Spring Quarterly News Update

Howdy, Trade and Industrial Members of ACTE!

As another school year winds down and your labs fill with the seasonal buzz of certification testing, senior send-offs, and SkillsUSA Signing Day celebrations, it's a season of big finishes and fresh beginnings. Some of you are preparing students for national competitions this summer, others are watching graduates sign on the dotted line to officially enter the skilled trades, and all of it reminds me why this work matters so much. It's hard to believe I’m already heading into my final year as your Trade and Industrial Division vice president; time really does fly when you're surrounded by passionate educators, gritty innovators, and the best career and technical education (CTE) professionals in the business.

It feels like just yesterday I was stepping into this role, learning the ropes, and wondering how I’d make an impact. Now, two years later, I’ve seen growth - not just in myself, but across our entire division. We've built connections, launched conversations that matter, and doubled down on supporting both new and seasoned instructors across the country. This final year on the ACTE national board is about celebrating that journey, continuing the momentum, and preparing to pass the torch. Leadership is a relay, not a solo run, and now it’s time to open the nomination process for the next leader to step into this space and carry it forward.

Trade & Industrial Vice President Nominations Are Now Open!

Do you—or someone you know—have the heart, voice, and vision to represent our division on the ACTE national board? Behind every strong board member is a team of educators who believed in them. So if you’re reading this and thinking, "Maybe it’s time I step up...", consider this your nudge. Our next vice president might be a veteran instructor, a CTE administrator, or someone fresh with a new spark. Whoever it is, it’s time to lift them up and let them lead.

Nomination Details

Position: Trade & Industrial Education Vice President
Term: 3 years (Begins July 2026)
Nominations Open: April 1
Deadline to Submit Nominations: June 15
Voting Window: Dec. 10–Jan. 10

All nominations must be submitted through the ACTE Board Election Portal. Here’s the link to get started: https://www.acteonline.org/about/get-involved/board-election/

ACTE will follow up with forms and details along the way, but feel free to reach out if you have questions or just want to talk shop about what leadership in ACTE really looks like.

The Trade and Industrial Division is fueled by the spirit of craftsmanship, hands-on expertise, and a whole lot of heart. As I head into my final year, I’m both proud and excited to help welcome the next generation of leadership. The future of trade and industrial is bright, and I can’t wait to see who’s ready to step into the spotlight next.

Until then, keep building, keep leading, and keep making your programs the powerhouses they are.

Let’s keep this momentum going, together.

Kindest regards,

Bart Taylor

VP, ACTE Trade and Industrial Education Division

Opportunities from our Trade & Industrial Sponsors

ACTE Seeking Automotive Programs Integrating EV!

Do you know of a secondary or postsecondary automotive program that has incorporated or is actively integrating electric vehicle (EV) technology? ACTE is looking for educators and program leaders willing to share their experiences for an upcoming publication. If you have a contact or lead, we’d love to hear from you!

For more information or to connect us with a potential interviewee, please reach out to Stephen DeWitt at sdewitt@acteonline.org.

Transportation Marketing & Sales Association

The Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA) Elevate conference will be in Austin, Texas from June 8–10. TMSA is offering complimentary registration in exchange for utilizing the students as volunteers during the event. This program is designed for emerging professionals and combines hands-on experience with networking and professional growth. Students will assist with key tasks—such as registration support and session setup—offering them a behind-the-scenes look at how a major industry conference operates, while helping them build valuable industry connections. In addition to volunteering, the students will have access to breakout sessions and engaging keynote speakers, giving them the chance to learn from top professionals in transportation, logistics, marketing, and sales. Do you have any students who might be interested in a learning opportunity like this? It’s a great way to gain insight into the industry and develop professionally. You can learn more about TMSA and the conference below.

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G-W Publisher

G-W Publisher will be hosting a webinar for automotive instructors, surrounding our new edition of Modern Automotive Technology. The author, Brian LaCroix out of Capital Region BOCES in Albany, New York, will be talking about the updates that he made based on the ASE Education Foundation accreditation program standards and needs of industry.

Instructors can register for the webinar here. The webinar is Tuesday, April 22 at 4:00 p.m. ET. Brian will also be hosting a training at the NLSC in Atlanta. The topic is "High Voltage Systems and the Entry Level Technician". The session will be held Tuesday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m. in room A314.

G-W is interested in programs offering drone training. If you teach courses in drones, we would love to know more about you and your program, as well as engage you in future feedback opportunities. Please reach out to Erin Brennan (Acquisitions Editor) at ebrennan@g-w.com. Thank you in advance for your feedback.

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA, the #1 workforce development organization for students, is expanding opportunities to earn quality non-degree credentials at its annual National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) held June 23–27 in Atlanta, Georgia. More than two dozen certification exams spanning a variety of industries will be offered during NLSC, the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce. Many exams are complimentary for attendees and others are offered a significantly reduced rate. If you're interested, please use the button below for more information.

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Next Gen Trucking -

Explore Our Educational Resources

Download free, engaging infographics about the trucking industry! Perfect for classrooms, outreach events, and industry promotion, these resources provide valuable insights into trucking careers, logistics, and the vital role of transportation in our economy.

For more resources, check out our blog and our video library!

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From 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.

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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!

SHOP NOW

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.

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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