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Winter Quarterly Newsletter

Hello Region I Colleagues!

It was great to see so many of you at this year’s CareerTech VISION! It was sure a great event! We were well represented at the Awards Gala, and I want to congratulate our Region I award winners who were up against the other regional winners. I also want to recognize the states that were recognized during the State Association Leadership Breakfast. All affiliated states must complete an Annual Report, but states can also complete the Quality Association Standards (QAS) process.

The QAS helps state associations strengthen their policies, procedures, and member value. This is a self-assessment tool — not a competition — designed to inspire improvement and excellence. QAS recognition focuses on key criteria in governance, programs, finances, membership, and communications. Updated and fully reviewed this past year, it offers Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels based on compliance. Applications are accepted July 1–June 30, with submissions due Oct. 15. ACTE partners with states to support achieving these standards and delivering the highest level of leadership and service. 

This year Region I had three states that earned the QAS Award.

Michigan – Gold

West Virginia – Silver

Massachusetts – Bronze 

West Virginia was also recognized during the State Association Breakfast for achieving the highest retention rate among state associations this past fiscal year. Way to go West Virginia!

There are many resources available to you through ACTE in addition to the great personal development events such as VISION. One of those resources is ShopACTE. I encourage you to look at the site to see what item might help you move your classroom or organization to another level. 

The days are getting longer! Stay warm my friends!

Sincerely,

Douglas Bush

ACTE Region I, VP

Associate Superintendent for CTE

Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District

Michigan

Region I News

ACTE Updates

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 — share your expertise and help shape the next century of CTE at the field’s largest annual gathering. Proposals are due March 15.

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!

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.