Learning & Leading with CTE

During a recent visit to Barcelona's Maritime Museum, housed in the stunning medieval Royal Shipyards, I was struck by an unexpected revelation about career and technical education. While wandering through exhibits chronicling Catalonia's rich maritime history, I discovered something remarkable: long before the United States declared its independence, Spain had established a sophisticated system of nautical education that embodied the very principles we celebrate in modern CTE.

A museum panel detailed how, in 1790, a royal decree standardized maritime education across Catalonia's network of nautical schools. The program was remarkably forward-thinking, combining classroom instruction with hands-on navigation experience and structured assessments – a model that would feel familiar to any modern CTE educator. Students progressed through clearly defined levels, from apprentice to third pilot, second pilot, and finally first pilot, with the potential to become captain if they earned a shipowner's trust.

What struck me most was how these maritime schools competed to offer the finest technical training possible. Each institution – from Barcelona's flagship school to smaller programs in coastal towns like Mataró and Arenys de Mar – strived to produce highly skilled pilots who could safely navigate ships and cargo, driving Catalonia's maritime economy.

As I reflect on this centuries-old commitment to technical education this Thanksgiving, I'm filled with gratitude for our CTE community. We stand on the shoulders of generations of technical educators who understood that practical skills, combined with rigorous instruction and workplace learning, create pathways to success. From those 18th-century nautical instructors to today's CTE professionals, we're all part of an unbroken chain of educators dedicated to preparing students for career success and community contribution.

As we gather this holiday season, I'm thankful for every CTE professional who carries this legacy forward. Through your dedication, you're not just teaching skills – you're adding your chapter to a proud educational tradition that spans centuries and continents.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Registration is now open for the ACTEAZ/ACOVA Midwinter Leadership Conference, Arizona’s boutique leadership event dedicated to empowering CTE professionals. This year’s conference will take place February 5-7, 2025, at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center, and we’re excited to invite YOU to be part of this incredible experience.

At Midwinter, you’ll connect with Arizona’s finest CTE administrators, teachers, counselors, and industry partners—all united by a shared passion for making a meaningful difference in students’ lives. Through hands-on sessions, dynamic discussions, and professional networking, you’ll discover innovative practices to enhance your programs, inspire your colleagues, and strengthen your impact.

This conference isn’t just about professional growth—it’s about belonging to a family of CTE professionals who are working together to shape Arizona’s future workforce. Midwinter offers a unique opportunity to share your story, exchange ideas, and learn from others who are equally committed to empowering students with the skills and confidence to achieve their dreams.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned CTE leader, Midwinter has something for everyone. From interactive sessions to insightful conversations, you’ll leave feeling inspired and equipped to make an even greater impact in your schools and communities.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience. Register today and secure your spot in the heart of Arizona’s CTE Family. Together, let’s lead, learn, and elevate lives through CTE!

Bradshaw Mountain High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs create a bright future for students, equipping them with vital skills and a sense of hope for tomorrow. Under the leadership of CTE Administrator Scott Fitterer, the school offers diverse, forward-thinking programs that prepare students for college and career success. “We in education get to be givers of hope and opportunities,” Fitterer shared, expressing the impact he sees CTE making in students’ lives. “All of our programs are poised to go to the next level and continue to expand. For students, this means hope for a successful future.”

Bradshaw Mountain’s CTE pathways, including Sports Medicine, Graphic Communication, and Stagecraft, offer students real-world, hands-on experiences. For example, the school’s Sports Medicine program emphasizes practical, skills-based learning that engages students deeply. Fitterer is excited about plans for enhanced engagement with Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), allowing students to connect their learning to leadership and career development opportunities beyond the classroom. Meanwhile, the Stagecraft program is exploring ways to update and retrofit its shared auditorium space, providing students with professional-level facilities and tools.

Bradshaw Mountain’s commitment to growth is evident in its plan to propose two new CTE programs to the Humboldt Unified School District governing board. Despite the challenges of launching new pathways, Fitterer expressed his optimism: “Everyone involved knows that these opportunities give students great things. One of those great things is hope.”

During a recent visit to the campus, guests had the opportunity to meet two Graphic Communication students who proudly showcased their work in the school’s yearbook. These students walked visitors through their yearbook page layouts, explaining how they use design software to balance colors, typography, and images to create professional-quality pages. Not only has the program given them technical skills, but it’s also given them a creative edge. The students laughed as they shared how their peers and family members regularly requested their help with social media posts, family photos, and design needs. “We probably have the best Instagram feeds at school,” one student joked, “and everyone asks us to take their family pictures!”

