Announces Board of Directors 2025 Election Results

ACTE recently held its board of directors’ election, which was open to the Association’s membership of approximately 28,000 CTE professionals. We sincerely thank all of the candidates for their dedication and willingness to serve the Association. Congratulations to the newly elected Board members:

• Brandon Russell, President-Elect
• Jonathan Walker, Business Education Division Vice President
• Michael Herrera, Region I Vice President-Elect
• Michael Ogas, Region IV Vice President-Elect
• Robert Torres, President (appointed by the ACTE Board of Directors)
• Lavyne Rada, Agricultural Education Division Vice President (appointed by the ACTE Board of Directors)

Celebrate CTE Month!

Generously sponsored by NAHB

Each year in February, we celebrate professionals like you and educate the public about the importance of career and technical education (CTE). Here are some ways to get involved!

• Share our CTE social media messages by following ACTE @actecareertech and @actecareertech1 on Instagram, and then share your own success stories on social media with #CTEMonth.
• Download graphic resources, including the CTE Month logo, available in English and in Spanish, for use with any of your print and digital outreach.
•  Gear up with festive CTE Month merchandise. 

Submit Your Session Proposals for CareerTech VISION 2025!

Join your peers at ACTE’s largest annual conference of the year for CTE professionals! ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025 will take place Dec. 10–13 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. We are seeking session proposals that address high-quality secondary and postsecondary CTE and showcase program innovations, stories of successful collaborations and the most pressing issues facing CTE professionals today. The deadline to submit session proposals is March 15.

Raise Awareness for CTE at NPS 

Join CTE professionals from across the nation to voice your vision on policy and programming. Attend ACTE’s National Policy Seminar (NPS), happening March 16–19 in Arlington, Virginia.  

• Engage on key federal education policy priorities. 
• Influence federal policies related to CTE advocacy and messaging. 
• Participate in Capitol Hill visits. 
• Hear from featured keynote speaker Melanie Zanona, senior congressional reporter for Punchbowl News.

Register by Feb. 16 to secure early bird rates. 

Join Us at Our Annual WBL Conference  

Happening April 2–4 at the Hyatt Bellevue on Seattle’s Eastside in Bellevue, Washington: the ACTE Work-Based Learning (WBL) Conference 2025! ACTE’s fastest growing event offers focused professional development for WBL professionals in secondary and postsecondary CTE programs and institutions.  

Key topics 

• Partnership engagement and relationship management 
• Equitable access to WBL opportunities 
• Compliance with insurance and worker’s compensation-related laws and regulations   
• Internships, job shadows and apprenticeships 
• New and innovative WBL initiatives
• WBL advocacy and learning how to market and grow your program 

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

This year, ACTE is delighted to host three student design and video contests:

• CTE Month-NASA HUNCH Student Video Challenge: The theme for this year is “What is Artemis?” Encourage your students to create and submit videos, two minutes or less in length, by April 1.
• 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 our official centennial merchandise! Entries are due by May 1.
• Student Trophy Design Contest: Have your students design the 3D-printed trophies for ACTE’s prestigious Excellence Awards. Submissions are due by May 1.

Encourage your students to showcase their creativity and talent in these exciting contests!

Apply for the Achieve 100 Award  

ACTE's Achieve 100 Award is presented to schools and institutions that achieve 100% membership among their CTE staff and faculty. This is a distinguished award that showcases an organization's dedication and commitment to career and technical education. Applications are due Feb. 1.