Category: Press Releases

South Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education Unifies with National ACTE

Alexandria, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is pleased to announce the formal unification of the South Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education (SCACTE) with the national Association. This effort, led by South Carolina ACTE President Anna Snipes, the SCACTE Board of Directors, and SCACTE Executive Director Brenda Baldwin, officially brings the state association under the national umbrella. This move benefits both career and technical education (CTE) professionals in South Carolina and ACTE’s national membership.

With this unification, South Carolina ACTE members can now join both their state and national professional membership associations simultaneously. SCACTE and its members will gain access to the national association’s extensive professional development resources, federal public policy advocacy and leadership opportunities. The state association will also benefit from a range of organizational resources and association management services, including online membership processing and electronic communications tools. For ACTE, the unification enhances connections with CTE stakeholders in South Carolina and gives SCACTE members a stronger voice in federal policy advocacy.

“ACTE’s Board of Directors and I are thrilled to strengthen our ties in South Carolina and closely collaborate with members of South Carolina ACTE,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Curry. “By working together, we can expand access to high-quality CTE programs and continue to help all students build the skills they need to be successful in their future goals. We deeply appreciate the South Carolina ACTE Board of Directors and everyone who helped make this unification possible.”

“This year, we celebrate a significant milestone: the unification of SCACTE with the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE),” said SCACTE President Anna Snipes. “This partnership represents more than a structural change — it is a powerful alignment of vision, values, and purpose. Together, we are stronger, more connected, and better equipped to elevate CTE across our state and beyond.”

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About ACTE 

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.

ACTE & Advance CTE Deeply Concerned About Interagency Agreement that Threatens the Integrity of Career and Technical Education

Alexandria, VA – Our organizations are deeply concerned about the Interagency Agreement (IAA) between the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor, which was recently disclosed as part of the Status Report submitted to the U.S. District Court documenting steps taken by the Administration to comply with the Court’s preliminary injunctions related to operations of the Department of Education. While the IAA was signed on May 21, it was not made public until the status report was filed on June 10, and was developed without any engagement with the field. 

The IAA would transfer administration of Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor. While this agreement is paused temporarily due to the injunctions, if implementation moves forward, this agreement would have far-reaching negative impacts on CTE programs and learners across the country. As written, the IAA directly circumvents existing statutory requirements related to the administration of Perkins. Rather than creating innovation and process improvements within CTE, this action would instead create confusion and produce new administrative inefficiencies as outlined in the IAA. 

The Perkins Act and the CTE programs it supports are not merely job training programs; these programs are comprehensive educational and career preparation programs that prepare secondary and postsecondary learners for lifelong success by connecting academic and technical learning with the real world skills that learners need to thrive. 

Perkins V has historically and explicitly recognized this educational foundation through its statutory placement within the U.S. Department of Education and its underlying purpose, requirements for academic integration, student support services, career exploration, focus on secondary and postsecondary connections, and alignment with educational standards in core academic areas. In addition, CTE and Perkins V focus on different target populations of learners than those predominately served by Department of Labor programs. Overseeing these very different programs requires very different types of expertise and system approaches to meet the needs of these unique populations. As constructed, the IAA would diminish the ability of federal investments to meet learner needs under both existing Department of Labor programs and Perkins. 

We strongly oppose any efforts to move CTE administration away from the U.S. Department of Education given the disruption this would cause to the legislation’s implementation and services to students in schools across the country. Ultimately, such a move would reduce long-term opportunities for learners and the overall effectiveness of CTE programs, and add, rather than reduce, administrative burden on states and local CTE stakeholders.

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About ACTE 

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities. 

About Advance CTE

Advance CTE is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports state CTE leadership to advance high-quality and equitable CTE policies, programs and pathways that ensure career and college success without limits for each learner.

ACTE Announces the 2025 NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellows 

Alexandria, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced its seventh class of Fellows for its 2025 NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Program, sponsored by ECMC Foundation and powered by ACTE. Six fellows were selected for the 2025 cohort. The NextLevel Fellowship provides professional and career growth opportunities to the next generation of leaders in postsecondary CTE programs through a nationally-recognized program that is engaging, individualized, and memorable. 

The 2025 cohort includes the following fellows. Fellows’ biographies can be accessed on the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellowship Program webpage. 

• Marc Davis – Mitchell Community College 

• Tami Hill – Lane Community College 

• Juan Fernando Pienda – Emily Griffith Technical College 

• Aland Munford – Mercer County Technical School 

• Matthew Nappier – Louisiana Delta Community College 

• Ferdie Santos – Fullerton College 

This is ACTE’s seventh cohort of postsecondary CTE professionals in leadership department activities. Through this program, fellows build their leadership abilities as they work alongside peer professionals and an experienced mentor in this year-long professional development experience. Fellows also elevate their interpersonal skills and capacity to communicate, collaborate, network, problem solve and use time and resources effectively. The core capstone project is to identify a professional objective to address in each fellows’ institution and carry it out to realize a lasting impact. 

