Texas Health Occupations Association (THOA) Unifies with National ACTE

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Texas Health Occupations Association (THOA) Unifies with National ACTE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 5, 2020

Texas Health Occupations Association (THOA) Unifies, Affiliates with National ACTE

Alexandria, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is pleased to announce that the Texas Health Occupations Association (THOA) has decided to formally unify with the national association. THOA is a Texas-based professional organization for health science career and technical educators. The move will benefit career and technical education (CTE) professionals and students throughout the state.

As a result of the unification, THOA members will now enjoy concurrent membership in their association and ACTE national professional membership associations. Through this new relationship, THOA has secured access for its members to ACTE’s robust professional development resources, federal public policy advocacy and leadership opportunities. THOA will now benefit as an organization from a variety of association management services, including online membership processing and use of new electronic communications tools. The partnership will strengthen ACTE’s ability to connect with CTE stakeholders in Texas, and give THOA members a louder voice in national policy discussions.

“ACTE’s Board of Directors and I are very excited to welcome THOA to our unified ranks” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “By working closely with THOA, we’ll be able to better grow, expand and advocate for high-quality CTE in both Texas and across the nation.”

“The mission of THOA is to support health science educators. Enabling them to consistently provide a pathway for a pipeline of future healthcare providers, developing future leaders for our state and beyond. Thank you teachers for all you do.” said Jackie Uselton, executive director of THOA. “It’s our desire to help you focus on keeping your skills honed and your passion for teaching fueled by attending the health science conferences that we offer each year and expanding your professional development opportunities to the national level. Our partnership with ACTE will enhance your membership experience and give you a national voice in career and technical education.”

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, counseling 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.

National Association Teacher of Family and Consumer Sciences (NATFCS) Unifies with National ACTE

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National Association Teacher of Family and Consumer Sciences (NATFCS) Unifies with National ACTE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 5, 2020

National Association Teacher of Family and Consumer Sciences (NATFCS) Unifies with National ACTE Alexandria, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is pleased to announce that the National Association Teacher of Family and Consumer Sciences (NATFCS) has decided to formally unify with the national association. NATFCS is a national professional organization for family consumer science (FCS) educators. The move will benefit career and technical education (CTE) professionals and students throughout the nation.

As a result of the unification, NATFCS members will now enjoy concurrent membership in their association and ACTE national professional membership associations. Among the many assets national membership provides, ACTE offers extensive professional development resources, federal public policy advocacy and leadership opportunities. The unification will also improve ACTE’s connection to FCS educators, and strengthen their voice in Washington.

“I am so pleased to expand our partnership with NATFCS and the CTE professionals nationally” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “Working together, ACTE and NATFCS can build on our shared goals of strengthening CTE and ensuring that both educators have the tools to succeed.”

NATFCS has always been an important part of the Family and Consumer Sciences Division of ACTE. During a meeting in 1951, 125 teachers from 16 states organized the National Association of Vocational Home Economics Teachers (NAVHET). The teachers petitioned the American Vocational Association (AVA) Executive Committee to accept the NAVHET organization as a permanent affiliate of AVA.  “We are excited to now have a unified status with ACTE.” said Becky Cox, Administrative Assistant of NATFCS. “This just continues to strengthen our association and ACTE.  From a member perspective nothing has changed, but as an association we have a stronger relationship with and more resources available from ACTE.”

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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, counseling 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.

SynED Named ACTE Business-Education Partnership Award Winner

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2020

Media Contacts:
Megan Kmiotek, ACTE
mkmiotek@acteonline.org

SynED Named ACTE Business-Education Partnership Award Winner

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and its Board of Directors is pleased to announce synED as the ACTE Business-Education Partnership Award Winner. The Business-Education Partnership Award celebrates the contributions and achievements of schools and businesses that aid in the development and maintenance of partnerships supporting high-quality career and technical education (CTE).

SynED’s work in conjunction with Canyon Springs High School at Moreno Valley Unified School District – in Moreno Valley, CA to help build a skilled and prepared workforce of high school students was a driving factor and example of their exemplary work that led to their award recognition

“With our shared goal of focusing on student achievement beyond the classroom, our students have excelled tremendously and are equipped with skills that will help them succeed after they graduate high school,” said Moreno Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. “We are honored to partner with synED to provide real-life experiences to our students. We are continuously impressed with the results of the program and are exceptionally proud of our students and staff.

