Elizabeth Bennett has been working in Career Technical Education (CTE) for twenty years in Massachusetts and, as of early April 2020, is now serving as the state’s Associate Commissioner for College, Career and Technical Education. Most recently, Elizabeth was Director of Grants, Workforce Development and Community Outreach at the Greater Lawrence Technical School outside of Boston, MA, developing programming with local employers for under- and unemployed community members, people returning from prison, and out of school youth. The school boasted a long waitlist for these notably successful programs. 
Recently, Elizabeth completed studies in Urban Justice and Sustainability at Tufts University, spending time thinking critically about access to CTE programs in her state and piloting an innovative “After Dark” program, where learners would arrive at the Greater Lawrence Technical School for CTE instruction between 2:30 and 5, providing access to CTE to those who may not be available during traditional school hours. Based on this successful pilot, Elizabeth earned grant funding and expanded the After Dark program state-wide.
These days, Elizabeth is looking forward to the state’s implementation of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) , after having worked on Perkins at the local level, and having written Perkins grants at the local level in her previous jobs. She also looks forward to elevating high quality CTE programs in MA.
As Elizabeth was an English major and taught English literature early in her career, we asked her what fictional world she might like to be magically transported to. Her answer? England during Shakespearean times to act in one of his plays. Welcome, Elizabeth to the State CTE Director community!
Sara Gassman, Senior Associate, Member Engagement & Professional Learning