Fellows Issue Days Learning Series

Developing Reflective, Informed, and Purposeful CTE Leaders

The Fellows Issue Days sessions are required and designed to build deep understanding, strategic thinking, and practical leadership in Career and Technical Education. Each session connects Fellows more fully to the systems, people, and policies that shape Arizona’s CTE landscape.

All Issue Days are required for successful program completion.

#1. Launch Into CTE (Year One Only – Completed Prior to Retreat)
This self-paced module introduces the structures and values that define Arizona’s CTE ecosystem.

Key Content:

• History of ACTEAZ and affiliates
• ACTEAZ brand standards
• Arizona’s CTE delivery model and the “CTE Family”
• ADE CTE Strategic Plan
• Research and data supporting high-quality CTE

#2. CTE Leadership (August 15, 2025)
Fellows explore their leadership potential and how it connects to the collective mission of CTE.

Key Content:

• Leadership Theory and CTE Applications
• CTE Family Panel: Learning from state and affiliate leaders
• CliftonStrengths Training
• An overview of critical CTE topics for a team project

#3. CTE Policy and Advocacy (February 4, 2026)
Educational Policy & Advocacy 101: Influencing Systems Change
This session prepares Fellows to become informed CTE advocates and navigate educational policy.

Key Content:

• Overview of Arizona’s Perkins V Plan
• Policymaker interview
• Advocacy strategies and tools
• Crafting and delivering a compelling elevator speech
• Team project work

#4. CTE and Arizona’s Workforce (March 26, 2026)
This session focuses on how CTE drives workforce innovation and meets Arizona’s economic needs.

Key Content:

• Labor market trends and in-demand industry sectors
• CTE’s alignment with Arizona’s workforce priorities
• Engaging industry partners and workforce boards
• Employer panel: CTE’s value in hiring and training
• Final team project presentations