NASDCTEc 101 - Orientation

Webster's dictionary defines an association as "an organization of persons having common interests, purposes, etc., society, league." This association, the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium is just that. NASDCTEc was founded in 1920 as an association of state career education agency heads committed to leadership and outstanding performance in Career Technical Education. The association has a growing membership of over 200 senior state staff and concerned individuals that share the directors’ commitment to quality career technical education at the secondary, post secondary and adult levels.

Vision, Mission, and Goals

The Washington headquarters office was established in 1987 for the express purpose of influencing the reauthorization of the Perkins Act. At that time a strategic plan was adopted for the association. Last year, our board revisited our vision and mission statements, goals for the association and program of work. Times have changed, so have we. The Board adopted goals in the July, 2007.

Vision

NASDCTEc is the leader in shaping the future of career technical education.

Mission

Provide leadership for career technical education's role in education, workforce preparation and economic development.

Goals

  1. Promote CTE among education, employment (workforce) and economic development
  2. Engage in the formation and dissemination of legislation and public policy that impacts education, economic, and workforce development.
  3. Provide, encourage and support professional development for state directors including developing the capacity for state directors to help state staff, other groups, and be able to provide effective technical assistance.
  4. Create a unified vision and message to support CTE.

Board of Directors

Our association's leadership is provided through our Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of sixteen members: one for each of the eleven regions, one associate member representative and four officers (president, vice president, secretary/treasurer and past president). View information on our current Board of Directors.

Professional Development

NASDCTEc hosts two national meetings each year – a Spring Meeting, traditionally held in Washington, D.C.; a Fall Meeting held in September/October at a location chosen by the Board. These meetings provide necessary information on legislation, research, and emerging issues important to career technical education. There are networking and sharing opportunities, updates on the partnership activities with the economic development, workforce development and education reform communities and much, much more. These are professional growth and learning opportunities not to miss!

Member Services

NASDCTEc members enjoy timely receipt of information about issues, events, legislation, etc. that impact career technical education. Our web page is a good source for information. In addition, we have an active listserv for state directors. The listserv is a useful tool for sharing information, informal surveys, etc. We also publish periodic blogs, sharing relevant and emerging information on career technical education, useful for our members and partner groups.

Policy Development & Alliance Formation

NASDCTEc is a key resource in providing information on developing legislation and the ever-turbulent budget and appropriations situation. Frequent legislative updates are e-mailed to members as the action occurs.

NASDCTEc represents the state directors with Congress, the Administration and other affiliated associations, the national press, etc. Our message is to promote a strong state role for career technical education and to continue to expand federal funding for career technical education. In addition, the association publishes reference documents, briefs, one-pagers and conducts surveys as the need arises.

Conclusion

This association is about helping you do your job better, whether through organized professional development activities or informal networking and making sure your voice is heard on the Hill. It is a place to find solutions to your problems and share your successes. So join us today!