NYSACTE Fellowship Program
The NYSACTE Fellowship Program will be open to all career and technical education educators who want to improve their leadership skills while learning more about career and technical education in NYS. The program provides an opportunity for participants to learn from one another while exploring the various CTE delivery models within the state and becoming more involved in CTE professional organizations at the state level.
This program represents an opportunity for extended professional development and will allow NYSACTE affiliate organizations the opportunity to take a more active role in shaping future career and technical education leaders.
Purpose:
- To bring CTE educators together to develop their leadership skills and further their involvement in CTE professional organizations
- To provide CTE educators an opportunity to become familiar with the variety of content areas and delivery models in NYS in order to better understand the strengths and challenges of CTE in NYS
- Provide professional development opportunities in order to share and build best practices in CTE
- Support activities that increase leadership characteristics and provide leadership opportunities for career-technical educators by contributing to NYSACTE.
Fellows participate in monthly zoom meetings and complete a series of tasks/assignments known as the program of work throughout the fellowship year. The program of work will begin in October and will conclude in August each year.
The time commitment for the fellowship program is approximately 52 hours. This includes attending the monthly zoom meetings and completing the program of work. It does not include attending PD. CTLE hours can be awarded if needed.
NYSACTE Fellows receive a $300.00 stipend for participating in the program.
Paula Boughton and Connie Costley are currently serving as the co-coordinators of the NYSACTE Fellowship Program.
Applications are due on June 8,2022 . Applications will be reviewed by the Fellowship Coordinators, NYSACTE President and affiliate organization President. Applicants will primarily be selected based on the quality of their responses and the strength of their letter of recommendation. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by June 30.
Click here to apply: NYSACTE Fellowship Program 2024
If you have questions about the fellowship program please email Paula Boughton at pboughto@monroe2boces.org
22-23 Program of Work
| Task | Item to be completed/submitted | Due date | Complete |
| Participate in monthly zoom meetings | Attendance required | On-going | |
| Read one required book and participate in book study discussions and workbook | Lead discussion on assigned sections
Complete appropriate workbook chapters. |
On-going | |
| Project mentor check-in | As needed to complete project and PD plan | On-going | |
| Fellowship Kickoff (Pending) | CTE TAC leadership seminar | Aug 7-8-9 | |
| Share information about your leadership journey and your CTE center/school | Introduction during first zoom meeting | October | |
| Initial check-in meeting with fellowship coordinators | 15-minute zoom meeting | Oct-Nov | |
| Propose a project that will benefit NYSACTE | Initial project proposal form | Nov 30 | |
| Interview the president of your division (see sample questions) | 1-page reflection on the interview | Dec 17 | |
| Interview the NYSED CTE Associate from your content area | 1-page reflection on the interview | Jan 30 | |
| Review advocacy resources and reflect on CTE advocacy efforts | 1-page reflection on advocacy | March 15 | |
| Optional mid-year check-in meeting with fellowship coordinators | 15-minute zoom meeting | March | |
| Presentation on the Fellowship Program | Proposal | April 30 | |
| Professional Development Plan | Completed PD plan | June 1 | |
| Final check-in with Fellowship Coordinators | 15-minute zoom meeting | June | |
| Attend a NYSACTE board meeting | 1-page reflection on board structure, roles, priorities, etc. | before July 1 | |
| Attend your division board mtg | |||
| Complete the project that was proposed | Completed project and proposal form | July 1 | |
| Fellowship Presentation | In person TAC Leadership Seminar | Aug 6-7 ?? | |
| Reflect on the fellowship experience | 2-page reflection on the program with suggestions for improvement | Aug 30 | |
| Professional Development | Attend 1 PD of your choice | Aug 30 |
Please note there are 2 in-person requirements and one other strongly suggested. These are often held in Syracuse NY .
The program of work is designed to help develop knowledge and skills in leadership, policy and professional development while expanding professional networks and learning about CTE in NYS.
Required Book:
- Dare to Lead by Brene Brown https://daretolead.brenebrown.com/
| Month | Section | Facilitators | Tasks |
| November | Note, Intro and Section 1 | To be completed prior to the November meeting:
● Take the Daring Leadership assessment https://daretolead.brenebrown.com/assessment/ o Make sure you print or email yourself the results as we will refer to this assessment throughout the year ● Watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s6DQrqVHxM&feature=youtu.be ● Classroom response to the following questions: o What do you need in order to show up and successfully complete this fellowship? o What might get in the way? o What does support from Connie look like? |
|
| December | Section 2 | TBA | ● Facilitators should be prepared to share information on their assigned section and/or facilitate a discussion with the group. Using a variety of instructional/presentation resources and strategies is encouraged.
