Lead CTE Network – A new leadership program and network for CTE district leaders and administrators.
For CTE district leaders and those who have influence in district CTE programming
The Lead CTE Network is a new statewide district leader, counselor, and administrator program, combining in-person support with resources and professional development to support district leaders. The program is based upon our CTE TIP mentoring program. With more than 20 years of experience operating TIP, the Lead CTE Network is a researched-based, proven approach to district CTE leader and administrator professional development.
Lead CTE Network
for CTE Leaders and Administrators
A statewide cohort designed to provide district leaders, administrators, and decision makers without a background in Career and Technical Education (CTE) with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to better understand, design, and implement impactful CTE programming. The program is for superintendents, principals, business managers, counselors, curriculum leaders, instructional coaches, and other district and school-level administration.
The Lead CTE Network aims to strengthen leadership capacity in CTE, foster collaboration, align CTE curriculum with industry standards, promote access and opportunity in CTE, and advance systems change thinking.
The Minnesota Service Cooperatives (MSC), the Minnesota Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (MACTA), and the Minnesota Association for Career and Technical Education (MnACTE) administer the Lead CTE Network, with major support from the MSC CTE Consortium Grant.
About the Program
The objectives of the Lead CTE Network are to:
- Strengthen Leadership Capacity: Equip local district/school teams with skills to manage programs, advocate for resources (e.g., CTE Levy/Revenue), and support teachers and CTE programs effectively
- Foster Collaboration: Establish a community of practice for networking, mentorship, and shared problem-solving
- Align with Industry Standards: Ensure that programs and pathways meet current and future workforce demands
- Promote Access and Opportunity: Address barriers to access and success in CTE programs, particularly for underrepresented groups
- Advance Systems Thinking: Encourage systemic change in education and workforce development
The Lead CTE Network uses a comprehensive approach to assist CTE administrators and district leaders during their early years. Effective administrators and teachers understand the commitment to be a life-long learner and one of Lead CTE’s goals is to help new administrators begin this process. Following are activities intended to meet the purpose and objectives of the Lead CTE Network:
In-Person Conferences
The Lead CTE Network provides support to district leaders through networking and coaching from regional leader, statewide content experts, and their peers to share resources, curricula, and best practices relevant to administration, counseling, and district leadership. This approach provides district leaders with an opportunity to meet with other leaders, network with administrators, and become more connected to the CTE profession.
Mentorship and Support
A cornerstone of the Lead CTE Network, and all our mentoring programs, is forming supportive relationships between coaches and educators who need professional development. Leaders within MACTA and the Minnesota Service Cooperatives serve as coaches for this program and are selected based upon their successful teaching and administrative experience, reputation as an effective mentor, and their ability to foster supportive relationships with other leaders.
Collaborative Inquiry Groups
Network participants form inquiry groups around topics of the group’s choosing to dig into content that will improve their district and CTE programs. District leaders work together to identify common challenges, analyze potential solutions, test out approaches, and share the resources they develop.
Virtual Meetings
During Lead CTE Network, we hold monthly virtual meetings throughout the school year. Delivery of professional development by Zoom conserves valuable travel resources and is a convenient and efficient approach for district leaders to meet during their busy schedules.
Cost
LEAD CTE NETWORK
$600 $300
Includes two nights hotel, six meals, and instructional facilities and materials.
Funding for the registration cost may be available from your Perkins Consortium or Service Cooperative.
This program has a reduced cost thanks to support from the Minnesota Service Cooperatives’ CTE Consortium Grant.
Session 1
Orientation
August 2025 (virtual)
3:30-5:00 pm
Session 2
September 21-22, 2025 (in-person)
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Held with the CTE Teacher Induction Program (CTE TIP)
Session 3
October 2025 (virtual)
3:30-5:00 pm
Special invite to Business Managers and HR
Session 4
December 2025 (virtual)
3:30-5:00 pm
Session 5
February/March 2026 (virtual)
3:30-5:00 pm
Session 6
June 15-16, 2026 (in-person)
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Held with the CTE Teacher Induction Program (CTE TIP)
Lead CTE Frequently Asked Questions
Lead CTE Resources
Each year district leaders in CTE share resources, tools, and information they create to help others who also lead CTE in their districts. Lead CTE Network resources are free.
Support
The Lead CTE Network is made possible through major support from the Minnesota Service Cooperatives’ (MSC) CTE Consortium Grant.