The Future of Career Development

As a third year teacher, I am still learning about CTE and what all it entails. When I first became a teacher, I was very fortunate to have a mentor that not only helped me get my school-based enterprise up and running, but advocated for Career and Technical Education and persuading me to be an ACTE member. It did not take much after learning how much CTE does for our students and their futures.

When I was in high school, we had CTE courses, but I did not realize how important they were. I did not have a teacher, administrator, or CTSO explaining their importance. Now that I am on the other side of things, advocating for CTE has become my mission.

Over the next 5 years, I see CTE growing and growing; especially if we have teachers like my mentor and myself who have a passion for CTE and want to shout if from the rooftops! While it is great to have teachers, advisors, and administrators as passionate as we are, it also has to stem from our students.

For CTE to continue to grow and market to those who may be clueless, our students have to lead the pack. They are the future leaders of our country and my vision starts with them. Our students must continue to engage, learn and SEE the affects that CTE has on them and their future. Once they experience that, they will become our advocates, fighting alongside with us.

Some of you may be wondering, “How do I get my students to engage?” Check out the blogs from February 2019. There are so many activities with CTSO’s, taking your students on hill visits to advocate with state legislators, and just getting up and doing something! Be passionate, let your fire loose, and show your students it is okay to stand up for what they believe in.

Therefore, I leave you with this. What are YOU doing to advocate for CTE and get your students to lead us to growth?