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Hello Julia,
It's October, and ACTE celebrates the contributions of the Hispanic community in our country. Hispanics are more than just a demographic statistic; they are a vital force for innovation and economic growth. With over 62.5 million Hispanic people in the US, their contributions to our economy exceed $2.8 trillion. Hispanic entrepreneurs own over 5 million businesses and generate over $800 billion in annual revenue. Their undeniable influence on the nation's economic landscape cannot be overlooked.
Despite these impressive statistics, we must acknowledge the hurdles many in the Hispanic community face, particularly in education and career opportunities. One pressing issue is the limited access to high-quality career and technical education (CTE) programs in high-demand fields. This lack of access creates a significant skills gap and hampers industries' efforts to find qualified Hispanic candidates to fill job vacancies in STEM and healthcare (for example). The underrepresentation of Hispanics in the healthcare industry hinders their career aspirations and impedes effective communication between Hispanic patients and healthcare providers.
To overcome these challenges and fully harness the potential of the Hispanic community, we must invest in educational programs and interventions to address specific opportunity gaps and needs. The investments and resources are essential in creating a more inclusive and prosperous workforce and economy. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let's collectively work to break down these barriers and ensure everyone can thrive and contribute to our nation's growth and prosperity.
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LeAnn Curry
Executive Director
ACTE
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES | |
ACTE's CareerTech VISION happens this Nov. 29–Dec. 2 in Phoenix, Arizona, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to our flagship conference for career and technical educators. At VISION, you will have the opportunity to forge meaningful professional connections, expand your professional development and ignite your inspiration. ACTE is pleased to offer both a full in-person event and a robust on-demand component for remote attendance. | |  |
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Join us for the Courageous Conversations Brunch, a vibrant event where bold, like-minded professionals, allies, and advocates, form a network of change-makers committed to making a difference in the world of CTE. This enlightening event will create an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared experiences as we build bridges of understanding and break down barriers to access.
Space is limited, register today!
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Discover Your Social Identities with the Social Identity Wheel Worksheet!
The Social Identity Wheel is an engaging activity to empower participants (students or colleagues) to explore and understand their personal and social identities. It encourages self-reflection on how these identities manifest at different times and how they influence how others perceive and interact with them. The worksheet prompts participants to identify various social identities, such as race, gender, sex, ability, disability, sexual orientation, and more. The Social Identity Wheel is a versatile tool that can be used to spark meaningful discussions and reflective writing on identity.
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Inclusive Conference Presentations
It's conference season and time to think about how we deliver inclusive presentations. When developing and delivering a presentation, it is essential to consider inclusion and the diversity of the people in your audience. Below are some tips to help you deliver presentations that are accessible to all participants.
Ensure Accessibility of Materials
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Follow accessibility guidelines for all slides and handouts.
- Make closed captions available through virtual platforms or use transcription options.
- Remember that some participants will use a screen reader or other assistive technology to interact with the materials.
Start With Inclusion in Mind
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Virtual settings - Start by asking if attendees can see and hear you to ensure your audio and video work properly. Be available early to do so.
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Not all participants will be able to see you, so consider describing yourself and using pronouns in your introduction. Example: My name is XYZ, and I use the pronouns she/her/hers. I am a black woman with long braids, and I wear glasses with a black frame. I'm wearing a black polo shirt with my state's ACTE logo.
If You Show It, Say It, and if You Say It, Show It!
- Be sure to describe images and charts that you display in your presentation. Avoid pointing at things and saying 'this' or 'that' without a full description.
- Provide verbal and written text for directions.
Avoid Gendered Language
- When referring to the audience, instead of 'guys,' try 'everyone' or 'y'all.'
Give Time for People to Think
- Encouraging thoughtful reflection and giving people the time and space to consider diverse perspectives is essential for fostering inclusion and creating a more equitable and understanding environment.
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Virtual Settings — Some internet connections may have a slight audio delay; others may be reading the transcript or relying on an interpreter, which can take extra time before folks are ready to answer questions.
Accessibility
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When planning group discussions or activities, think about potential accessibility challenges so that everyone can feel included. Example: Gallery walks are fun, but make sure there is enough space (a participant may have a wheelchair) for everyone.