This program is intended to develop the organizational leadership and management skills of postsecondary CTE professionals, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of underserved populations. The NextLevel Fellowship also includes a research study to help determine what efforts best contribute to leadership development among postsecondary CTE professionals and the creation of resources that can be widely distributed to support others in the field. 

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About ACTE 

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities. 

About ECMC Foundation 

ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based, nationally focused foundation whose mission is to inspire and to facilitate improvements that affect educational outcomes—especially among underserved populations—through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments in two focus areas: College Success and Career Readiness; and uses a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to invest in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures. Working with grantees, partners and peers, ECMC Foundation’s vision is for all learners to unlock their fullest potential. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting ecmcfoundation.org and ECMC Group by visiting ecmcgroup.org. 

 

Advance CTE and the Association for Career Technical Education (ACTE) release the following statement regarding the recent staffing and funding actions for the U.S. Department of Education and their impacts on the Career Technical Education (CTE) community: 

ACTE and Advance CTE collectively represent state and local Career Technical Education (CTE) leaders and practitioners. We have always championed robust state and local decision-making about key issues related to CTE programs. In fact, Congress explicitly and intentionally moved more decision making into the hands of state agencies in the most recent reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V). 

However, we also appreciate and understand the need for a clear federal role in supporting states, local school districts, and postsecondary institutions as they take on the work of program implementation and ensure every learner can meaningfully benefit from a CTE pathway. The significant layoffs announced at the U.S. Department of Education (ED) yesterday run counter to the need for a balanced federal-state partnership that we believe is essential to ensuring all learners have access to high-quality CTE programs and related opportunities. 

Our organizations and the wider CTE community have worked with ED since its inception. CTE’s role as a key component of the educational continuum has been strengthened and supported through collaboration and partnership with ED in the last several decades, particularly as CTE has matured and evolved to meet the needs of today’s learners. ED plays a critical role in supporting both CTE and the broader educational community in which it resides, providing leadership, funding, data and research, and coordination across programs that cannot be easily replaced. This work will be greatly harmed by reducing ED’s workforce by half and diminishing or eliminating the agency. 

Recent decisions related to funding and staffing at ED will disrupt state and local efforts to deliver effective CTE programs that work for all learners. We are extremely concerned that staffing cuts at ED are likely to hinder the distribution of Perkins grants, disrupt data collection on CTE participation and outcomes, reduce essential guidance, and jeopardize access for vulnerable learners. These recent actions also appear to essentially eliminate all functions at the Institute of Education Sciences and National Center for Education Statistics, halting critical research and data collection, including the Congressionally-mandated National Evaluation of Career Technical Education Programs (NECTEP), limiting our ability to assess K-12 and postsecondary education quality and direct resources effectively and efficiently. 

We struggle to see how these actions support the stated goals of the Administration to improve governmental efficiency and increase student achievement. These are goals we share and support, but the latest actions at ED will diminish their capacity to effectively administer federal funding and hold the public education system accountable through the collection and analysis of student outcomes data.

Education plays a central role in every American’s life, but efforts to eliminate ED send a deeply troubling message about the value our nation places on education. With most current and future careers requiring increasing levels of academic, technical and employability skills, including at least some form of postsecondary education, now is the time to strengthen– rather than undermine– federal support for education, including CTE. 

As organizations dedicated to preparing all students for career and lifelong success, we stand ready to work with policymakers to protect and strengthen our public education system. We urge the Administration to reconsider these actions, which do not meet our nation’s needs and will be harmful to millions of CTE students enrolled in middle schools, high schools, area technical centers, and community and technical colleges throughout the country.”

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About ACTE 

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities. 

About Advance CTE

Advance CTE is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports state CTE leadership to advance high-quality and equitable CTE policies, programs and pathways that ensure career and college success without limits for each learner.

Statement from ACTE on Nomination of Kevin O’Farrell to Assistant Secretary for Career and Technical Education for the U.S. Department of Education

Alexandria, VA— The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) congratulates Kevin O’ Farrell on his recent nomination to serve as the next Assistant Secretary for Career and Technical Education within the U.S. Department of Education.

The Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTAE) plays a critical leadership role in helping promote high-quality career and technical education (CTE) programs around the country and overseeing the implementation of key federal policies supporting these programs. We are pleased that the nominee to lead this agency has a strong background in CTE and broader education policy.