SynED and CompTIA partner with several schools and businesses in California through synED’s Cyber-Guild initiative in order to unify and accelerate the approach to preparing cybersecurity talent for the workforce. SynED started with the intent to instigate, advocate and work with business and educators to utilize task appropriate tools and approaches to develop skills that draw the most direct line from students to a career focused jobs.

“SynED is a trusted and valued partner, sharing our commitment to help young people realize their career aspirations and become future innovators and leaders in the technology field,” said Amy Kardel, vice president for strategic workforce relationships at CompTIA. “We congratulate the team at synED on winning this prestigious award.”

SynED works to develop business need-driven programs with education providing qualified candidates to enter and progress along a career development path with placement as the only acceptable outcome. To accomplish this, synED continually scans for individuals and programs that demonstrate innovative thought and revolutionary approaches to learning, skill development and proficiency. These are connected with business workforce development programs to help prepare entry level candidates and advance existing employee proficiency.

“It is a great honor to be recognized for what drives our efforts, which is simply to help students, of any age, obtain their career objectives.” says synED President Scott Young. “This laser focus has helped us create our Personnel Supply Chain model which places business in the center of a path from learning to sustainable careers. This is what we live for.”

“The Business-Education Partnership Award celebrates business and education leaders who understand that economic livelihood is linked to the success of career and technical education (CTE) programs. Businesses and CTE programs across the country have already created successful partnerships that support student achievement, economic and community development, quality of life and more,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “SynED’s work in conjunction with Canyon Springs High School at Moreno Valley Unified School District exemplifies what this award strives to recognize: business and education leaders working together to build a prepared workforce. We are so proud of synED’s accomplishments, and we are honored to have them as the Business-Education Partnership Award winner.”

SynED will be recognized alongside other national ACTE award winners on Dec. 3, 2020, at the ACTE Virtual Awards Gala during ACTE’s Virtual CareerTech VISION 2020. VISION is ACTE’s signature event, with more than 4,000 CTE professionals from across the country in attendance. For more information on the Excellence Awards and the Awards Gala, visit https://www.acteonline.org/awards

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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 CompTIA
CompTIA, the world’s leading tech association, is a thought leader and an action leader. From our IT professional association to our leading certification programs, from our original research to our member communities and councils, our unparalleled programs set industry standards, foster skills development and generate knowledge and insight every day. With our members, we’re building the foundation for technology’s future.

About SynED
SynED is a non-profit organization that acts as a catalyst to help you help others to improve their lives through education and knowledge and skill acquisition, giving them rich career opportunities. Our team will help you explore the many possibilities and potential solutions available to achieve your desired outcomes.

About Canyon Springs High School
Canyon Springs High Schools’ CTE Cyber Academic Pathway and CTE Academies, strive to cultivate lifelong learners in supportive and challenging educational environments which promote the development of the skills necessary to empower students in post-secondary education and/or viable careers paths. 

ACTE Announces 2021 National Award Finalists

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Updated October 5, 2020

Contact: Hannah Neeper
hneeper@acteonline.org

ACTE Announces 2021 National Award Finalists

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced its 2021 national finalists in eight different award categories. Finalists were announced for Teacher of the Year, Postsecondary Teacher of the Year, Administrator of the Year, New Teacher of the Year, Teacher Educator of the Year, Counseling and Career Development Professional Award, Lifetime Achievement and Carl Perkins Community Service Awards.

The national winner will be announced at the virtual ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on Thursday, December 3 at noon, during ACTE’s Virtual CareerTech VISION. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, CareerSafe, eDynamic and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.

