Advancing CTE, One Member at a Time

What is ? The Association for Career and Technical Education is: The largest national education association dedicated to the advancement of CTE Founded in 1926, one of the first groups established to advocate for the funding and development of CTE The recognized leader in legislative and regulatory issues impacting CTE ACTE is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers.

Professional Development & Resources Leadership Development & Awards ACTE’s Mission: Provide leadership in developing an educated, prepared, adaptable and competitive workforce. ACTE serves as the backbone of the career and technical education (CTE) community by fostering support for its mission and values among educators, policymakers and business leaders. CTE Advocacy, Research & Awareness Partnerships with CTE Leaders & Supporters

Advocacy, Research & Awareness As the voice for CTE professionals, ACTE advocates for federal CTE funding and makes recommendations to policymakers regarding CTE legislation. ACTE promotes nation-wide awareness of the benefits of CTE through its annual celebration of ‘CTE Month’ in February and produces videos, publications, and research that consistently demonstrate the value of high quality CTE. Highlights: Through the CTE Policy Watch Blog, ACTE members receive regular updates on legislative issues related to CTE ACTE hosts an annual National Policy Seminar in Washington D.C. for members to fly in, learn about CTE legislative updates, and meet directly with their legislators to talk about the importance of CTE funding CTE Month® is an annual celebration, held every February, that showcases CTE community achievements and accomplishments nationwide ACTE’s research clearinghouse produces sector fast sheets, issue briefs, state CTE profiles, and more To help synthesize the myriad voices that are a part of the dialogue on ‘high-quality CTE’, ACTE is embarking on a multi-step project to identify a comprehensive, research-based quality CTE program of study framework, test the framework and integrate it into our efforts to recognize and disseminate information on best practices within CTE. ACTE’s MicroDocs are a series of short films telling stories of putting America to work. Each one focuses on CTE’s role in a current high-demand industry. Key policy issues that ACTE focuses on: Federal Budget Appropriations and Authorization Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act Every Student Succeeds Act Higher Education Act Veterans Education Benefits Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Professional Development & Resources ACTE is dedicated to developing and strengthening the skills of CTE professionals and keeping them up to speed with current best practices and cutting-edge technologies. ACTE hosts conferences, develops publications, and provides other free and discounted resources for ACTE members to help them become better educators and strengthen their programs. Highlights: Events: ACTE hosts the largest annual gathering of CTE professionals with CareerTech VISION, which occurs in late November/early December each year in rotating cities. In addition, ACTE co-hosts the annual Best Practices & Innovations Conference with the National Council of Local Administrators . Each ACTE Region hosts a leadership conference annually to bring professional development and leadership development to members closer to home. Publications: ACTE produces the award-winning Techniques magazine, published eight times a year. Techniques brings all members news about legislation affecting career and technical education, in-depth features on issues and programs, profiles of educators and other newsmakers, notices of new products, ACTE events and more. Educator Resources: Members have access to free online seminars on rotating topics, ACTE’s Job Bank, and a host of books and CTE products through the ACTE Bookstore.

Leadership Development & Awards Developing the leadership skills and potential of CTE professionals is critical for advancing the field. ACTE invests in the leadership development of its members through professional, state and national leadership training programs and by offering members many opportunities to lead and volunteer for the organization. ACTE annually recognizes best CTE professionals across the nation through the ACTE Excellence Awards program, giving exemplary educators and programs a national platform to showcase high quality CTE. Highlights: Leadership Development: ACTE offers training through the National Fellowship Program and State Leadership Training Program. These programs serve to strengthen the skills of interested, current and up-and-coming leaders in the ACTE community. More information: https://www.acteonline.org/leadership. Educators in Action: All ACTE members are eligible to join this group of dedicated, engaged CTE professionals working to make a difference for the field. ACTE provides opportunities for volunteers to serve on committees and advisory groups, provide input on ACTE activities and services, write for the Educators in Action Blog and ACTE’s publications. More information: https://www.acteonline.org/get_involved. ACTE Excellence Awards: ACTE recognizes 10 national award winners each year at an annual Awards Banquet during CareerTech VISION. More information: https://www.acteonline.org/awards.

