ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program

The ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program began in 2009 as an Opportunity Fund project initiated by the ACTE Board of Directors. The purpose of the ACTE Fellowship Program is to:

• help establish a leadership development program for CTE educators in ACTE and assist individuals in further developing their leadership skills in CTE and their involvement in professional associations
• provide an opportunity for CTE educators to become familiar with and participate in the processes used by policymakers in the development and implementation of laws, regulations and other public policies at the local, state and federal levels
• identify, train and motivate a cadre of leaders who will continue to position ACTE as a leader in developing an educated, prepared, adaptable and competitive workforce

In summary, the ACTE Fellowship Program is an instrument to provide professional development, policy knowledge and leadership development.

Two Cohort Types to Enhance the Experience

ACTE’s premier leadership development program, the National Leadership Fellowship Program is open to experienced members (5+ years of CTE experience) as well as new professional members with 2-5 years CTE experience. This program will provide participants with the leadership, professional and policy skills they need to grow as a CTE and ACTE advocate!  Fellows will receive a $1,500 stipend in addition to complimentary registration for NPS and VISION!

ACTE would like to recognize Nebraska Extension 4-H for sponsoring the time and resources for a CliftonStrengths Assessment and one-on-one coaching session from a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach for each fellow. We appreciate their generosity and support of the ACTE Fellows Program!

Applications now open for the 2023 Fellowship Program

Interested members can apply via the ACTE Awards Portal here. Applications are due September 15. Special note:  applicants for either program must submit their application utilizing the portal.  The same application is used for both programs.

Please reach out to Lauren Fillebrown, ACTE Senior Manager of Leadership Development, for more information.

Fellowship Coordinators

The Fellowship Coordinators are responsible for overseeing and implementing the ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program. Facilitates all Fellowship Program activities, maintains monthly contact with the Fellows, and coordinates mentorship and personally provides mentorship to the Fellows. The Fellowship Coordinators will also work with ACTE staff to set up meetings and conference calls for the Fellows, report to the ACTE Board of Directors on the status of the program, and attend NPS and the ACTE CareerTech VISION.

For the 2022 program year, Dr. Doug Major and Dr. Dawn Lindsley were selected by the ACTE Executive Committee 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.

Fellowship Coordinators are asked to commit to a two-year term to provide consistency in the program. At the end of the initial two years, the Fellowship Coordinator may reapply. The Fellowship Coordinator will mentor a “Fellowship Coordinator Elect” during their last year.

Past Fellowship Coordinators

• Kevin English, Arizona, 2009-2010
• Belinda Cole, Oklahoma, 2011-2014
• Jim Comer, Oklahoma, 2015-2016
• Dr. Doug Major, Oklahoma, 2016-2019
• Cindy Stover, Illinois, 2020-2021
• Dr. Doug Major, Oklahoma, 2022-2023
• Dr. Dawn Lindsley, Nebraska, 2022-2023