Fall Quarterly Newsletter

Hello, Region V Members!

I hope the beginning of the school year is going well for everyone! Fall is always a busy but exciting time for our region as we reconnect with colleagues, welcome new members, and prepare for upcoming conferences and initiatives. With exciting events and updates on the horizon, there’s plenty to look forward to in the months ahead.

Sincerely,

Craig Statucki

ACTE Region V Vice President

Region V News

Region V Business Meeting

The Region V Business Meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. While I realize that this is earlier in ACTE's CareerTech VISION schedule than in the past, we want to ensure that our members have the opportunity to participate in the Region V Business Meeting and not miss out on the great professional development opportunities that occur once the conference officially opens. Please check the ACTE website and the conference app for details on location.

Region V Award Winners

In late September, the Region V Policy and Awards committees hosted practice interviews for the Region V Award winners who will be competing for the national awards in San Antonio. We are excited about the quality of educators who will be competing and are looking forward to seeing them on the Awards Gala stage. The educators representing ACTE Region V are:

Administrator of the Year: Tina Gudvangen, Arizona

Counseling and Career Guidance Professional Award: Jonathan Burke, Colorado

Lifetime Achievement Award: Curt Bertelsen, Arizona

New Teacher of the Year: Leah Ferguson, Oregon

Postsecondary Professional of the Year: Tyson Sorensen, Utah

Teacher Educator: Xue Xing, Nevada

Teacher of the Year: Matthew Waynee, California

Carl Perkins Community Service Award: Nikki Melius, South Dakota

We wish all the finalists the best of luck!

Region V Conference Call for Presentations

Region V is requesting a call for proposals to fill 6 breakout sessions throughout the conference. Each breakout session will be 1 hour. To be considered please complete the form by Nov. 15. Notification of selected presentations will be by Dec. 15.

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

Region V Conference

In Utah, we don’t shy away from the climb — we embrace it. CTE educators lead the way, taking bold steps to try new tools, strategies, and technologies in the classroom. Like scaling a new peak, there’s risk and uncertainty — but also growth. Each challenge met, each lesson learned, helps our students climb higher toward success in the real world. Utah ACTE is thrilled to welcome you to the ACTE Region V Conference.

Date: April 8–11, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah

Location: Little American Hotel

500 Main St.

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

$199 + Tax per night

Region V Early Bird Registration Rates (through Feb. 15)

Member: $450

Nonmember: $500

2025–26 ACTE Region V Important Dates

Dec. 9 - ACTE Region V Business Meeting at ACTE's CareerTech VISION

March 1 - ACTE Region V Award Submissions Are Due

March 1 - ACTE Region V Innovative Award Submissions Are Due

April 8-11 - ACTE Region V Conference

May 1 - ACTE Region V Fellows Program Applications Are Due

Region V Strategic Plan

The Region V policy committee members developed a promising and aggressive strategic plan. There are six areas of focus: advocacy and awareness, member value and engagement, CTE for all, professional and leadership development, strategic partnerships, and teacher recruitment and retention.

Following are the six areas, the target for that area and the outcomes planned. We are looking for experts in Region V that have experience, expertise, and knowledge to support the strategic plan components. Do you have ways you can support the Region V strategic plan? Please contact one of the policy committee members.

ACTE Updates

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

RENEW NOW

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.

LEARN MORE

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!

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE

Keep Your Member Profile Up to Date!

One of the easiest ways to be sure you’re receiving the latest ACTE updates, resources and opportunities is by keeping your member profile current. A quick update ensures you’ll always receive:

Election communications sent to your preferred email and mailing address
Division and region-specific newsletters, eblasts and updates tailored to your interests
Full access to the Techniques archive
On-demand learning through CTE Learn
Access to CTE Communities
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!

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