View as Webpage

Winter Quarterly Newsletter

Howdy, Trade and Industrial Members of ACTE!

Winter Reflections and Celebrations From the Trade and Industrial Division

Winter in career and technical education (CTE) is anything but quiet. While the temperatures drop, our classrooms, shops, and labs are full of momentum. It is contest season for many of our CTSOs, a time when students sharpen technical skills, build confidence, and experience the power of healthy competition. It is also a season filled with open houses, showcases, certifications, projects, and countless moments where students realize just how capable they truly are.

Across the country, trade and industrial programs continue to offer experiences that extend far beyond the bell schedule. From competitions and career exploration to hands on learning and leadership growth, winter and spring bring some of the most meaningful opportunities of the year. These are the moments that stay with students long after graduation.

It is also a meaningful time to celebrate the strength, dedication, and impact of our trade and industrial community.

One of our greatest traditions is recognizing excellence across our field. I am proud to honor our 2025–26 Trade and Industrial Division award recipients:

New Teacher of the Year

Madison Pierce

Public Safety and Career Management Instructor

Graham High School, North Carolina

Teacher of the Year

Travis Black

Construction Technology Instructor and CTE Director

Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education, Arizona

Lifetime Achievement Award

Oren Barnes, Ed.D.

Criminal Justice Instructor

Crowder College, Missouri

These educators exemplify leadership, craftsmanship, and commitment to student success. Their influence reaches well beyond their classrooms and into the future workforce.

I also extend sincere appreciation to Chelle Travis and the SkillsUSA team for their continued partnership and support of our division awards. Your dedication ensures our educators receive the recognition they so richly deserve.

As we look toward 2026, the Trade and Industrial Division stands on a strong foundation of innovation, collaboration, and professional excellence. The momentum in our programs, our classrooms, and our partnerships continues to move us forward with confidence.

Thank you for the work you do every day for your students, your programs, and your communities. It is a privilege to serve alongside professionals who consistently raise the standard for CTE.

Kindest regards,

Bart Taylor, Ed.D.

Trade & Industrial Division, VP

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.