Career and Technical Education (CTE) can transform lives when access is intentional, inclusive, and aligned to workforce outcomes. Yet students with disabilities and other marginalized learners are often excluded due to systemic barriers and misaligned practices. Drawing on over three decades of experience as a CTE-certified teacher, school principal, and district leader, this session examines how districts can redesign CTE pathways to ensure equity, compliance, rigor, and meaningful postsecondary success. Participants will explore practical strategies to remove gatekeeping practices, align IEPs and instructional supports with workforce competencies, strengthen cross-department collaboration, and develop inclusive CTE models that lead to certifications, apprenticeships, and living-wage careers. Attendees will leave with actionable tools applicable across urban, suburban, and rural settings.
