Certified Higher Education Professional

The admissions profession is evolving, and today’s admissions professionals must be prepared to do far more than process applications. This course invites learners to explore what it truly means to succeed in admissions in a complex, student-centered environment. Participants will examine the foundations of the profession, essential competencies for success, student decision-making, professional readiness, and ethical responsibility. Through practical examples and reflective application, learners will gain insight into how admissions professionals build trust, reduce friction, and support informed enrollment decisions. Designed for those entering the field or seasoned professionals seeking a refresher, this course challenges learners to think critically, adapt confidently, and develop the professional judgment needed to thrive in a dynamic and impactful role.

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While most courses and instruction focus on specifics of the admissions presentation, few present a sequential step-by-step approach. This course takes a linear look at all the elements that form the essential building blocks of an effective presentation. We begin with the greeting/introduction and progress through building rapport, gathering information, giving information, covering cost, explaining the basics of financial assistance or financing, encouraging the prospect to apply or take the next step, covering the additional enrollment requirements, and setting the stage for follow-up; all will be thoroughly addressed. Upon completion of the course, the admissions professional will understand how important it is to have a framework for delivering compliant, concise, and compelling presentations.

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This course equips admissions professionals with the skills needed to confidently navigate today’s complex enrollment conversations. Learners will explore how product knowledge extends beyond academic programs to include institutional structure, student support, delivery models, and competitive context. Through practical examples and applied strategies, participants will learn how to translate institutional offerings into student value, address hesitation and competing narratives, align presentations with individual goals, and use techniques to master product knowledge for ongoing success. This course is designed for professionals entering or advancing in the field. It will strengthen credibility, confidence, and judgment and will prepare admissions professionals to support informed decision-making and deliver effective, trust-based enrollment conversations.

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Effective communication is central to success in admissions, yet it requires far more than strong interpersonal skills. This course invites admissions professionals to examine communication as a system that shapes understanding, trust, and student decision-making. Participants will explore how messages are processed, where communication breakdowns occur, and how delivery must adapt across modalities and high-volume environments.

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Listening is foundational to effective admissions practice, yet it is often assumed rather than intentionally developed. This course invites admissions professionals to examine listening as an active, disciplined skill that shapes understanding, trust, and meaningful engagement in every interaction. Participants will learn to move beyond surface-level conversations by understanding what listening truly is, recognizing common barriers, and interpreting meaning, emotion, and motivation in student communication. The course also focuses on sustaining high-quality listening in fast-paced environments, including strategies to maintain presence, reset between conversations, and balance efficiency with depth. Designed for real-world application, this course helps admissions professionals strengthen engagement, improve alignment with student needs, and support more effective decision-making throughout the enrollment process.

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Strategic Questioning Skills for Admissions Engagement equips admissions professionals with the tools to guide more focused, meaningful, and effective conversations. This course moves beyond basic questioning techniques to develop intentional, structured, and adaptive approaches that uncover student goals, clarify needs, and support informed decision-making. It also provides practical questioning strategies and examples tailored to common admissions interactions, while emphasizing how listening and questioning work together to shape the pace, depth, and effectiveness of each conversation. Participants will learn how to structure conversations, ask high-impact questions, and adjust their approach based on student responses and communication channels. Emphasis is placed on real-world application, including managing conversations under pressure, avoiding common pitfalls, and developing consistency over time. By the end of the course, learners will use questioning with greater precision, improving both the quality of interactions and overall enrollment outcomes.

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Ethical behavior in recruitment is essential to student and institutional success and is a crucial component of a compliant institution. This course provides a framework to evaluate your current admissions interview process and offers new tools that allow for meaningful connections with today's students. An ethical enrollment process will help your students make their own best decisions and will increase the effectiveness of your admissions personnel.

In this course, using your accrediting agency’s criteria, you will study the language and intention of accreditation. Participants will develop a different perspective on the self-study process and an understanding of how to craft the self-study report to effectively communicate how present practices meet the standards. Discover what the standards really are and what it takes to meet them, interpret and communicate your institution’s current operating practices in the context of the criteria, and develop a more accurate understanding and expression of how your institution can provide the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance.

This course provides faculty, staff, and administrators with an understanding of the legal mandates regarding equal access for students with disability. More importantly, it offers a practical framework to help institutional personnel know what to say and do in the context of their defined roles and interactions with students with disabilities. Topics include the civil rights nature of applicable federal law, definitional issues, the impact of disability on traditional education activities and pursuits, reasonable accommodations, and the unique responsibilities of faculty, staff, and administrators as prescribed by their position.

