ACTE Postsecondary CTE Summit 2026

Many states have been experiencing challenges with finding highly qualified CTE teachers (especially in areas such as Technology and Engineering Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, etc.), WBL coordinators, and career counselors to fill vacancies in these critical shortage areas. As a result, numerous licensure pathways have been created and are currently being tested. However, the long-term benefits and effects of these new pathways remain to be seen. University teacher preparation programs have made substantial strides in providing more flexible and innovative preparation options while adhering to strict quality guidelines from accreditation agencies, state higher education commissions, state departments of education, and others. This roundtable discussion will explore the role of teacher preparation programs, examine how they are classified in terms of their relation to CTE in various states, discuss different preparation and licensure models currently being implemented, the benefits or concerns with different models, and ways to foster stronger collaborations with teacher preparation programs. This session aims to help administrators, educators, state leaders, policy makers, and researchers reflect on the role that four-year institutions, especially those with teacher preparation programs, can play in contributing to the CTE ecosystem.