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Spring Quarterly News Update

Hello Region I Colleagues,

It is hard to believe that we are on the downhill slide of another school year. It seems like the last couple of months fly by. I hope that you have had a great year so far and have great energy to finish strong. The connections I’ve made through ACTE have been a continual source of energy and inspiration for me. I follow several colleagues from across the region and nation on Facebook and LinkedIn, where I regularly see posts showcasing the incredible work being done in career and technical education (CTE) to support our students and communities. These updates not only inspire me, but also spark ideas that help drive innovation and progress within my own programs. I hope that you are maximizing the relationships you can build through ACTE. They may just give you the inspiration you need to keep the energy level high!

In addition to the organic relationships that you can build from participation in ACTE events, ACTE also has created intentional ways for ACTE members to connect. ACTE offers Community of Practice and Networking Groups. Community of Practice groups offers members with interconnected job opportunities collaborate to explore and test solutions to common issues. The networking groups are centered around a shared personal experiences and provide support and mentorship for each other. Click here to learn more.

Below are the groups currently available—I encourage you to explore this great opportunity to connect with professionals who share your interests and issues.

Sincerely,

Douglas Bush

VP, ACTE Region I

Associate Superintendent for CTE

Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District

Michigan

Region I News

The Region I winners were:

• The Region I New Teacher of the Year: Rick Villano       
• The Region I Teacher of the Year: Terence Richards
• The Region I Administrator of the Year: Patrick Lamb
• The Region I Postsecondary Professional of the Year: Cynthia Thomas
• The Region I Teacher Educator of the Year: Dr. Tyler Love
• The Region I Counseling & Career Development Professional of the Year: Karmin Olds
• The Region I Carl Perkins Community Service Award Winner: Clinton C. Burch
• The Region I Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Katherine (Kitty) Manley (Ph.D)

The 2025 Best in CTE Region I Awards are awards that are only given to individuals from Region I. Since other regions do not participate in these specific awards, their recipients do not advance to the VISION Awards Gala. The awards and winners are:

• The Region I Advisory Committee Member of the Year: Joe Tasch
• The Region I Jim Hanneman Leadership & Service Award Winner: Deborah Chapman
• The Region I Outstanding Business/Education Partnership Award Winner: Monica Cross
• The Region I Dr. Scott Westbrook III Humanitarian Award Winner: Kip Crain

Ph.DFrom 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.