Your learners are online. Is your career center reaching them where they are? Social media has fundamentally transformed how career support professionals connect with learners, engage employers, and build department visibility. Yet most career centers either avoid it entirely or use it without intention, missing its full potential. This course gives you a practical, step-by-step framework for developing a purposeful social media strategy—from identifying your goals and choosing the right platforms to building community, measuring results, and sustaining your efforts long-term. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap to expand your reach, strengthen relationships, and position your career center as an indispensable resource for every learner you serve.

This course is an introduction to work-based learning (WBL) foundations. Quality work-based learning is a continuum of sustained, meaningful experiences with industry and community professionals that fosters in-depth engagement in a given career field. Students are able to apply both their technical and professional knowledge and skills to real-life situations. As a work-based-learning coordinator, your roles are numerous and varied. This course is designed to give you the foundational knowledge to implement work-based learning in your course(s) to encourage student career awareness. A variety of work-based learning delivery models for students in different community settings will be shared. Strategies for model implementation will be provided to enhance WBL opportunities for all students.

Many learners carry invisible burdens—histories of poverty, instability, justice involvement, or loss—that traditional coaching approaches can inadvertently worsen. When you understand trauma’s impact on decision-making, trust, and motivation, you transform from a well-meaning career support professional into an effective coach. This course bridges neuroscience and practice, revealing how trauma shapes the career journey and how your responses either support or undermine learner success. You’ll gain research-backed strategies for building a sense of safety, recognizing trauma responses, and adapting your coaching without requiring learners to disclose their histories. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently create an environment where every learner, regardless of their past, can access your support and move toward meaningful employment.

This course covers the basics of starting a school-based enterprise. As school-based enterprises can be started in any career area, the course content has an application for all CTE instructors. Course topics start with defining what a school-based enterprise is and then proceed to give step-by-step content on how to implement and grow a school-based enterprise. Contained in this course are an array of reference materials and resources that will help instructors to start a school-based enterprise in their own career and technical area, as well as help them understand how to work with their school administration and CTE advisory council.

Career development and management is an ongoing process that occurs over one's life span. Instructors can assist students in understanding the process by explaining that the process involves self-development through the integration of career goals, workplace settings, and events in one's personal life and work experiences. This developmental process can be addressed based on career stages. According to the National Career Development Association (NCDA), the six stages of modern career development that students will experience include assessment, investigation, preparation, commitment, retention, and transition. This course provides an overview of the various stages and how to implement them. The course also provides information on career development inventories, the job search process, and continuing career opportunities.

This course prepares educators to effectively engage all learners in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) classroom through inclusive, hands-on, and industry-aligned instructional strategies. Participants will learn how to assess student learning preferences, interests, prior knowledge, and potential barriers to design responsive instruction. The course emphasizes active learning through project-based instruction, simulations, collaborative roles, and the integration of industry-standard technology. Strategies for differentiation, culturally responsive teaching, and flexible pacing are explored to support diverse learners. Participants will also examine methods for providing meaningful feedback, encouraging reflection, motivating students, and clearly connecting classroom instruction to career pathways, credentials, and workforce opportunities.

Explore the cutting-edge world of 3D printing and additive manufacturing in this comprehensive course, perfect for both beginners and experts. Spanning four detailed modules, you'll embark on a journey from the basics of 3D printing technologies and materials to the forefront of advanced applications. Learn about multi-material and bio-printing, dive into large-scale and industrial uses, and discover the transformative impact of 3D printing in various sectors, including medical, education, and conservation. The course culminates with a look into the future integration of 3D printing with IoT, AI, and space exploration.

Explore the dynamic and evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) with this course designed to cater to a range of learners from beginners to those with some prior knowledge. Starting with AI's history and core concepts and distinguishing it from machine learning and deep learning, the course sets a solid foundation. Delve into practical AI applications such as natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics, and understand the ethical dimensions and biases in AI. The course advances into complex topics like generative adversarial networks and the interplay of AI with big data and quantum computing. Finally, envision AI's future influence in critical sectors like health care and finance, and you will be equipped with knowledge and skills to confidently navigate the future of AI.