Bradshaw Mountain’s student-centered approach and investment in industry-aligned equipment are helping students gain the skills and confidence they need for high-demand careers and meaningful lives beyond school.

We’re calling all CTE leaders and practitioners to submit a Call for Presentation for the 50th Anniversary Arizona CTE Summer Conference. This milestone event celebrates Arizona’s commitment to empowering lives through CTE. Attendees want to hear from YOU—the real-world practitioners making an impact in classrooms, schools, and communities every day.

Whether you’re sharing best practices, innovative strategies, or hands-on techniques, your insights can inspire and empower others to elevate their work. Don’t miss this chance to connect with Arizona’s CTE Family and make a difference statewide. Submit your session today!

The holiday season offers more than just delicious meals and cherished traditions; it creates a unique opportunity for intergenerational connections and meaningful conversations. For students, these gatherings are a perfect time to not only learn family history but also explore career literacy—an essential skill for navigating a rapidly evolving job market.

Research highlights the importance of early career literacy. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, today’s students are likely to hold 12 to 15 jobs over their lifetime, many of which don’t yet exist. Career literacy equips students with the tools to adapt, thrive, and make informed decisions about their futures. Conversations at the holiday table can inspire curiosity, uncover family wisdom, and offer real-world insights into the skills and experiences that contribute to success.

Encourage your students to use the holiday table as a platform for learning. By asking different generations about their career journeys, students gain valuable perspectives on navigating career pathways. Here are ten prompts to help students spark meaningful conversations:

1. What was your first job, and how did you get it?

2. How has your career changed over time?

3. What skills helped you advance in your profession?

4. Did you always know what career you wanted?

5. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

6. What advice would you give to someone starting out today?

7. How has technology impacted your field over the years?

8. What role did education or training play in your career?

9. Did anyone in your life inspire your career choice?

10. If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path?

These conversations bridge generations, strengthen family bonds, and foster career awareness. Encourage your students to use this holiday season to learn, connect, and empower their future career journeys.

Arizona shines because of the incredible CTE professionals making a difference every day. Nominate yourself or a deserving colleague for an ACTEAZ award to recognize their impact on students, programs, and the community.

Awards categories include CTE Teacher of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Counselor of the Year, and Business/Community Partnership of the Year, among others. These awards showcase the dedication, innovation, and leadership of Arizona’s CTE champions.

Submit your nomination today and help us celebrate the transformative power of CTE! The awards portal is open now—don’t wait! Learn more below:

The National Career Clusters Framework, developed by Advance CTE, serves as a powerful tool for aligning education and workforce development systems to better prepare students for meaningful careers. This framework organizes careers into 16 distinct clusters and 79 career pathways, offering a clear roadmap for students to explore their interests, build technical and professional skills, and connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.

For Arizona’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) professionals, the framework provides a structured approach to designing curricula that meet both academic standards and industry expectations. By aligning programs to career clusters, Arizona educators can better prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers that drive the state’s economy. This approach ensures students graduate ready for postsecondary education, workforce opportunities, and economic independence.

The Career Clusters Framework also benefits administrators and counselors by streamlining career guidance and program development. It allows educators to identify key industry needs, tailor programs to regional demands, and connect students with pathways that align with their interests and goals. Resources like classroom-ready materials, standards alignment tools, and career exploration activities are available through CareerTech.org. These tools help Arizona’s CTE professionals enhance their instructional strategies and provide students with a clear vision of their career potential.

By leveraging the National Career Clusters Framework, Arizona’s CTE community can continue to lead the way in empowering students with the skills and opportunities needed to achieve the American Dream. Visit CareerTech.org to explore these resources and make a greater impact in CTE programs today.

ACTEAZ is thrilled to announce that we have earned the 2024 QAS Award! Congratulations to our dedicated team, Executive Committee, and Board for their exceptional hard work and leadership in advancing CTE!

I'm Emeli Belloc, and I'm thrilled to be joining ACTEAZ as the Administrative Professional. I'm excited to meet you all and work together to help empower lives! Outside of work, I enjoy several hobbies (probably too many), including rockhounding, geocaching, and all things crafty. I love to travel and my goal is to see Iceland one day. I'm looking forward to getting to know each one of you and contribute to the continued success of CTE advocacy in Arizona!

Date: March 16-19, 2025

Where: Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA

Visit: https://s1.goeshow.com/acte/nps/2025/ to learn more

Date: April 2-4, 2025

Where: Bellevue, WA

Visit: https://s1.goeshow.com/acte/wblc/2025/index.cfm to learn more

Date: April 30-May 3, 2025

Where: Las Vegas, NV

Visit: https://sites.google.com/view/regionv2025/home?authuser=0 to learn more

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