MnACTE

The Minnesota Association for Career and Technical Education (MnACTE) is a representative, statewide, professional, umbrella organization of and for individuals who teach, administer, coordinate, and offer support services to students in secondary and post-secondary career and technical education.

MnACTE is a unified voice representing Minnesota Career and Technical Education teachers to provide high quality CTE programs. Working to increase the awareness of the value of CTE to ensure every student has career success.

MnACTE Annual Conference 2025

February 17, 2025 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 
Best Western Kelly Inn, 100 4th Avenue South, St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301

Join us for the MnACTE Annual Conference, a gathering that serves as a collaboration space for Career and Technical Education professionals. Hosted at the Best Western Kelly Inn in the heart of St. Cloud, Minnesota, the conference promises a stimulating environment for discussions, networking, and the exchange of new ideas in the field of career and technical education.

Our MnACTE Annual Conference will offer a rich program featuring speakers from across the state, insightful discussions, and interactive workshops, all designed to provide attendees with the latest trends and innovations in education. See our full schedule. Registration closes January 31.

Whether you are an educator, student, or simply an education enthusiast, the MnACTE Annual Conference is an invaluable opportunity to engage with thought leaders and peers in the field. We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching event.

Benefits of Membership

  • Take part in a support system for CTE
  • Participate in leadership skill development
  • Have grass roots input in legislative platforms
  • Expand your professional network
  • Participate in staff development activities
  • Access to curriculum and resources
2024-2025, 2025-2026

MnACTE Leadership Team

MNACTE OFFICER:
– President
Ms. Holly Strand-Rysgaard

Moorhead High School
Moorhead, MN

MNACTE OFFICER:
– President-Elect
Ms. Sarah Shanley

NE Metro 916 Intermediate Schools
Saint Paul, MN

MNACTE OFFICER:
– Past-President
Mr. Brent Olinger

Former North Hennepin College
Saint Paul, MN

MNACTE OFFICER:
– treasurer & Executive Director
Dr. Lavyne Rada

Minnesota CTE,
Litchfield, MN

MNACTE OFFICER:
– Secretary & ACTE REgion III REP
Mr. Ethan Dado

Eden Prairie Schools,
Eden Prairie, MN

Administration Division:
– MACTA Representative
Ms. Sarah Shanley

NE Metro 916 Intermediate
St. Paul, MN

Agricultural Education Division:
– MAAE representative
Ms. Nikki Flaaen

Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School
Zumbrota, MN

Agricultural Education Division:
– MAAE representative (100+ Members)
Mr. Eric Sawatzke

West-Central Area High School
Barrett, MN

Agricultural Education Division
– MAAE Representative (200+ Members)
Ms. Jessica Daberkow

Heron Lake-Okabena High School
Okabena, MN

Agricultural Education Division
– MAAE Representative (300+ Members)
Mr. Mike Miron

Forest Lake High School
Forest Lake, MN

Agricultural Education Division:
– MAAE Representative (400+ Members)
Ms. Pam Koenen

Alden-Conger High School
Alden, MN

Business Education Division:
– MBITE representative
Mr. DJ McDonald

Hermantown High School
Hermantown, MN

Counseling and Career Dev. Division:
– GCD Representative
Vacant

Engineering and Technology EDU. DIVision:
– MTEEA representative
Mr. TJ Hendrickson

Shakopee High School
Shakopee, MN

Family and Consumer SCI. EDU. Division:
– MAFCS representative
Dr. Inas Elansary

Anoka-Hennepin Schools
Anoka, MN

Family and Consumer SCI. EDU. Division:
– MAFCS representative (100+ Members)
Ms. Maxine Peterson

MAFCS
MN

Health Science Education Division:
– HSE representative
Mr. Greg Summers

Mankato High School
Mankato, MN

New and Related Services Division:
– MN ACTE-For All (SPED) representative
Ms. Brandi Anderson

My Path
Minneapolis, MN

Postsec., Adult, and Career EDU. Division:
– pace Representative
Mr. Robb Lowe

Minnesota State – System Office
St. Paul, MN

Trade and Industrial Education Division:
– T&I representative
Vacant

Work-based Learning Division:
– WBL representative
Vacant

Liaison (NON-VOTING):
– MN STATE Representative
Vacant

Liaison (NON-VOTING):
– MDE Representative
Vacant

Resources and Documents

MnACTE Governance Documents

MnACTE Awards

MnACTE Award Applications MnACTE Past Award Winners

MN ACTE-For All (SPED) – formerly MN ACTE-SNP Governance Documents

Note: MN ACTE-For All is a division of MnACTE, but the two are technically separate organizations.