This course equips educators with innovative strategies for effectively teaching finance to career and technical education (CTE) students. Emphasizing hands-on learning, it covers fundamental financial concepts tailored to CTE curricula. Topics include budgeting, investment principles, and real-world applications of financial skills in diverse career paths. Participants will explore interactive teaching methods, case studies, and industry-relevant scenarios to enhance student engagement and comprehension. Integrating practical examples and technology tools will enable educators to empower CTE students with essential financial knowledge, fostering financial literacy and readiness for their future careers.

This course provides educators with essential tools to cultivate strong connections beyond the classroom. It explores effective communication methods, collaborative problem-solving techniques, and ways to engage diverse stakeholders. Participants will learn strategies for building trust, navigating conflicts, and leveraging community resources to support student success. Through interactive sessions and real-world examples, educators will develop the skills to enhance parental involvement, promote community partnerships, and create a supportive learning environment. By strengthening relationships with parents and the community, educators can build a collaborative network that enhances student learning and overall school success. This course empowers educators to bridge the gap between home, school, and community, fostering a culture of collaboration and support.

This course addresses how to embed literacy instruction (reading, writing, speaking/listening, and vocabulary) into career and technical education (CTE) curriculum in authentic and engaging ways. Easy-to-implement strategies will be shared for improving students’ oral and written abilities. The contents of this course will help instructors build and expand students’ comprehension and communication skills as they are acquiring the knowledge and experience needed for career success.

This course aims to help CTE educators at the postsecondary level refine their teaching practice by creating welcoming, engaging classrooms (or shops, labs, theaters, farms, studios, job sites, etc.) for all learners. Participants in this course will explore how to create safe, meaningful, and engaging learning environments. You’ll learn about how to foster creative problem solving, bring student voice and experience into the classroom, bolster student engagement, and create a dynamic, learner-centered CTE environment. This course is intentionally designed through the lens of Universal Design for Learning, or UDL. UDL is a research-based educational approach that optimizes teaching and learning. This course will highlight UDL-aligned practices and include concrete examples of how you can apply these practices in your CTE courses.

Executive functions enable learners to do the following:

Set goals
Plan and strategize how they will meet goals
Manage information and resources
Monitor and assess their progress toward goals

In this course, you will explore concrete strategies you can use in your CTE course to support your students’ executive functioning skills. By doing so, you’ll help them become strategic, creative, goal-directed learners who are ready to shine, not only in your course, but also in their chosen professions.

This course, designed especially for CTE educators, explores the role that goals play in learning and how they are an important part of a CTE course. Simply put, learning goals give students a clear understanding of what they are expected to know and be able to do by the end of a learning experience or unit of study. When an instructor sets clear goals for their courses, or for a learning experience, students know where they’re headed. Just as a GPS lets travelers know where they will arrive at the end of their journey, a clear goal gives learners an understanding of what is expected of them. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. When a CTE teacher designs instruction using the UDL framework, they start with a clear learning goal, consider the variability of learners in their course, predict what barriers learners might face when trying to meet the goal, and then, design their instruction to remove as many barriers as possible. When teachers approach instructional design using UDL, learning environments are more accessible, inclusive, equitable and challenging for every learner. And, these equitable learning environments all begin with clear learning goals! (CAST, The Goal of UDL)

This course is intended to help instructors motivate their adult students. Modules 1, 2, and 3 review characteristics of adult learners and explain issues that affect motivation. Module 4 includes a discussion of the basic classes of motivators. Modules 2 and 3 focus on two major topics that influence adult education. These are security and autonomy, both of which can be enhanced using motivational strategies. We will often refer to andragogy, which is the art and science of helping adults learn. Andragogy emphasizes methods and techniques that are self-directed, feature relevant learning, and teach real-world skills. You will learn effective motivational techniques that help adult students feel secure and enjoy a degree of control over their learning process.

This course is intended to familiarize new and experienced instructors with basic concepts, strategies, and trends related to adult education. There is a particular emphasis on several styles of classroom management and associated implications for both teaching and learning. Four modules are included. Modules 1 and 2 provide descriptions of five styles of management and four types of instructors. Module 3 is dedicated to the theoretical and practical implications of discipline as it relates to adult students. Module 4 includes five sections on topics related to andragogy (the art or science of teaching adults) and the management of adult education.