Teacher of the Year Award

Kristina Guttadora–Freehold, NJ–Region I

Luke Riddle–Williamston, SC–Region II

Kandy Smitha–Indianapolis, IN–Region III

Amanda Eastridge-English–Oklahoma City, OK–Region IV

Kitti Wheeler–Lakewood, WA–Region V

Postsecondary Teacher of the Year Award

Terry Morse–University Center, MI–Region I

Kimberly Lee Mitchell–Jacksonville, AL–Region II

Krystle Gremaud–Warrensburg, MO–Region III

Cecil Wainscott–Stillwater, OK–Region IV

Nicole Hampton–Flagstaff, AZ–Region V

Administrator of the Year Award

Nicole Zergebel–Bellport, NY–Region I

Christopher Bailey–Jacksonville, NC–Region II

Jean Rakun–Plymouth, MN–Region III

Teresa Pinkston–Tulsa, OK–Region IV

Aron Schmidt–Vail, AZ–Region V

New Teacher of the Year Award

Jennifer Probst–Spencerport, NY–Region I

Kaitlin Van Heusen–Starke, FL–Region II

Lisa Orren–Redwood Falls, MN–Region III

Jennifer Snyder–Jonesboro, AR–Region IV

Lori Merrill–Wilcox, AZ–Region V

Teacher Educator of the Year Award

Dale Layfield–Clemson, SC–Region II

Sally Arnett-Hartwick–Normal, IL–Region III

Cynthia Miller–Portales, NM–Region IV

Carol Erwin–Wayne, NE–Region V

Counseling and Career Development Professional Award

Rosalie Sauter–West Nyack, NY–Region I

Brian Elliott–Concord, NC–Region II

Laura Cook–Park Ridge, IL–Region III

Tracy Hardy–Kosciusko, MS–Region IV

Nora Zollweg–Bremerton, WA–Region V

Lifetime Achievement Award

Constance Spohn–Rexford, NY–Region I

Judith Sams–Richmond, VA–Region II

Marth Eldredge Stark–Park Ridge, IL–Region III

Brenda Drawdy–Killeen, TX–Region IV

Lisa Doll–Chandler, AZ–Region V

Carl Perkins Community Service Award

Tammy Camel–Mt. Vernon, KY–Region II

Lorin Curtis–Joplin, MO–Region III

Kristal McCathern–Ardmore, OK–Region IV

Rachel Aszklar–Summer, WA–Region V

Note: National finalists from Region II will be announced after the Region II conference on October 1-3.

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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.

Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D. Named ACTE Champion for CTE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2020

Media Contacts:
Megan Kmiotek, ACTE
mkmiotek@acteonline.org 

Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D. Named ACTE Champion for CT

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and its Board of Directors are pleased to announce the ACTE Champion for CTE: Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D., Senior Executive Officer at Capital Region BOCES in Albany, New York. The ACTE Champion for CTE award recognizes education leaders, business and industry executives, celebrities and thought leaders who support and champion career and technical education (CTE) programs as a vital part of developing a prepared, adaptable, and competitive workforce.

Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D. joined Capital Region BOCES in 2017, and continues to prioritize the development and expansion of Career and Technical Education. This includes the addition of courses to enhance the experience for both high school students and adults while strengthening the regional workforce and the addition of many new business partners. It also includes the construction of a new workforce training center to replace the nearly 50-year-old Career & Technical Education training complex. The specialized building will be outfitted with cutting-edge labs and learning spaces to train students and adults for current and future industry needs.

Dragone has expanded partnerships and programming for underserved adults in downtown Albany at the Capital South Campus Center – including a new high-tech Internet of Things (IoT) Technology Demonstration Center. The center will illustrate the integration of technologies that can help improve quality of life, safety, and efficiency for regional municipalities, college and university campuses, high school campuses, connected roadways and smart buildings.

Dragone regularly meets with state lawmakers, business partners and regional leaders to discuss issues affecting BOCES programs across the state and to advocate for support of CTE. He also participates on numerous panel discussions around the topic of CTE advancement. In addition, Dragone co-leads the Capital Region STEM Hub, a regional cross-sector collaboration that represents education, business, industry, and nonprofit groups that support STEM activities throughout the eight-county economic development region. The goal is to create a more skilled and inclusive workforce and provide more opportunities for students to find success in school and beyond. As a member of the Regional Economic Development Council, he co-leads the Education & Workforce workgroup that supports CTE education and the training that fuels the region’s workforce pipeline.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award on behalf of Capital Region BOCES,” said Dragone. “Career and technical education is vital to developing a prepared and successful workforce. Helping our students achieve success is what we are all about and I am proud to expand, improve, promote and champion CTE.”

Dragone will be recognized alongside other national ACTE award winners on Dec. 3, 2020, at the ACTE Virtual Awards Gala during ACTE’s Virtual CareerTech VISION 2020. VISION is ACTE’s signature event, with more than 4,000 CTE professionals from across the country in attendance. For more information on the Excellence Awards and the Awards Gala, visit https://www.acteonline.org/awards.

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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 Capital Region BOCES
The Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) is the sixth largest BOCES in New York state, and delivers more than 300 educational and administrative services to its 24 component school districts. Combined, these districts educate more than 80,000 students in the Albany, Schoharie, Schenectady and Saratoga counties of New York state. In addition, Capital Region BOCES provides several services to more than 150 school districts outside of the Capital Region.

