ACTEAZ’s nationally acclaimed Fellowship Program provides members a unique insight into the workings of ACTE, ACTEAZ, and all our affiliate organizations.

Those selected to become a Fellow will attend a variety of conferences and professional development events designed to increase their understanding of the policy making processes associated with career and technical education at the local, state, and national levels.

Learn more about the Fellows Program here.

Rick Scaife, Alumni Fellow

I have appreciated the opportunity to be involved with ACTEAZ as a Fellow for the past 3 years. It has allowed me to experience things I otherwise would not have been able to do. Attending conferences is always beneficial and being able to travel to Washington D.C. to meet with Representatives was enlightening, educational and eye opening. Through these experiences I have gained a greater understanding how funding for CTE works at the state and national level. The experiences have also allowed me to speak knowledgeably about Career and Technical Education Pathways and the importance of CTE programs for our students and the economy of our country. I will continue my growth as an educator and will soon serve on the ACTEAZ Board of Directors as a representative for Counselors. I look forward to continue advocating for CTE as often as possible.

Patti Pastor, Current Fellow

The ACTEAZ Fellows program has provided me with a variety of opportunities to practice and fine tune skills like leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. The ACTEAZ board meetings provide valuable insight so that I am able to apply these skills in my position both in my classroom and district, but also outside my district in networking applications. Being given the opportunity to network with colleagues from all over the state has reinforced my passion for advocating for CTE and the students who learn from us as teachers; they will ultimately be the ones to progress these fields of work in the future. The professional development opportunities have provided personal growth in my teaching and mentoring, and I also love that I am able to help further contributions to student scholarships through fundraising at Mid-Winter Conference.

As my senior year approaches, I look forward with hope to what lies ahead. The ACTE National Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. is something I hope to experience. I am sincerely grateful for the support that the program provides, the friendships that have cultivated, and the challenges that await. This strengthens my resolve to be CTE Proud and do more advocacy work in and out of the classroom.

Lauren Moraga, Current Fellow

Becoming a Fellow has allowed me to see a different side of Career and Technical Education (CTE). In my first year I have been provided tools to understand myself as presenter, present in front of colleagues, and at conferences. During my time in the Fellows program I have been able to network with like minded passionate CTE educators. It has been wonderful working collaboratively with others from around the state to support student success in the classroom from content to financial support in their post-secondary experiences. During my time in the Fellows program I have a better grasp of the whole picture of ACTEAZ, including the board of directors and the funding sources. These opportunities have allowed me to have a better understanding of the why behind decisions being made. I am grateful to be continuing in the program to become a better teacher, mentor to others, and advocate for CTE in Arizona.