In this course we describe the types and characteristics of questions instructors ask when teaching. We define two methods of classifying questions: the first according to the particular skill required to answer them, and the second according to their complexity and the cognitive level used when responding. We discuss appropriate circumstances when various types of questions should be asked, and we refer to studies that support our recommendations. Three instructional strategies are explained that can result in more effective questioning. Four practices are described that instructors use—or should use—during their lessons. Finally, thirteen tips are offered for review and for enhancing and improving an instructor’s questioning strategy and technique.

This survey course provides an introductory discussion about how good soft skills help instructors to be successful. A distinction is made between hard skills, soft skills, people skills, and workplace behaviors. Selected soft skills are listed for various categories of businesses and industries, including the teaching profession. Two studies are referenced that highlight skills that are frequently cited in the literature. One study was published in 1997, while the other was conducted specifically for this course in 2024. Selected tips are offered for improving one's soft skills. Numerous hyperlinks are included that direct the reader to a variety of online enrichment materials, including a few online instruments that help individuals learn more about their own soft skills.

The most effective instructor is both a scholar and a facilitator. A scholar has a broad and deep command of knowledge in a particular field of expertise. However, for scholars to be effective instructors, they also need to be good facilitators. Facilitators help and motivate others to learn. This is as important as scholarship. In this course we will define and describe "the scholar" and "the facilitator" as individuals, although they are two roles played by one instructor and are of equal importance. We will examine the duties and functions of the instructor as both a scholar and a facilitator.

This course will provide an overview of ChatGPT and how it might impact education. With an artificial intelligence (AI) language processing tool, there could be endless possibilities. However, like any other technology, its use in education is to be considered carefully, because learning will be affected. The course begins with an overview of the history of chatbots and artificial intelligence and goes on to discuss how to use ChatGPT, how teachers and students may use it, and the advantages and disadvantages of its use.

This course provides educators with the tools and strategies to teach game design effectively in career and technical education (CTE) settings. Through modules focused on classroom management, collaborative game development, and student assessment, teachers will learn how to foster an engaging and productive learning environment that balances creativity with discipline. Educators will explore methods for teaching teamwork, assessing diverse student projects, and integrating game design competitions to motivate and challenge students. The course also covers industry career pathways and helps teachers guide students in creating professional portfolios and connecting with game design professionals, preparing them for future success in the field.

This course equips educators with the skills to effectively teach computer programming to secondary and post-secondary students, focusing on creative programming, interactive projects, classroom management, and assessment. It encourages integrating artistic elements into programming assignments to inspire students and deepen their interest. Educators will learn to guide students in building dynamic applications that respond to user input, making programming concepts tangible. The course addresses classroom management challenges like diverse student abilities and maintaining engagement. It also provides tools for assessing both the process and outcomes of student projects, emphasizing technical proficiency and problem-solving skills while offering constructive feedback. Through theory, practical examples, and hands-on activities, educators will create an inspiring and effective programming classroom.

This course analyzes strategies and skills used by highly effective instructors regardless of the level or the topic of their instruction. Each technique is discussed with an emphasis on how an instructor can implement it to enhance instructional improvement. Best practices are suggested and examples are given to assist instructors in taking steps to become more effective. Links are provided for resources that instructors can make a part of their ongoing skill set. The course aims to boost teachers’ ability to engage and teach their students effectively while helping them make progress toward their career goals.

This course will provide an overview of certificates, badges, and micro-credentials, helping instructors understand the differences between the three and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Examples are given for how instructors can implement certificates, badges, and micro-credentials in the classroom. Strategies are provided to assist instructors as they share information about certificates, badges, and micro-credentials with their students and help them select those that are most appropriate for their career development.

Your students are already using AI, and employers expect proficiency. Are you ready to guide them? This foundational course gives you a clear framework for working effectively with AI, helping you move from curious to confident. Rather than focusing on specific platforms that constantly evolve, you'll learn to navigate three fundamental ways humans interact with AI—Tell, Team, and Trust—while developing the three pillars of AI literacy that remain relevant as AI continues to advance. Through hands-on practice, you'll see how this framework connects to CTE fields. By the end, you'll have the language, understanding, and mindset to bring AI into your teaching thoughtfully, preparing students for today's AI-driven workplace while building your foundation for more specialized AI applications.