● If additional tasks are being assigned by the facilitators then this information should be communicated to the group at least 2 weeks prior to the meeting |
| January | Section 3 | ||
| February | Section 4 | ||
| March | Section 5 | ||
| April | Part 2 | ||
| May | Part 3 and 4 |
NYSACTE Related Project: Fellows will submit a project proposal form with their project idea. The project must benefit NYSACTE in some way, including an end product and guidance or templates as to how it can be replicated or used by others, a summary of the work completed, and a statement from your project mentor. A project form will be provided. Completed projects will be presented and/or shared online. Project mentors should provide feedback and guidance throughout the project.
Sample Project Ideas:
- Monthly e-blasts to NYSACTE membership
- Advocacy 1- Work with Lisa Mongello our advocacy board member and select fellows from last year to create/lead an advocacy committee.
- Advocacy 2 – Create a survey for division presidents asking them what they need or would expect from the advocacy committee.
- Three times during the school year, write a summary of what is new and happening in their division for a newsletter, e-blast, or the NYSACTE web page..
- CTE Learn 1 – working with ACTE to promote the CTE learn platform for NYSACTE.
- NYSACTE Website – assist with updating the Fellowship section of the NYSACTE website
- Conduct a project designed to increase membership in NYSACTE, its divisions, and ACTE: eblast, mailings, and social media outreach.
- Conduct a project to promote CTE during CTE month. Something that can be used by NYSACTE members.
- Social media – Continue Social media projects that were completed by fellows last year (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, you could just pick one to work on)
Sample Interview Questions for Division President:
- What led you to work in CTE?
- Tell me about your leadership journey?
- How did you become involved in your division? Describe your role. What do you hope to accomplish?
- What do you think your school/district or division does well in terms of supporting or promoting CTE?
- What’s the biggest challenge you face in your day-to-day work in CTE?
- How do you balance your career, leadership work, and your personal life?
- What leadership books, resources or professional development opportunities do you recommend?
Sample Interview Questions for NYSED Associate:
- What led you to work in CTE?
- What is/was your proudest moment in CTE?
- What’s the biggest challenge you think CTE is currently facing?
- What do you think the future of CTE looks like? Where do you hope CTE will be in 5 or 10 years?
- What’s the best advice you ever received?
- What leadership books, resources or professional development opportunities do you recommend?
NYSACTE Meetings: Fellows must attend at least one NYSACTE board meeting as well as one division board meeting. Fellowship leaders can provide zoom links or locations for NYSACTE board meetings. It is encouraged to attend the in-Person NYSACTE meeting. Division presidents can provide dates and locations for division meetings.
NYSACTE Board Meeting Dates: TBA
- Friday, Sept
- Tuesday, November
- Tuesday, January
- Tuesday, March
- Friday, May , In Person TBA (strongly encouraged)
Professional Development Plan: The PD plan will include a reflection on current strengths and areas of growth, as well as at least 3 goals for continued professional and leadership development after the fellowship program. You are encouraged to include how you plan to continue or increase your involvement in NYSACTE or your division. A template will be provided.
Presentation: The culminating event will be a presentation by the fellows on their fellowship experience. This may include highlighting the individual projects and/or reflecting on what was learned throughout the year. The presentation may be included as part of the CTE TAC Leadership Seminar, another summer PD opportunity or it may be a stand-alone virtual event for NYSACTE and division members.
Requirements:
- Each fellow must participate in the planning process. This may be outside of the monthly fellowship zoom meetings.
- Each fellow must have a role in the presentation
- Approximately a 10-15 minute presentation
PD Opportunity: As part of the Fellowship program, fellows may be reimbursed up to $150.00 for attending a CTE PD of their choice. Reimbursement may be used for registration or travel. Copy of paid registration paid airfare or mileage documentation must be submitted with the reimbursement request. The reimbursement request form will be provided.
Sample Monthly Zoom Meetings
Sample Monthly Zoom Meetings:
| October | · Introductions
· Overview of Fellowship · Overview of ACTE · Presentation by NYSACTE president |
| November | · CTE in NYS
· Presentation by NYSED CTE associate · Book Study |
| December | · CTE in NYS
· Presentation by CTE TAC · Book Study |
| January | · Promoting CTE
· CTE month resources · Book Study |
| February | · CTE Advocacy in NYS
· Presentation by NYSACTE Advocate · Book Study |
| March | · Professional Development
· Presentation on CTE Learn · PD plan template or samples · Bok Study |
| April | · CTE Data and Perkins
· Presentation by NYSED CTE Associate · Book Study |
| May | · CTE delivery models in NYS
· Fellows share about their centers/school/districts · Fellowship presentation proposal · Book Study |
| June | · CTE summer programs
· Presentation by Erie 1 BOCES · Book Study |
| July | · CTE Leadership opportunities
· Presentation by Region 1 VP · Presentation by ACTE: ACTE National Fellowship Program, Educators in Action · CTE TAC Leadership Conference |
| August (possibly in person at CTE TAC Leadership Conference) | · CTE TAC Leadership Conference
· Fellows presentation · Feedback and suggestions on the year |
Each affiliate Organization President will be scheduled to do a brief introduction of their organization
2022-23 Fellows
Regina Bast
Regina Bast, Work Based Learning Coordinator, Nassau BOCES GC Tech
I was a vocational education teacher in the late 1990’s to early 2000’s in NYC and I loved it. I raised my family and then went back to work in CTE as soon as I could. I love the spark of learning and the genuine happiness in students who love what they are learning. I joined Nassau BOCES as an in-district work-based learning coordinator in 2018 and I am now the full time WBL Coordinator at Nassau BOCES GC Tech in Levittown, NY.
