CTE Educators Need in 2021: Early Results

Many thanks to the more than 570 ACTE members who have participated in our survey on CTE educator needs! If you haven’t responded yet, please complete the survey—there’s still time, and it should take you less than 10 minutes.

Here is a sneak peek of some early findings:

• Survey respondents report teaching in a variety of educational settings this school year. More rural and small town respondents are starting the new semester this January with almost all students learning in person, while respondents from cities and suburbs are more likely to be starting with all remote learning.
• Motivating and engaging learners is the biggest challenge this school year, followed by providing hands-on learning and/or lab hours.
• Other challenges include providing work-based learning experiences and preparing learners for industry certifications and other performance assessments. More than half of respondents report that their CTE programs are a little less effective or much less effective than in prior years at providing these program elements.
• By far the top priority for professional development this school year is around engaging instruction, followed by professional development related to facilities, equipment, technology and materials.
• Most respondents have consistently reliable access to the Internet and online technology, but characterize their students’ access as only somewhat reliable. Rural respondents are much more likely to report that their students' Internet and online technology access is not at all reliable.
• Most instructors feel very or somewhat supported by their leadership this school year.

Stay tuned for more results! In addition, please check out our new Techniques column chronicling the innovative ways that CTE continues to engage students as lifelong learners and prepare them for rewarding careers.

Comments

[Dr. Charlie McAdoo II]

I have conducted research that may assist in in prioritizing CTE Educator needs. My dissertation research identified and prioritized PD needs for CTE teachers in the state of Georgia. The title and link are as follows:

McAdoo, C. E. (2018). The identification and prioritization of the professional development
needs for teachers of career, technical, and agricultural subjects within Georgia
Metropolitan Area School Systems

https://search.proquest.com/openview/a093b84d654795145766ea239bba18d0/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

[Catherine Imperatore]

Thanks for sharing, Dr. McAdoo!