Michigan Student Wins ACTE National Student Trophy Design Contest

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2020

Contact: Megan Kmiotek
mkmiotek@acteonline.org

Michigan Student Wins ACTE National Student Trophy Design Contest
Recent Graduate of Kent Career Tech Center Wins National Award

Alexandria, VA – Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced a Kent Career Tech Center recent graduate Sara Tatreau as the national student trophy design winner in its fifth annual student trophy design contest. Sara graduated from Kent Career Tech Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan  in the spring of 2020. She was taught by Larry Ridley, an instructor at Kent Career Tech Center. The contest was sponsored by ACTE and Stratasys, Ltd., a manufacturer of 3D printers and production systems.

Since 1954, ACTE has awarded those who have made exemplary contributions in the field of career and technical education (CTE). The student trophy design contest is a competition for students to design the 3D trophy to be used to award the national winners at the association’s annual VISION conference. This year’s conference will be held in virtually with over 4,000 educators, administrators and CTE industry stakeholders in attendance. Sara’s submission was selected by ACTE’s Board of Directors out of entries from students all across the country. In addition to having her design used to create this year’s trophies,Sara will receive a $1,000 scholarship and Kent Career Tech Center will receive a free one-year lease of a 3D printer, courtesy of Stratasys, Ltd.

As a young person with interests in STEM, Sara’s path through life has been an interesting one. From a young age she enjoyed and excelled in STEM classes, so she was sure to fill her high school career with them. In Sara’s freshman year, she joined Kent Innovation High, where they taught math, science, writing, and history using project based learning. She loved working in groups to put what we were learning into a project. She has always been a tactile learner, so she thrived in the environment for all four years. Coincidentally, Kent Innovation is housed within Kent Career and Technical Center with some of the best programs in the state. Sara enrolled in their Design Lab course in her sophomore year. It was an exploratory STEM program with a wide variety of lessons such as electronics/robotics, CAD, woodworking, and coding. After the one year program ended, Sara enrolled in the Aviation Electronics course, which happened to be the only high school Avionics program in the country. Sara’s goal is aimed at becoming an electrical engineer working in the aerospace industry and she could not pass up the opportunity to learn more about the installer’s viewpoint. Sara earned industry-level certifications and received the academic experience she was looking for. While taking the second year in the Avionics program, Sara also enrolled in the Engineering program for her final year of high school. There she also earned industry level certifications and amazing experience with the different CAD software. In all programs, Sara was pushed to do her best and beyond. Between both schools and three programs, Sara knows she can handle whatever comes her way next.

“The Student Trophy Design Contest has successfully helped promote CTE classrooms across the country for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers, and more,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “Sara’s outstanding achievements, and her passion for CTE, are further evidence of the critical role high-quality CTE plays in maintaining and growing America’s role in the global economy. We are so proud of Sara and her accomplishments, and we are honored to have them as public ambassadors for all that today’s CTE has to offer.”

Jesse Roitenberg, Stratasys National Education Manager shared his thoughts on the contest over the years, “Stratasys is pleased to partner with ACTE to create this contest for the students. It is clear that the educators are doing an outstanding job immersing the students in Additive Manufacturing and Computer Aided Drafting.  The trophy entries we have judged over the past 5 years are phenomenally designed and could not be created by any other manufacturing process.”

Sara, ACTE and Stratasys are available for interviews upon request. Sara’s trophy design and headshot (courtesy Sara) are attached to this email.

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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.

Click here to view this press release on ACTE’s website.

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on COVID-19 Relief Bill Including $1B for CTE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2020

Media Contacts:
Hannah Neeper, ACTE; 703-683-9327; hneeper@acteonline.org
Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE; 301-588-9630; kfitzgerald@careertech.org

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on COVID-19 Relief Bill Including $1B for CTE

Alexandria, VA – The following statement can be attributed to Kimberly Green, Executive Director of Advance CTE and LeAnn Wilson, Executive Director of ACTE.

“We applaud the introduction of the Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act, which includes a $1 billion investment in career and technical education (CTE). CTE’s contribution is twofold: It is vital to providing the 40 million people out of work – especially those most vulnerable – with the opportunities to upskill and reskill and enter into a living-wage career. CTE is also critical to employers, ensuring that they have the talent needed to innovate and grow. We support this bill and look forward to working with Congress to secure its enactment.”

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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: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work 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 visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice on national policy to promote academic and technical excellence that ensures a career-ready workforce.

