Tennessee Celebrates National CTE Month Throughout February

Education-to-Workforce Strategy Enhances Student Advancement from Classroom to Career

Nashville, TN-Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced February is Tennessee Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month and will celebrate by amplifying the role CTE has in preparing all students-regardless of whether they pursue college, career, or military pathways after high school-for postsecondary, career, and military success.

To spotlight the state and nationwide celebration of CTE Month, Governor Bill Lee issued a proclamation to recognize how CTE provides Tennessee students with numerous opportunities-such as work-based learning (WBL), early postsecondary opportunities (EPSOs), Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), and industry credentials-to improve the quality of their education and increase the skills necessary for career readiness and future success.

"Tennessee's career and technical education programs prepare all students to succeed in their chosen careers while building a resilient, skilled workforce for our future," said Gov. Bill Lee. "I'm grateful for the General Assembly's partnership to ensure schools have the resources they need to make CTE programs innovative so every Tennessean can thrive."

"This month, and throughout the school year, we recognize and reiterate our goal of ensuring that all Tennessee students, regardless of their chosen pathways after high school, participate in CTE and are equipped with the foundational and technical skills necessary to excel in postsecondary education, the military, and the workforce," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "Districts and schools are steadfast in their commitment to continue enhancing and introducing CTE classes, activities, and supports that best guide students to successful futures."

The department, in partnership with Tennessee state agencies and education and workforce partners, has adopted four interrelated pillars that form the foundation of the state's education-to-workforce strategy: Credentials of Value, Individualized Advising, Seamless Transitions, and Work-Based Learning. These priorities represent a statewide commitment to helping all students have the skills, experiences, and supports needed to pursue meaningful futures.

Across the state, districts and schools are implementing and expanding innovative programs that align with the four strategic initiatives. Highlights of CTE in Tennessee during the 2024-25 school year include the following:

• For the sixth consecutive year, WBL student enrollment has increased to 22,641, with students earning 41,625 credits statewide.
• Student participation in EPSOs reached new heights, with over 221,000 course enrollments statewide.
• Over 20,000 students, advisors, postsecondary institutions, and industry partners participated in state leadership conferences (SLCs), reinforcing Tennessee's commitment to leadership development, showcasing student work, and industry collaboration.
• Over 77,000 industry credentials were earned, signaling students' readiness to enter the workforce.

Using the hashtags #CTEMonth and #AcceleratingTN, Tennesseans can engage on social media throughout the month to learn about CTE opportunities.

For more information about Tennessee's CTE work, visit the department's CTE webpage. To learn more about the state's CTE initiatives that empower students, support educators, and enhance district and business partner programs, read the 2024-25 PWCMR Overview.

For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact [email protected].

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