Fellows Program Year One & Year Two

Empowering Purpose-Driven Leadership in Career and Technical Education

Year 1: Foundations of Purposeful CTE Leadership

As a Year 1 Fellow, you will lay the foundation for impactful leadership rooted in the belief that Career and Technical Education is a vital pathway to student success, workforce development, and educational equity. Each experience is designed to strengthen your capacity to advocate for, support, and elevate CTE in Arizona and beyond.

• Participate in CTE Issue Days to deepen your understanding of policy, advocacy, and the legislative process shaping CTE’s future.
• Collaborate on and present a team project that advances CTE, applying your leadership and innovation skills to address real-world challenges in CTE programs or systems.
• Complete CliftonStrengths Training to understand and leverage your innate talents as a purpose-driven CTE leader.
• Attend the ACTEAZ Board Retreat to network with state leaders and learn how association governance supports the broader CTE mission.
• Attend at least three ACTEAZ Board Meetings to observe leadership in action and contribute to meaningful dialogue about Arizona’s CTE priorities.
• Engage in monthly virtual Fellow Meetings to reflect on your growth, exchange ideas, and develop a shared sense of purpose with your cohort.
• Attend both the ACTEAZ Mid-Winter and Summer Conferences, participating in professional development that enriches your knowledge of high-quality CTE practice.
• Support student success by participating in the review of student scholarships or awards, reinforcing your commitment to recognizing CTE excellence.

Year 2: Leading with Purpose and Amplifying the Impact of CTE

In Year 2, Fellows build on their foundational experiences to lead with clarity, mentor with purpose, and advocate with influence. As an emerging leader, your work is centered on sustaining and elevating the promise of CTE—empowering learners, strengthening communities, and shaping a dynamic, future-ready workforce.

• Plan and facilitate CTE Issue Days in partnership with your team, guiding Year 1 Fellows and community stakeholders through powerful advocacy experiences that highlight the essential role of CTE in education and the economy.
• Coordinate and lead the Mid-Winter Scholarship Auction, leveraging creativity, community engagement, and leadership to raise funds that directly support CTE students and their futures.
• Attend the ACTEAZ Board Retreat to continue deepening your understanding of strategic leadership in the CTE ecosystem and build lasting relationships with statewide partners.
• Attend at least three ACTEAZ Board Meetings to stay engaged in high-level decision-making and contribute insights shaped by your evolving leadership journey.
• Participate in the review of student scholarships or awards, maintaining a clear focus on equity, access, and excellence in CTE student achievement.
• Serve as a thought leader and mentor for Year 1 Fellows, modeling reflective leadership and supporting the next generation of CTE advocates.
• Engage in monthly virtual Fellow Meetings to share experiences, celebrate milestones, and further develop your leadership capacity in a collaborative environment.
• Maintain a visible presence by posting regularly on social media to highlight your CTE leadership activities, and present at the ACTEAZ Summer Conference to share insights and inspire the broader CTE community.

Highly Recommended (Optional)Expand your impact by attending ACTE Visions, NPS, or Region V, engaging with national CTE leaders, policies, and innovative practices to bring back to Arizona. It is recommended to attend each of these conferences once over the two-year journey.