Your students will enter workplaces where artificial intelligence (AI) impacts hiring, daily tasks, and career advancement. Are you prepared to teach them not just how to use AI, but how to use it responsibly? This course builds directly on your AI Literacy Foundations knowledge, diving deep into the "Responsible Use" pillar. You'll develop practical skills for recognizing bias, ensuring fairness, and maintaining transparency when using AI. Through real-world scenarios, you'll learn to spot hidden bias, communicate AI use appropriately, and protect student data. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive ethical toolkit that guides every AI decision in your teaching and prepares students for responsible AI use in their careers. IMPORTANT: This course assumes foundational knowledge of AI concepts, the Tell-Team-Trust framework for AI interaction, and the three pillars of AI literacy. Without this foundation, you may find discussions of bias detection, ethical decision-making, and responsible AI practices difficult to apply in context. It is strongly recommended that you complete ED160: AI Literacy Foundations for CTE Educators before enrolling in this course.

Your students deserve lessons that reflect both industry relevance and innovative teaching. But curriculum development takes time you don’t have. This course shows you how to integrate AI into your planning and design workflow without sacrificing quality or professional standards. Building on your framework foundation and ethical toolkit, you’ll apply Tell and Team approaches to transform how you create lessons, activities, and assessments. You’ll learn to direct AI for efficient content creation, collaborate with AI for complex design challenges, and apply your ethics skills throughout the process. By the end, you’ll have an AI-integrated planning system that will help you save time creating the hands-on, industry-connected learning your students need. You’ll design better curriculum faster, with your expertise guiding every decision. IMPORTANT: This course assumes foundational knowledge of AI concepts, the Tell-Team-Trust framework for interaction, the three pillars of AI literacy, and ethical AI practices. It is strongly recommended that you complete ED160: AI Literacy Foundations for CTE Educators and ED161: AI Ethics, Bias, and Responsible Use before enrolling in this course.

Grading decisions carry weight. They determine who advances, who’s workplace-ready, who passes licensing exams. Your professional reputation depends on assessment quality, yet crushing volume makes thorough evaluation unsustainable. You’re working weekends to provide feedback that arrives too late. You’re worried about consistency when fatigue sets in. And valuable assessment data revealing what students actually need sits unexamined because there’s no time to analyze patterns. This course explores where AI supports assessment work without compromising professional judgment about student competency. You’ll learn to analyze patterns informing instruction, maintain consistent standards across submissions, and provide developmental feedback efficiently. By the end, you’ll have practical strategies for managing assessment volume while preserving the expertise-driven decisions that make grading meaningful. IMPORTANT: This course assumes foundational knowledge of AI concepts, the Tell-Team-Trust framework for interaction, the three pillars of AI literacy, and ethical AI practices. It is strongly recommended that you complete ED160: AI Literacy Foundations for CTE Educators and ED161: AI Ethics, Bias, and Responsible Use before enrolling in this course.

In the workplaces your students are entering, AI isn’t coming, it’s already there. Employers expect graduates who can work alongside AI tools confidently and competently, but many CTE instructors struggle to distinguish genuine workplace AI literacy from technology hype. This course shifts your focus from using AI yourself to arming students with the professional AI competency employers actually need. You’ll learn to identify field-specific AI applications your students will encounter, integrate authentic AI skill development into existing curriculum without adding overwhelming new content, and assess whether students can use AI as the professional tool it is—not as a replacement for their technical expertise. By the end, you’ll have practical strategies for preparing students for AI-integrated workplaces. IMPORTANT: This course assumes foundational knowledge of AI concepts, the Tell-Team-Trust framework for interaction, the three pillars of AI literacy, and ethical AI practices. It is strongly recommended that you complete ED160: AI Literacy Foundations for CTE Educators and ED161: AI Ethics, Bias, and Responsible Use before enrolling in this course.

This course provides content to enable career and technical education (CTE) educators to strengthen instruction by aligning teaching with the key characteristics of successful graduates. Beyond technical knowledge, students need adaptability, resilience, and transferable skills to thrive in education, work, and life. This course explores six core traits that are necessary for career success: collaboration, communication, innovation, lifelong learning, citizenship, and accountability. Educators will learn practical strategies to embed these traits into curriculum and classroom culture, promote teamwork and problem-solving, and cultivate responsible, adaptable learners. By course end, participants will be equipped to design lessons that build both technical and employability skills, preparing students to succeed in diverse pathways while modeling excellence and responsibility.