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*If possible* Always use the microphone, even if you have a great "teacher voice."
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IAED RESEARCH AND POLICY WATCH | |
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National Council on Teacher Quality Releases Report on Increasing Teacher Diversity
The National Council on Teacher Quality recently published a report that explores emerging trends and state policies for increasing diversity in the field of teaching. Researchers found that teacher apprenticeships and residencies are crucial avenues to attract more candidates of color to the teacher pipeline. READ MORE
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Data Insights on Student Earnings, Labor Market Information and Equity in Credentials
The Education and Employment Research Center at Rutgers University recently published a report that examined existing and emerging Labor Market Information (LMI) practices at postsecondary institutions. The report revealed that the usage of LMI at two-year institutions was primarily motivated to develop academic and strategic plans, tended to focus more on workforce development and aimed at helping students achieve their future educational and career goals. The report also highlighted the impact of Perkins and the requirements around using LMI as a key driver of this work. READ MORE
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Perkins V Resources: Stakeholder Engagement
Today we’re continuing our celebration of Perkins V by recognizing the strides that CTE programs have made over the past five years in engaging stakeholders such as employers, community leaders, parents and students. Effective stakeholder engagement enables CTE programs to respond to labor market, community and learner needs. READ MORE
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Analysis of National Data Illustrates CTE Teacher Shortages
ACTE recently analyzed data from the National Center for Education Statistics 2020–21 National Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS) for relevant CTE teacher data such as demographics, distribution, vacancies, salaries and credentials, among other topics. READ MORE
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Work-based and Experiential Learning
The Community College Research Center at Columbia University recently released a study that explored work-based coursetaking at the postsecondary level. This paper examined patterns of work-based coursetaking and post-degree labor market outcomes at two- and four-year public institutions using a text mining technique to identify these courses from college transcripts. READ MORE
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Postsecondary CTE
The second annual national Postsecondary CTE Summit took place September 20-22 in Denver Colorado. The theme was Postsecondary CTE for ALL. The Carl Perkins Act definition for special populations was the basis for panel discussions, private concurrent sessions, and roundtable presentations. Among program highlights was a powerful panel that focused on the issues impacting the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty, staff, and administrators in postsecondary CTE. Special populations groups that were discussed throughout the panels and presentations included students with disabilities, BIPOC students, students preparing for non-traditional fields, and English Language learners.
The rich presentations focused on innovative programming used to support these students as well as ways that institutions, communities, and businesses are restructuring to provide more access and support for special populations. There was also an emphasis on revealing best practices around data collection for special populations. Using data to uncover equity gaps and building programming to mediate these gaps permeated many discussions throughout the event. Attendees left the event focused on creating the future of postsecondary CTE, ensuring what ensues will be framed to support all students and all faculty, staff, and administrators.
Contact Sophia Alston for more information.
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Teach CTE Initiative
The Teach CTE Summit took place this past June 27–29 in St. Paul, Minnesota. As CTE continues to support the field in addressing teacher recruitment and retention, faculty and staff diversity must be a critical focus. Discussions around diversity permeated many discussions and programming included a panel titled: Increasing Diversity in the CTE Teacher Pipeline. The diversity panel was a powerful discussion which highlighted the fact that there needs to be a change in the way we speak about teaching as a society. We need to elevate teaching (elevateteaching.us).
The Summit explored the idea that when trying to recruit and retain diverse teachers, affinity groups and mentoring are powerful strategies to be considered and implemented. Normandale Community College’s Sirtify and SpedUP programs were highlighted as comprehensive programs that have made strides in recruiting and retaining diverse teachers. Being intentional with a long-term strategy when trying to recruit and retain diverse teachers is important.
Teach CTE Summit Synopsis Publication
Teach CTE Summit focused on aspects of policy, research and promising practices pertaining to CTE teacher recruitment and retention challenges, including a focus on diversifying the teaching workforce. A series of general and breakout sessions during the summit explored these issues. Two “Table “Talk” sessions provided an opportunity for attendees to review and reflect on the content. The publication includes a high-level synopsis of what was shared and learned during the event. Read the document
Contact Sophia Alston for more information.
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If you are interested in being involved in the IAED work,
contact Candice Mott for more information.
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Association for Career & Technical Education | 1410 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-3111
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