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Fall Quarterly Newsletter

Dear ACTE Region II Leaders,

What an extraordinary start to the new school year we've experienced! As I write this, I'm still energized by the incredible momentum we built at our Region II Leadership Conference in Fayetteville, Georgia this September. With over 150 educators, administrators, and career and technical education (CTE) advocates, alongside 30 vendors and 5 generous conference sponsors, we didn't just meet — we created something powerful. We created a community united in our commitment to transforming the lives of students through CTE.

The halls and meeting spaces buzzed with innovation. Conversations sparked new partnerships. Ideas that began in breakout sessions are already taking root in classrooms and districts across our region. This is what happens when passionate educators come together with a shared vision: we don't just talk about the future of CTE — we build it.

As we transition into the heart of the school year, I challenge each of you to carry forward the inspiration and insights from our conference. The connections you made, the strategies you learned, and the renewed sense of purpose you discovered — these are the tools that will help us continue elevating CTE across Region II. Our students are counting on us to be bold, to be innovative, and to never stop advocating for the transformative power of CTE.

We invite you to join us at the 2026 Region II Conference next September in Lexington, Kentucky!

Celebrating Our 2026 Region II Excellence Awards Winners

It is my distinct honor to recognize the outstanding educators that exemplify excellence in Region II. These award winners represent the very best of what CTE can be — innovative, impactful, and life-changing for students. Please join me in celebrating:

• Chris Kennedy (Alabama), Administrator of the Year
• Claire Minto (Alabama), Counseling and Career Development Professional
• June St. Clair Atkinson (North Carolina), Lifetime Achievement Award
• Michelle Hill Williams (Virginia), New Teacher of the Year
• Robert Jason Davis (North Carolina), Postsecondary Professional of the Year
• Ula Carr (Tennessee), Teacher Educator of the Year
• Tiffany Barney (Georgia), Carl Perkins Community Service Award
• Matthew Nanny (Virginia), Teacher of the Year

These remarkable individuals inspire us all to reach higher and dream bigger for our students. These winners will represent Region II at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee! Good luck!

As we move through this fall season, I'm filled with gratitude for each of you and optimism for what we'll accomplish together. Thank you for your dedication, your innovation, and your unwavering commitment to our students.

Let's make this year unforgettable.

With appreciation and excitement,

Dustin Davis-Austin

ACTE Region II Vice President

ACTE Updates

Register Now for VISION!



Don’t miss ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025, the premier gathering for CTE professionals! Join 5,000+ educators, administrators, business leaders and industry experts this Dec. 9–12 (Tuesday–Friday) at the spectacular Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. 

• Choose from hundreds of concurrent sessions on teaching strategies, curriculum design, strategies for improving student success and more
• Be inspired by keynote speakers and thought leaders sharing the latest trends shaping CTE
• Discover innovative tools, technologies and classroom resources in the CareerTech Expo 
• Take a deeper dive into focused CTE topics via pre-conference workshops and local tours 
• Honor your peers and excellence in the field at the ACTE Awards Gala

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned educator, VISION offers something for everyone.

Exercise Your Right to Vote!

Renew Your Membership by Nov. 10

Ensure your membership is current by Nov. 10 to participate in the 2026 ACTE board of directors’ election.

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. Together, let’s celebrate a century of CTE excellence while inspiring the next generation of innovators who will lead us into the cosmos. Open to individuals or teams. Submit a two-minute video by April 1.

Mentorship Matters: Apply for CTE for All Mentorship Program

Apply now for ACTE’s CTE for All Mentorship Program, proudly sponsored by IMAGO — designed to help members grow, lead and thrive through meaningful professional relationships. Whether you’re seeking guidance or ready to mentor, this program fosters a welcoming CTE community, supports career development, builds professional networks and encourages lifelong learning. Take the next step in your journey — applications are due Jan. 11! 

Elevate Your Impact: Apply for NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Fellowship

Ready to shape the future of postsecondary CTE? Apply now for the 2026 NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellowship — a powerful, yearlong experience that builds leadership skills, expands your network and boosts your impact. Fellows gain immersive training, personalized mentorship and opportunities for national advocacy. Applications are due Dec. 15, and your journey begins Jan. 28. Learn more about program expectations, benefits and costs, and take your next step toward transformative leadership.

Keep Your Member Profile Up to Date!

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• Election communications sent to your preferred email and mailing address
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• Exclusive offers through the new Member Deals program

Quick steps to update your profile:

1. Log in at acteonline.org.

2. Click the “Profile” tab.

3. Confirm or update your personal email and mobile number.

To update your Techniques subscription preferences, click on My Demographics and select the pencil icon to update preferences (scroll down for Preference for Techniques magazine subscription). Stay connected; update your member profile today!