This introductory course is designed for new career and technical education (CTE) teachers in the field of manufacturing. The course provides foundational knowledge and practical tools to help teachers build and deliver high-quality CTE programs. Through four key modules—Understanding CTE, Curriculum Development and Lesson Planning, Communication and Assessment, and Developing a High-Quality CTE Program—participants will explore core topics such as Perkins V, writing learning objectives, aligning lessons to industry standards, managing equipment and safety, using formative assessment, and connecting students to work-based learning and dual enrollment opportunities. Participants will also reflect on their own teaching practices and build a network of support as they begin their journeys as CTE educators.

This course is designed for new career and technical education (CTE) teachers in the field of information technology (IT). The course provides knowledge and practical tools to enable teachers to deliver informative and engaging instruction. Through four key modules-Understanding CTE, Curriculum Development and Lesson Planning, Communication and Assessment, and Developing a High-Quality Program, participants will explore core topic such as Perkins V, writing learning objectives, aligning lessons to industry standards, managing equipment and safety, using formative assessment, and connecting students to work-based learning and dual enrollment opportunities. Participants will also reflect on their own teaching practices and build a network of support as they begin their journey as CTE educators.

This introductory course is designed for new career and technical education (CTE) teachers in the field of business. The course provides foundational knowledge and practical tools to help teachers build and deliver high-quality CTE programs. Through four key modules—Understanding CTE, Curriculum Development and Lesson Planning, Communication and Assessment, and Developing a High-Quality CTE Program—participants will explore core topics such as Perkins V, writing learning objectives, aligning lessons to industry standards, managing equipment and safety, using formative assessment, and connecting students to work-based learning and dual enrollment opportunities. Participants will also reflect on their own teaching practices and build a network of support as they begin their journey as CTE educators.

This introductory course is designed for new career and technical education (CTE) teachers in the field of health sciences. The course provides foundational knowledge and practical tools to help teachers build and deliver high-quality CTE programs. Through four key modules—Understanding CTE, Curriculum Development and Lesson Planning, Communication and Assessment, and Developing a High-Quality CTE Program—participants will explore core topics such as Perkins V, writing learning objectives, aligning lessons to industry standards, managing equipment and safety, using formative assessment, and connecting students to work-based learning and dual enrollment opportunities. Participants will also reflect on their own teaching practices and build a network of support as they begin their journeys as CTE educators.

This course provides information to help you effectively communicate with students and encourage communication among students in an online environment. You will learn the importance of facilitating instructor-to-student (I2S), student-to-instructor (S2I), and student-to-student (S2S) communication. Digital technology tools play a vital role in the modern communication process, and several are discussed in this course. In addition, discussion is provided to help you further understand how to manage and measure communication in an online course and help students communicate effectively.

This course outlines the main characteristics of "dynamic" course design for blended instruction and highlights effective teaching methods that facilitate the learning process. Participants in this course will be able to customize the design principles and methods presented here to suit their individual professional context.

Teaching live online requires more than sharing slides; it demands structure, energy, and student-centered interaction. This course equips educators to design and deliver live sessions that keep learners focused, active, and connected.

The course covers the following:

Best practices for structuring live classes, encouraging participation, and using interactive tools such as chat, polls, and breakout activities.
Strategies that enable instructors to design and deliver live online lessons that engage learners and promote participation and collaboration.
Guidance on effective pacing, attention cycles, and digital tools to enhance engagement in live online sessions. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a strong instructor presence and facilitating meaningful discussions.
Methods for managing technical challenges and using learner feedback to improve live online instruction.

Sequencing and Articulation is one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®. This element of the high-quality framework addresses the key components of a program of study, and the articulation, coordination and collaboration that support programs of study, career pathways, and accelerated learning. Modules focus on the progression of knowledge and skills, vertically aligned and non-duplicated programs, sequencing for recognized credentials, multiple entry and exit points, providing opportunities for articulated credit, collaboration among instructors at different levels, and coordination within a career pathways system.

This course, based on the ACTE high-quality framework element 4, Prepared and Effective Program Staff, addresses the qualifications and professional development of program of study CTE staff, including secondary CTE teachers, postsecondary CTE faculty, CTE administrators, and other personnel. For this reason, Prepared and Effective Program Staff is one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework ^®.

CTE students need opportunities to demonstrate knowledge and skills that are aligned to standards through active and engaged learning strategies. For this reason, Engaging Instruction is one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®. This course addresses instructional strategies in a student-centered learning environment that supports attainment of relevant content knowledge and skills. It is designed to provide CTE educators with tools to create cross-curricular classroom content for technical, academic, and employability skill development in a dynamic learning environment. Integrating various methods of content delivery through authentic project-, problem-, inquiry-, and challenge-based learning will be addressed, as well as differentiating learning and practical applications considering the equipment, technology, and course-related materials utilized.

