ACTE Postsecondary CTE Summit 2026

This session will explore what postsecondary CTE educators actually need to be successful in the classroom and how institutions can better support them through meaningful, relevant professional development. Grounded in a multi-year collaboration across Michigan, this work brings together insights from educators, administrators, and state partners to better understand the realities of teaching in CTE programs and the gaps that exist in current professional learning systems. The Michigan CTE work with LEO-WD will serve as a case study throughout the session, offering a concrete example of how state, institutional, and practitioner perspectives can come together to inform stronger systems of support.


Participants will hear how this work led to the development of a set of completed, UDL-based professional development modules designed specifically for postsecondary CTE instructors. These modules were built in response to consistent needs identified across the state, including support with curriculum design, assessment, classroom management, and teaching diverse learners. Many CTE educators enter the classroom with strong industry expertise but limited preparation in teaching and learning, making targeted and practical professional development essential.


This session is designed for postsecondary CTE educators, deans, program managers, and administrators who are responsible for supporting faculty and strengthening instructional quality. It will be especially valuable for those looking to improve onboarding, retention, and ongoing support for CTE instructors while aligning efforts with workforce and student success goals.
Participants will engage in structured discussion and reflection to connect the findings from Michigan to their own institutional context. Through guided prompts and small group dialogue, attendees will examine their current professional development approaches, identify gaps, and consider how to better align supports with the real needs of CTE faculty. Time will also be dedicated to sharing strategies that have been effective across institutions and identifying opportunities for collaboration.


Attendees will leave with access to the completed module topics, an overview of the design approach used to develop them, and a set of practical considerations they can use to strengthen professional development in their own institutions. We will also share next steps from this work, including a new phase focused on dissemination and the development of professional learning supports for CTE deans, managers, and administrators.