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 the Talent Development Pipeline(power of e3: Education, Employment (workforce) and Economic development)
2. Engage in the formation and dissemination of legislation and public policy that impacts talent development (e3: 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. Redesign administrative structure to ensure excellence in program, policy, fiscal, and other operational functions and support the implementation of the strategic plan.

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.

Committees

The committees are ‘the workers bees’ of our association. They are active forums for the exchange of information, providing feedback and guidance – where the work of the association is done. Active member involvement is critical to the success of NASDCTEc. This member involvement is most noted in our committees.

The association has a set of standing and ad hoc committees that work throughout the year to guide the association’s activities and assure member participation. Currently there are five standing committees: Accountability, Career Clusters, Finance, Legislative, and Nominations. All committees, except the Finance and Nominations Committees, are open committees to members – you do not need to be appointed to serve. For more information on our committee’s goals, etc. see our Committee page.

Professional Development

NASDCTEc hosts two national meetings each year – a Spring Meeting, traditionally held in Washington, D.C.; a Fall Meeting held in September 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! Check them out on our Spring Meeting pages and Fall Meeting pages.

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 monthly E-lerts, electronic newsletters packed with information on issues, activities, etc. of interest to those in the career technical education community. See a sample E-Lert!

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. See a sample legislative alert!

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, conducts surveys, etc. 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!