The Rewards of my first NPS!

First, let me say what an honor it is and how humbled I am to be considered a part of such an outstanding group of individuals such as the 2016 Class of ACTE Fellows.

My first National Policy Seminar (NPS) was great in so many ways.  I was able to meet the other fellows and became very aware of what an honor it is and how much responsibility ACTE has entrusted in us.  NPS was a great introduction to immerse us in all that ACTE does for its members on a national level.  The role of advocate is one that we think we are familiar with because we are constantly advocating for our students. While this is true, the picture is so much bigger than that.

 I was raised by great parents that said “pick your battles, but know which ones are worth fighting.”  So I have always been an advocate for my program but attending NPS showed me that it doesn’t stop there.  There are so many people who have taken on the task to be advocates for our profession.  When I say profession I mean each and every one of us that falls under the umbrella of career and technical education. I was able to meet people from across the country who, just like me, love their students, have worked extremely hard to build great programs, and are able to see the bigger picture.  People who said, “if not me then who?  Who will be a voice for our students, our schools, and our communities?  Who will shine the light on all the great things that are happening in CTE classes across the country?  Who will tell those in the public that we are producing graduates who are professionally credentialed and better suited for the needs of today’s workforce?  Who will speak to the partnerships that ACTE has made across this country?”  The answers to these and so many questions were answered at NPS because ACTE members joined together and said “we will.”

I was able to observe an ACTE National Board meeting, participate in workshops on advocacy and learn about bills that would impact career and technical education and its funding.  I was able to make visits to Capitol Hill to meet with House of Representative Members and Senators to advocate for CTE.  To tell you the truth, I was nervous about those meetings but now I can hardly wait until next year to do it again!  

I have returned to school this week somewhat jetlagged but with a clear focus on what my role is for this year.  I want to be a better advocate for career and technical education. I look forward to new leadership opportunities that may arise and that will give me a stronger voice.  I am also grateful that we have a great Fellowship Program Coordinator to help guide and teach us. So to sum it up, I think attending NPS made me a stronger leader and more passionate advocate!

By Kimberly Mitchell a 2016 ACTE FACS Fellow