I am in a unique position in a great organization with wonderful role models in leadership. I joined NYSACTE and WECA as a student in a work-based learning coordinator program. Being a member of NYSACTE and WECA has proven to be invaluable in pooling the resources of both organizations to best serve my students.
I look forward to collaborating with colleagues to find our common voice to promote CTE to the current generation of parents and students. The perception of CTE continues to be the biggest stumbling block to getting students placed in secondary and post-secondary programs. Participating in the fellowship program will place me in the space where conversations about how to grow and promote CTE as a viable option happen.
Cynthia Bruton-Thomas
Cynthia Bruton-Thomas is a CTE enthusiast and lifelong learner. She started her CTE career more than 15 years ago as a licensed cosmetologist and owner of K & Company Salon. During that time, she became a Cosmetology Examiner for the NY Department of State, Division of Licensing and was a platform artist for L’Oréal Matrix. She has also worked to complete her graduate degree from SUNY Oswego.
Gaining her master’s degree led her to become a Cosmetology Instructor with the Syracuse City School District. During her tenure, she piloted the districts first ever Middle school CTE program, and provided instructional support, curriculum writing, and professional development for middle school CTE teachers. During that time Cynthia earned her CAS in Instructional Design & Development from Syracuse University.
Currently, she is a professor at her Alma Mater SUNY Oswego. She works to provide instruction, and professional support for future CTE professionals while staying dedicated to advancing the CTE industry through innovation and educational support. Her belief is “CTE can shift the trajectory of education as we know it through strategic planning and implementation”. Cynthia resides in Syracuse, NY where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children making family memories.
Jill DiTullio
Jill DiTullio is in her 16th year of teaching Business and Marketing Education at Lockport High School. Jill graduated from LeMoyne College, where she played four years of Division II basketball, with a degree in Business Management and Administration. She then continued to complete her Masters Degree in Business and Marketing Education at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY. She currently resides in the town where she teaches and is married with two boys, Michael (11) and Evan (7). Being the Work-Based Learning Coordinator at the high school, Jill is passionate about bringing relevancy and a connection to the “real world” to her classroom. Jill has created three NYS CTE approved pathways. She is also the co-advisor of the DECA club at the high school, which she started and has seen much success in the 15 years that it has existed. Jill “is excited for the opportunity to complete this fellowship and to continue to strengthen her network in the next fifteen years of her career.
Mindy McCarthy
My name is Mindy McCarthy, I am Business Teacher in the Syracuse City School District at Henninger HS for 31 years. Name a business course and I have taught it. I teach SUPA classes through Syracuse University and co-wrote the Syracuse City School District Business Technology CTE Career Pathway.
I have been the Treasurer for BTA since 2017. Prior to that I was a Regional Director and currently am President Elect. My experiences include collaborating with other CTE stakeholders while participating in the Middle-level CTE curriculum project assessment think tank. For the past two years I collaborated with other key stakeholders while writing and evaluating the NYS Business Teacher exam. I have also represented CTE at NYSUT state level meetings. I recently won an award as High School Chief Building Representative. As Chief Rep, I chair 3 committees, and represent members from 4 different units.
On a personal note, I live in Camillus NY, have two granddaughters, Savannah is 4 years old, and Scarlett is 4 months old. I enjoy hiking with my dogs, archery, and my husband and I love to snowmobile in the winter.
I look forward to becoming a fellow and learning how to be an effective leader.
Aaron Straus
Aaron Straus is Creative Engineering Coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh but taught K12 Technology for the greater half of his educational career. While serving in NYS public schools as a teacher and instructional coach, Aaron led a task force to start a college-credit CTE program, which affords students a choice of advanced college study in Information Technology, Drone Inspections & Business Management. Aaron served as a supervisor for this program and facilitated dual-enrollment coursework in Computer Technology. In 2019, Straus was honored by the New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE-NY) for his contribution to engineering education and STEM facility design. In 2020 Mr. Straus was recognized again by the The New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education for his outstanding leadership of Technology Education programs. Mr. Straus’s research interests lie in engineering education, systems engineering, and advanced manufacturing concepts for K12 teacher integration.
The NYSACTE Fellowship Program is sponsored by CTE Technical Assistance Center of NYS.