What is CTE?

Career and Technical Education is intended to provide students with skills needed in the labor market and to prepare them for post-secondary study in technical areas. The emphasis is on real-world connections to classroom activities — students learn professional and technical skills by practicing those skills. Traditional CTE programs include such vocational courses as automotive repair and welding, but many states offer courses in desktop design applications under the CTE umbrella.

Rather than competing with academic-based college preparation programs, CTE can supplement academic programs, according to the Brookings Institute.

Publication and broadcast CTE programs integrate a variety of skills used in professional fields, including journalism, but also business, technology, and “soft skills” needed in any workplace.

"CTE can motivate students to attend school more frequently and be more engaged, and therefore improve core academic skills.”

The Brookings Institute

Why CTE?

Developing a publications program under CTE has several possible advantages.

For the adviser:

  • Federal funding for equipment and professional development.
  • Access to grants and support organizations.
  • Recognition of the program as career preparation.

For the student:

  • Dual enrollment in college program (varies by state).
  • Certification in software programs such as Adobe Photoshop.
  • Employability skills that translate directly into the workplace.
  • Publications and broadcast CTE programs integrates a variety of skills used in professional fields, including journalism but also business, technology, and “soft skills” needed in any workplace.

How do I start a CTE program?

Whether journalism teachers have an existing publications program that falls under another content/department area or are starting a program from scratch, they may want or need to network with district and state CTE leadership, assess the program for career-related skills and research the requirements by state for teacher and program certification. 

Step-By-Step Guide

CTE | ETC Resources

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CTE chair Laura Negri, CJE, presents information on the path to Adobe certification for you and your students. The session will highlight resources to prepare for testing.

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CTE chair Laura Negri, CJE, shares information about career and technical student organizations and how to start one at your school.

Adobe Certification

JEA offers testing for Adobe Certified Professional exams at the National High School Journalism Convention.

Fall 2024 — Nov. 7-10 in Philadelphia, registration deadline Oct. 17, 2024.
Spring 2025 — April 24-26 in Seattle, registration deadline April 4, 2024.

$70 Adobe Certified Professional exam
$110 Adobe Certified Professional exam and practice test

Advisers and students will have the opportunity to take certification exams for Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere. These exams are for intermediate- to advanced-level users.

The 50-minute exams will be administered Saturday morning in the convention computer lab — no personal devices will be allowed. The optional practice tests will be available to testers to practice on their own prior to the fall convention.

This certification is recognized by industry leaders. It also supports high school journalism classes to become funded CTE pathways.