O’Farrell is currently the Chancellor for the Division of Career and Adult Education in Florida’s Department of Education, and is the state director for CTE there. His experience with the various programs that OCTAE oversees, as well as knowledge cultivated during his long career in education, will be an important asset as the Trump Administration works to prioritize CTE.

CTE plays a critical role in connecting learners to high-wage, in-demand career opportunities that are vital to building a 21st-century workforce and supporting the U.S. economy. It is more important now than ever that experienced and dedicated professionals are working to ensure CTE is supported at the federal level to ensure that all students can enter high-quality CTE programs.

ACTE looks forward to working with O’Farrell and the entire OCTAE team to expand opportunities for CTE students and support CTE educators and administrators throughout the country.

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About ACTE 

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities. 

ACTE Announces the 2025 ACTE National Leadership Fellows 

Alexandria, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced its 2025 class of Fellows for ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program. Twenty fellows were selected for the 2025 cohort. The program identifies and trains leaders. Participants complete the program with a strong desire and motivation to support an educated, prepared, adaptable and competitive workforce. 

The 2025 cohort includes the following fellows. Fellows’ biographies can be accessed on the ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program webpage. 

Experienced Fellows: 

• Randa Pirrong – Francis Tuttle Technology Center 

• Jacob Ball – Fayette County Public Schools 

• Traci Jones – Providence Cristo Rey High School 

• Emily Yoshikawa-Ruesch – Utah State University 

• Christina Loyd – Nemo Vista High School 

• Sarah Grossi – Region 14 ATC – ConVal High School 

• Carla Arciniega Henrici – Lane Community College 

• Lucas Schrauben – Holt Public Schools 

• Ricardo Pimentel – Pawtucket School District 

• Jen Newendyke – Rock Hill School District 

• Arnaz Dotivala – Loudoun County Public Schools 

• Katie Kensinger – Springfield Public Schools 

• Adrian Lucero – Clovis Municipal Schools 

• Alyssa Alcos – State of Hawaii 

New Professional Fellows: 

• Ethan Dado – Eden Prairie Schools 

• Jennifer Breman – School Board of Alachua County 

• Rachel Popham – Butts County School System 

• Sophia George – Norfolk Public School 

• Lonnie McRavin – Chesterfield County Schools 

• Anna Alday – Alamogordo Public Schools 

Fellows commit a calendar year to the National Leadership Fellowship Program, Jan. 1–Dec. 31. The 2025 class of fellows represents each of ACTE’s five regions and the majority of divisions. In addition to more experienced educators, this year’s fellowship class again includes a cohort of new professionals. 

Dr. Doug Major and Dr. Dawn Lindsley were selected to serve as the Fellowship Coordinators. Dr. Doug Major is working with the Experienced Fellows, and Dr. Dawn Lindsley is working with the New Professional Fellows.

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About ACTE 

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities. 

ACTE Announces Board of Directors 2025 Election Results 

Alexandria, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is pleased to announce the results of the recent election for several spots on its Board of Directors. The election was open to ACTE’s membership of roughly 28,000 educators, administrators and other CTE professionals. The following members were elected: 

Brandon Russell, President-Elect
Brandon Russell is a Director of Career and Technical Education at Columbia Public Schools/Columbia Area Career Center in Columbia, Missouri. He will serve a one-year term beginning in July 2025, followed by one-year as president and one-year as past president per the normal election cycle. 

Jonathan Walker, Business Education Division Vice President
Jonathan Walker is an Assistant Professor at St. Louis Community College, Meramec Campus, in Kirkwood, Missouri. He will serve a three-year term beginning July 2025.  

Michael Herrera, Region I Vice President-Elect
Michael Herrera is an Executive Director at Upper Bucks County Technical School in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. He will serve a shadow-term beginning July 2025 and three-year term starting July 2026. 

Michael Ogas, Region IV Vice President-Elect
Michael Ogas is a Career Specialist at Las Cruces Public Schools in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He will serve a shadow-term beginning July 2025 and three-year term starting July 2026.

*Robert Torres, President
Robert Torres is a Professor at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, the ACTE Board of Directors appointed Robert Torres to serve a one-year term, as president from July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026, and past president from July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027.

*Lavyne Rada, Agricultural Education Division Vice President
Lavyne Rada is an Associate Director of Teacher Recruitment and Retention at Lakes Country Service Cooperative in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Appointed by the Board of Directors, she will serve a two-year term beginning July 2025.

Additionally, the vice president-elect whose election occurred last year will join the Board as vice president in July 2025. Karin Davis will assume the position of Family & Consumer Sciences Division Vice President, Richard Trinkwalder will assume the position of New & Related Services Division Vice President, and Martin Hanley will assume the position of Region III Vice President. 

ACTE congratulates the winners, and thanks all the candidates for their willingness to serve and their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the Association. ACTE also thanks all its members who had their voices heard by voting in the election. 

