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Winter Quarterly Newsletter | | |
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I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.
Our PACE Division had a wonderful showing at ACTE's CareerTech VISION in Nashville, Tennessee. It was exciting to connect and see so many of our dedicated professionals gather again to share ideas and learn how to better serve postsecondary educators.
The conference was a fantastic opportunity for growth and connection, packed with a range of truly exciting sessions that provided actionable insights and innovative approaches to Postsecondary Adult Career Education (PACE). These sessions highlighted the cutting-edge work being done across the country and offered valuable tools to better serve our students.
The success at VISION was made possible through strong partnerships. I extend my sincere gratitude to our sponsor, the Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE), whose unwavering support is vital to our shared mission.
A special thank you also goes out to Monty Criswell, the talented songwriter who captivated us all at the reception with his moving performance. His music provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of networking.
Mark your calendar for VISION 2026 this Dec. 2–5 in New Orleans, Louisiana, as we celebrate ACTE’s 100th year! It’s sure to be a fun-filled event. As we move forward, I am energized by the ideas shared and the connections forged. We remain committed to empowering adults through education and career development, and I look forward to working with all of you to build on this momentum.
I hope you will also join us for the upcoming PACE webinars, National Policy Seminar and Postsecondary Summit and as we celebrate our 100th year.
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Sincerely,
Shawn Freie
VP, ACTE Postsecondary, Adult and Career Education Division
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Upcoming PACE Webinars
Join us for the upcoming PACE webinars that will take place 2:00–3:00 p.m. CT.
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Feb. 17 – AI – David Shofstahl.
“David’s use and exploration of AI is unlike anything I have seen. He has taught me so much about Gemini, OtterAI, and Notebook LM” - Christian Zimmerman
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March 17 – Workforce Pell – Jimmy Koch
Workforce Pell is now law, and the Department of Education is actively working on the regulations that will govern how programs can implement it. This webinar will dive deeper into the regulations and the implementation process.
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April 21 – Tara Havlicek- the Accessibility Hub
More information coming soon.
| | VISION 2026 Call for Proposals | | |
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, and 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.
| | Postsecondary Summit Call for Proposals | |
Plan on joining your postsecondary peers at the 2026 Postsecondary CTE Summit. Educators, administrators, researchers, and anyone engaged with CTE and adult education programs will benefit from the top-quality professional development and networking. The Summit offers a variety of plenary and breakout sessions, keynote speakers, learning labs, panels and round tables, tours and special receptions for attendees. Consider sharing your expertise at the Summit — the call for proposals open Feb. 16, and registration opens March 2.
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NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Registration: Transformative Opportunity for YOU
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Applications for the 2026 NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Fellowship, proudly led by ACTE, will open on Sept. 22 and be accepted through Dec. 15. This year marks ACTE’s 100th anniversary, making it an especially meaningful time to join this nationally recognized program.
For information and to apply click the button below.
| | Please send me some of your pictures from VISION 2025. I would like to share in our newsletters and eblasts. | | |
PACE VISION Reception
Christian Zimmerman, Monty Criswell, Shawn Freie and Dona Orr
| | The PACE Division is proud to announce Mr. Christian Zimmerman as the PACE Division VP-Elect. | | |
Congratulations to the 2025 PACE Award Winners
Emerging New Professional – Melinda Schwartz
Innovation Award – Lori Lyons
Workforce Development Award – JoAnna Collins
Ambassador of the Year – Lori Laufer
Award of Excellence – Dale Lewis
2026 Awards Portal will open in September.
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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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