High-quality CTE programs demonstrate commitment to the success of students from different backgrounds and with varying needs. For this reason, Access and Supports is one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®. The Access and Equity element addresses program of study promotion, student recruitment, and strategies that support access and equity for various student populations, including by gender, race and ethnicity, and special population status (such as individuals with disabilities, individuals from economically disadvantaged families and English learners).

High-quality CTE requires relevant, safe facilities that are properly equipped to prepare learners. For this reason, Facilities, Equipment, Technology and Materials is one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®. This element addresses the configuration, relevance and safety of the physical and material components of the program of study, including laboratories, classrooms, computers, industry-specific equipment, and tools and supplies that support learning. The application of this element in a CTE program requires a wide-ranging awareness of operating a safe, relevant and effective learning environment that supports the educational program.

CTE programs benefit from creating partnerships with organizations in their community such as employers, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations and workforce boards. For this reason, Business and Community Partnerships is one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®. These partnerships allow educators and community members to combine forces and provide input on CTE program quality and alignment to the labor market, experiential learning activities, and support for students. The course explores the different roles each partner can play and their impact on students, instructors and faculty, and the quality of the CTE program. Success stories from partnerships across the United States will be shared, along with advice for how to sustain them.

Career and technical education (CTE) leaders must make informed decisions when developing new programs of study that respond to workforce needs while providing equitable opportunities for learners. This course examines the full program development process, from assessing workforce demand and institutional capacity to designing curriculum, launching programs and evaluating long-term effectiveness. Using a data center operations case study, participants will explore how labor market information, student demand, partnerships, facilities, staffing, communication strategies and continuous improvement practices influence program success. Through practical planning activities and real-world examples, participants will gain tools and strategies to develop, implement and sustain high-quality CTE programs that align with workforce and learner needs.

Special Offer from ACTE
ACTE is pleased to offer this course FREE for a limited time! Use key code MK-ACTE104 when enrolling to receive complimentary access to the course. Once enrolled, you will have one year from your enrollment date to complete the course.

This course provides CTE program leaders with practical strategies for transforming advisory boards from compliance exercises into powerful tools for driving program success. It guides participants through the complete advisory board life cycle, from establishing foundations to measuring impact. The content addresses the basics of board design and setup, goal-setting, recruiting, meeting management, and more. Participants learn to identify key stakeholders, establish clear expectations, engage members effectively, and implement strategic initiatives that enhance program quality. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on creating boards with meaningful industry connections that drive program success. By focusing on purposeful engagement rather than administrative requirements, the course helps CTE leaders develop boards that effectively bridge education and industry needs, ultimately improving student outcomes and program relevance.

This course explores the critical differences between management and leadership. Participants will be introduced to definitions and myths about each area as well as how management and leadership must coexist for an organization to operate effectively. Participants will explore their own management/leadership tendencies through exercises to see leadership and management in action.

Not everyone is suited for or aspires to a leadership position, and that is perfectly acceptable. Understanding the desire to lead is a fundamental step toward becoming an effective leader. In this program, participants will engage in thoughtful self-reflection, examining their personal motivations and the underlying values that drive their interest in leadership. They will also assess their own leadership styles by identifying strengths and areas for growth. This exploration will not only deepen their self-awareness but also equip them with practical strategies to enhance their leadership effectiveness in various contexts, whether in professional environments or community settings.

To improve your impact and effectiveness as a leader, you must not only understand the role of a leader, but you must also take into consideration the followers and the situation. This course defines leadership impact and explores the interactional framework for leadership.

The higher education industry provides a wealth of opportunities and challenges for those seeking leadership positions. In this course, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the higher education sector and themselves. The importance of higher education institutions will be explored along with developing a personal leadership legacy.

Get ready to add a number of skills to your toolkit as you develop as a leader! This course focuses on increased self-awareness in communication styles and learning; developing deeper understanding through empathic listening; and motivating through innovation.

Gezza Capuno

Badge Evidence | Completed Courses (4 Hours Each)

CHEP in Teaching

CHEP in Online Teaching

CHEP in Admissions

CHEP in Career Services

CHEP in Campus Operations

CHEP in Leadership