*These positions were appointed 

ACTE Announces 2025 National Excellence Award Winners 

ALEXANDRIA, VA— The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is proud to announce the 2025 national winners across eight prestigious award categories. These categories include Teacher of the Year, Postsecondary Professional of the Year, Administrator of the Year, New Teacher of the Year, Teacher Educator of the Year, Counseling and Career Development Professional, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Carl Perkins Community Service Award. 

Teacher of the Year 

• Nikolas Lebo 

Postsecondary Professional of the Year 

• Jennifer Kline 

Administrator of the Year 

• Rhonda Samples 

New Teacher of the Year 

• Wyatt Gerth 

Teacher Educator of the Year 

• April Blackwell 

Counseling and Career Development Professional Award 

• Shelley Kaler  

Lifetime Achievement Award 

• Cindy Stover 

Carl Perkins Community Service Award 

• Troy Reichart 

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About ACTE 

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities. 

ACTE Announces Oklahoma Director of Instructional Services at Northeast Tech as the 2025 National Winner 

 ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced April Blackwell, Director of Instructional Services at Northeast Tech in Pryor, OK, as the 2025 ACTE Teacher Educator of the Year. This award recognizes teacher educators who have demonstrated innovation in teacher education, leadership in improving CTE, and commitment to preparing teachers to deliver high quality CTE programs.  

April Blackwell, an integral member of the Northeast Tech team since 2011, has been recognized nationally for her exceptional contributions to Career and Technical Education (CTE). As the district’s first-ever Instructional Services Director, a role she has held since 2019, April has built the department from the ground up, establishing a robust support system that now includes instructional coordinators on each campus to serve the entire district effectively. 

With a career spanning over a decade in CTE, April’s diverse experiences as a visual communications instructor, technology trainer, and business development consultant have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of all facets of CTE. Her leadership is characterized by her unwavering dedication to Northeast Tech’s mission of “Preparing Individuals for Successful Careers.” She embodies this mission daily, fostering a culture of growth and leadership development for her staff, instructors, and students alike. 

April’s approach to leadership is driven by her servant’s heart and passion for lifelong learning. She leads with vision, empathy, and an unrelenting focus on excellence, constantly modeling the teaching cycle through preparation, training, assessment, reflection, and adjustment. 

This prestigious national recognition celebrates April’s extraordinary impact on CTE, her district, and the broader community. Her commitment to empowering others and advancing the CTE advantage continues to inspire all those fortunate enough to work with her. 

Blackwell was one of four finalists for the 2025 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 4, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2024. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, McGraw Hill and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.  

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities. 

ACTE Announces Illinois Retired Teacher as the 2025 National Award Winner 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Cindy Stover, Past-Executive Director/Consultant for the Illinois Association for Career & Technical Education in Lincoln, IL, as the recipient of the 2025 National ACTE Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes CTE professionals for their leadership on behalf of ACTE, their innovations in CTE and their contributions to the field over an extended period. ACTE also inducted all five Lifetime Achievement national finalists into the ACTE Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors the leadership of CTE professionals who have made enduring contributions to CTE throughout their career.  The Lifetime Achievement Award is sponsored by McGraw Hill. 

With a career spanning over 35 years, Cindy Stover has been recognized as the National Lifetime Achievement Award winner for her exceptional dedication and contributions to Career and Technical Education (CTE). Cindy’s unwavering commitment to advancing the field of CTE and her impactful leadership have left an enduring legacy on both the state and national levels. 

Throughout her distinguished career, Cindy has served in numerous leadership roles, including Executive Director/Consultant for the Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education (IACTE), a member of the ACTE Board of Directors, ACTE Region III President, ACTE Fellowship Program Coordinator, and Past President of IACTE. Her dedication to mentorship and collaboration has shaped the careers of countless colleagues, fostering a new generation of CTE leaders. 

Cindy is widely recognized for her innovative thinking and ability to drive meaningful change. From advocating for funding with legislators to leading workshops and panels, her work has consistently emphasized the critical role of CTE in education and economic development. Her contributions have not only strengthened CTE programs in Illinois but have also served as exemplary models across the nation. 

As a passionate advocate and visionary leader, Cindy’s impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She has embraced innovation, spearheading transformative programs and initiatives that have set a high standard for excellence in CTE. Her influence, characterized by her leadership, risk-taking, and dedication to inspiring others, will continue to shape the future of the field for years to come. 

This national recognition celebrates Cindy’s lifetime of achievements and her extraordinary contributions to CTE. Her legacy is one of inspiration, progress, and a steadfast commitment to advancing opportunities for students, educators, and the broader community. 

Stover was one of five finalists for the 2025 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 4, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2024. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, McGraw Hill and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.  

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.