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on $1B CTE Funding Proposal

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2020

Press Contacts:
Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
jnagurka@acteonline.org; (703) 689-9312

Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
kfitzgerald@careertech.org; 301-588-9630

 

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on $1B CTE Funding Proposal

Alexandria, VA— Today, the House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA) introduced a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) relief package that includes significant investments to help Americans secure the education and training they need to get back to work. The bill includes $3 billion for career and technical education (CTE), including $1 billion through the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), and $2 billion for community college and industry partnerships. The following statement can be jointly attributed to LeAnn Wilson, Executive Director for the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and Kimberly Green, Executive Director for Advance CTE.

“We applaud and fully support the package introduced by Chairman Scott and its much-needed investment in CTE. The Coronavirus has dramatically changed every aspect of the education system, the workforce, our economy and lives, as well as highlighted the existing and deepening equity gaps that exist across our country. This investment will help ensure CTE can equitably deliver high-quality experiences for learners regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity or where they live.

“Coronavirus also caused a rapid shift to delivery of education online. This funding will help transform and implement innovative instructional practices and delivery methods so that key aspects of CTE, such as experiential and applied, hands-on learning can thrive in a virtual environment.

“As our nation continues to battle this global pandemic and its economic fallout, CTE will be vital to key industries such as healthcare, STEM, manufacturing, construction and transportation distribution and logistics. We are pleased that this legislation specifically recognizes those needs and places a focus on expanding and adapting program offerings and supports to meet the evolving needs of employers and learners during these challenging times.

“We are facing a difficult, unprecedented chapter in American history. We know it will be a challenging path forward to restart the American economy, but to do so we will need to make historic investments in the skilling, upskilling and reskilling of American workers. CTE stands ready to help our nation and our economy recover. The resources authorized in this piece of legislation are a great first step toward that recovery.”

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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 visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice to advance high-quality CTE policies, programs and pathways that ensure career success for each learner.

Virtual Work Based Learning Conference to Debut Amid COVID-19

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MEDIA ADVISORY
April 16, 2020

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
(703) 683-9312; jnagurka@acteonline.org

Virtual Work Based Learning Conference to Debut Amid COVID-19
The Iowa Work Based Learning Coordinators are joining forces with ACTE to host a national conference

WHAT: The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is partnering with the Iowa Work Based Learning (WBL) organization to host the first-ever virtual national WBL conference. Originally scheduled as an in-person event, this virtual conference will now feature strategies and best practices for WBL.

The daylong conference will feature nearly 50 concurrent sessions and a keynote address from Dr. Casey Sacks, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education in the U.S. Department of Education. Other general session speakers include Rachel Hirsch from the National Governors Association and Josh Davies, CEO of the Center for Work Ethic Development. The schedule-at-a-glance is available here, and full session descriptions are available here. For more information, visit the conference event page here.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 from 9:30AM – 3:45PM ET

WHERE: Virtual Conference. Attendees can register to attend here.

WHO: 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.

Iowa Work Based Learning Coordinators (IWBL) was formed to provide professional development and collaboration around work-based learning. IWBL’s conference attendance has grown each year in relation to the excitement around offering work-based learning opportunities to students as well as ensuring access to quality programming.

RSVP: Members of the media who have questions or would like to attend virtually should contact Jarrod Nagurka at jnagurka@acteonline.org or (703) 683-9312 by Monday, April 20.

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ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on OCTAE’s Coronavirus-related Guidance

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2020

Press Contacts:
Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
jnagurka@acteonline.org; (703) 689-9312

Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
kfitzgerald@careertech.org; 301-588-9630

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on OCTAE’s Coronavirus-related Guidance

Alexandria, VA—On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) released guidance on career and technical education (CTE)-related issues in light of the global COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. The guidance included an extension for states to submit their Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) plans, clarification that states may award a Perkins V subgrant to local recipients prior to fully approved local applications, and confirmation that states may provide local Perkins V recipients additional time to complete their local applications.

The following statement may be jointly attributed to LeAnn Wilson, Executive Director of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), and Kimberly Green, Executive Director of Advance CTE.

“We commend and appreciate the efforts of OCTAE Assistant Secretary Scott Stump and all who were involved in extending much-needed flexibility to states and locals for CTE. Coronavirus has raised unprecedented challenges for the CTE community just as Perkins V was being implemented, and we are grateful for the Department of Education’s hard work in helping meet the needs that have arisen as a result of the pandemic. It is critical that states and local recipients are able to take the necessary time to ensure their plans include robust goals to build quality and equity within CTE. We look forward to continuing to work with OCTAE and Congressional leadership on additional guidance and funding to cover other areas that our members, CTE professionals and programs across the country continue to grapple with.”

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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 visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice to advance high-quality CTE policies, programs and pathways that ensure career success for each learner.