An Enviable Partnership Community As the leading voice for career and technical education professionals, ACTE fosters relationships with other organizations that support CTE. Together with these groups, ACTE advocates for and champions positive developments for the field. ACTE’s partners include other trade associations, foundations and nonprofits; business and industry entities; CTE affiliate organizations and groups with a significant investment in closing the skills gap and developing career pathways for 21st century students. ACTE’s partners include: Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work (formerly known as the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCCCTSO) National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Association for Career and Technical Education Research (ACTER) National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) Automation Federation National Career Development Association (NCDA) National Association for Agricultural Educators (NAAE) International Vocational Education and Training Association (IVETA) Asia Society National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) National Academy Foundation (NAF) NOCTI National Council for Local Administrators (NCLA) National Center for College and Career Transitions (NC3T) U.S. Army More information on ACTE’s partners: http://www.acteonline.org/partners/.

CTE is a diverse field, but all CTE is impacted by the same legislation and policies. Through ACTE, all CTE professionals have an advocate and a voice. ACTE serves the entire career and technical education (CTE) community. This community includes you!

ACTE Represents Professionals In All Positions of CTE... Postsecondary Instructors, Faculty & Deans Student Teachers Federal/State Government Education Professionals Secondary and Middle School Teachers Business & Industry Organizations ACTE represents professionals from all positions and groups in CTE... Secondary and middle school CTE teachers and administrators Postsecondary CTE instructors, faculty, administrators and deans Guidance counselors & career development professionals Students studying to become CTE educators Federal and state government education professionals Nonprofit organizations active in the advancement of CTE  Businesses working with CTE programs and educators on workplace skills Guidance Counselors & Career Development Professionals Education Institutions Administrators Nonprofit Organizations

ACTE Serves Professionals From All Facets of CTE... Health Science Education Agricultural Education Administration Postsecondary, Adult & Career Education Marketing Education Business Education Engineering & Technology Education New & Related Services Guidance & Career Development No matter what subject you teach or what part of CTE you come from, ACTE has a group where you belong. ACTE represents all facets of CTE through its 11 ‘Divisions.’ CTE professionals who join ACTE select the Division that corresponds to their subject/content area, and receive: Professional development at conferences that caters to professionals in their specific content area Networking opportunities with other educators from their field Advocacy that champions the unique and collective interests of these groups Representation on ACTE’s leadership and policymaking structure that reflects the needs and priorities of educators in these areas Family & Consumer Sciences Trade & Industrial Education

Veteran CTE Professionals ACTE Serves CTE Professionals at Varying Levels of Their Careers... 5-10 years: Veteran CTE Professionals 10+ years: Experienced CTE Professionals 0-5 years: ACTE serves professionals at varying levels in their careers. For new CTE professionals coming from school or industry, ACTE offers essential professional development opportunities and resources, as well as a community that supports and encourages new educators. ACTE helps more experienced professionals navigate the upscaling of the industry, hone their craft, develop their leadership skills and add value to the profession as they advance in their careers. Veteran CTE professionals in ACTE benefit from opportunities to add their wisdom and expertise to the organization’s leadership and advocacy efforts while making a lasting impact on the field No matter the level of experience, every CTE professional has something to gain and offer as a member of ACTE. New CTE Professionals

National CTE Universe 211,000+ CTE professionals affected by ACTE’s advocacy and leadership Over 211,000 CTE professionals are impacted by ACTE’s advocacy and leadership. Of these, 23,000 are national ACTE members. ACTE is structured to provide CTE educators with local connection through state associations in nearly every state across the country. 23,000+ national ACTE members

Why Join? Grow as a CTE Professional Professional Development Conferences, Online Seminars, and Resources Product & Event Discounts Techniques Subscription CTE Trends & News Leadership Development So, why join? ACTE membership gives you opportunities to grow as a CTE professional. Members receive: access to professional development via conferences, online seminars and resources Discounts on products and events A Subscription to the award-winning Techniques Magazine Updates that keep you up to date on the latest CTE Trends and News through CareerTech Update, STEM Smartbrief and ACTE News Access to leadership development programs and opportunities

Why Join? Grow as a CTE Professional Join a Powerful National Community Networking Recognition Programs Volunteer Opportunities When you join ACTE, you are joining a powerful national community that recognizes, develops and advocates for CTE educators. Members receive: Networking opportunities with 23,000+ professionals across the country Opportunities for recognition through the awards program Opportunities to volunteer and become more involved with fellow members and association activities

Why Join? Grow as a CTE Professional Join a Powerful National Community Contribute to a Strong Future for CTE National Advocacy Leadership Opportunities When you join ACTE, you are contributing to a strong future for CTE. Members: Support the leading national advocacy efforts on behalf of CTE. These advocacy efforts support your programs. Serve in leadership roles that determine the future course of the association and its impact on the field

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