Innovative Teaching and Learning Section

The Innovative Teaching and Learning (ITL) section, formerly known as CTE Scholars, is a forward-thinking community committed to preparing high school and post-secondary students and adults for careers in education. Our members include educators who specialize in teaching Careers in Education, Education & Training programs, and Grow-Your-Own Initiatives. The ITL section encompasses professional development specialists, instructional coaches, and individuals focused on the recruitment and training of CTE teachers who are entering the education profession. Together, we empower educators by emphasizing effective pedagogy, reflective practices, and innovative approaches, promoting collaboration and growth.

For more information contact:

Innovative Teaching and Learning Section Leader:

Sarah GrossiSarah Grossi
sgrossi@conval.edu

CTE Learn

Access self-paced, online credit courses specifically designed for career and technical education. Explore the specialized module directly through the ACTE CTE Learn Platform.

CTE Teacher Support

Join the CTE Teacher Support | Community of Practice. This community of practice is designed for professionals who support the success and growth of new and early-career CTE instructors. Members include teacher mentors, resource specialists, instructional coaches, administrators, teacher educators and others dedicated to preparing and guiding early service educators through their first years in the classroom.

Together, we collaborate to explore strategies, share tools, and exchange insights that strengthen mentoring, professional development, and instructional support systems. Through weekly discussions and shared experiences, this group seeks to cultivate a network of professionals committed to developing and sustaining high-quality career and technical education instruction nationwide.

New at VISION: A Track Just for Instructional Coaches & Teacher Educators!

Hey, ITL members!

New this year at VISION is a dedicated track for instructional coaches, mentor teachers, teacher educators, and educational leaders who support CTE teachers transitioning from industry into the classroom.

Industry professionals bring tremendous technical knowledge to CTE, but becoming a teacher requires a whole new set of skills. This track features 11 sessions plus a dedicated networking opportunity designed to give you practical tools and strategies for helping new CTE teachers make that transition successfully.

Sessions will explore how to coach and support new CTE teachers as they learn to:

  • Design high-quality CTE programs and curriculum, align standards, and translate “education language” into practical classroom application
  • Plan purposeful, manageable lessons without spending countless hours preparing
  • Manage classrooms and labs through intentional routines that build safe, respectful, productive learning environments
  • Instruct by turning industry expertise into engaging teaching that balances direct instruction with hands-on learning
  • Assess student learning using meaningful formative and summative strategies in both classroom and lab settings
  • Reteach by identifying learning gaps and responding with targeted strategies, rather than simply repeating the same instruction
  • Communicate confidently and professionally with students, families, administrators, industry partners, and the community
  • Navigate the unique responsibilities of CTE, from labs and CTSOs to advisory committees, credentials, and school expectations
  • Survive and thrive by helping overwhelmed new teachers manage stress, prioritize responsibilities, problem-solve, and build confidence

And because coaching comes with challenges of its own, the track also includes sessions focused specifically on navigating difficult coaching relationships, supporting your own well-being, and connecting with others who understand the work.

Connect with Your ITL Community

Don’t miss the ITL Networking Session, where instructional coaches, mentor teachers, teacher educators, and CTE leaders can exchange ideas, share resources, talk through challenges, and build connections with colleagues from across the country.

If your work includes helping industry professionals become successful CTE educators, this track was designed with you in mind.

Come to VISION ready to learn, connect, and leave with strategies you can put to work immediately.

Membership

How to Join the ACTE New & Related Services (NRS) Innovative Teaching and Learning (ITL) Section:

New members: Click the Join ACTE link at the top of the page. After completing the contact and demographic information, select your state. Under Division Selection, choose New and Related Services (NRS), then select Innovative Teaching and Learning (ITL).

Existing members: To add a division or section to an existing membership, contact ACTE by phone (800-826-9972) or email (memberservices@acteonline.org).