There are several professional organizations that represent CTE teachers and administrators on the national and state levels. The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the national umbrella organization that advocates and supports all CTE educators. The specific New York organizations are described below. The relationship with one another is clarified in this organizational chart.

ACTENew York State Association for Career & Technical Education

NYSACTE is the advocate for Career and Technical Education, an integral part of the total education system in New York. Its mission is:

  • To provide leadership in developing a competitive workforce
  • To provide leadership and unification for Career and Technical Education professional associations
  • To provide the members of the Career and Technical Education community with professional development
  • To promote Career and Technical Education with students, student leadership organizations, the education community, and the public
  • To monitor and initiate legislative and policy activities that enhance and promote Career and Technical education

ACTEA logo 2019Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators

The Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (ACTEA) is a non-profit organization that consists of New York State Career & Technical Education administrators. Selected administrators serve on ACTEA’s board to promote and monitor Career and Technical initiatives in New York State. ACTEA has recently added an organizational membership to serve teachers that are not supported by other CTE professional organizations.

ACTEA represents the needs and interests of Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, staff, and students. ACTEA also helps set standards and advocate for CTE. They identify and analyze data with the State Education Department (SED) to determine student outcomes as well as request specific action from SED. ACTEA aids in setting instructional standards for all NYS-approved CTE programs through on-going work in curriculum development. ACTEA also exists in order to maintain professional standards among educators involved in various aspects of Career and Technical Education in New York State.

ACTEA cooperates with the Association for Career and Technical Education, New York State Association of Career and Technical Educators, and any other professional group with objectives compatible with those of ACTEA, Inc.

BTABusiness Teachers Association of New York State

The Business Teachers Association of New York State is a voluntary professional organization that provides networking, support, and professional growth opportunities for its members to effectively educate today's students for tomorrow's global economy.

Objectives:

  • To stimulate professional growth
  • To protect the interests of business/marketing educators in NYS
  • To provide an opportunity for consultation and study of mutual problems
  • To provide an opportunity for discussion and study of common interests of New York State business/marketing teachers
  • To provide an organization to bring in specialists in various fields to acquaint the association with the newest trends in business/marketing education
  • To provide a medium for the development of a public relations program in business/marketing education
  • To promote and foster social contacts among those interested in business/marketing education

NYAAENew York Association of Agricultural Educators

As the professional association for agricultural educators, NYAAE provides opportunities for professional growth, improvement, and recognition while helping its members become more effective educators. NYAAE membership consists of middle and High School educators, Post Secondary Professors, and Administrators.

The mission of agricultural education is to provide a total, dynamic educational system. We aspire to excellence as we recruit, prepare, and support individuals in agricultural careers. We serve the people and inform them about agriculture, its needs, opportunities, and challenges.

NYSAFCSENew York State Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Educators

The mission of Family & Consumer Sciences Education is to prepare students for family life, work-life, and careers in Family & Consumer Sciences by providing opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors needed for:

  • Strengthening the well-being of individuals and families across the life span
  • Becoming responsible citizens and leaders in family, community, and work settings
  • Promoting optimal nutrition and wellness across the life span
  • Managing resources to meet the material needs of individuals and families
  • Balancing personal, home, family, and work lives
  • Using critical and creative thinking skills to address problems in diverse family, community, and work environments
  • Successful life management, employment, and career development
  • Functioning effectively as providers and consumers of goods and services

NYSTEEANew York State Technology and Engineering Educators Association

The New York State Technology and Engineering Educators Association is the professional association of Technology Education teachers. We are working to ensure the technological literacy of New York State students. NYSTEEA creates and encourages opportunities for professional development and collaboration of Technology teachers. We support student participation and achievement in technology learning activities and competitions. Our organization is not for profit and is guided by an Executive Board and an Advisory Council. http://nysteea.org/

Membership in your professional organization strengthens our profession. The benefits of membership and the accomplishments of the organization are numerous.

  • Update of middle level and high school curricula
  • A network of professional development workshops
  • A network of mini-conferences around the state
  • A network of professional development workshops
  • Organize and support a NYSTEEA student competition
  • Establishment of NYSTEEA student scholarship fund
  • Development of technology content that aligns with State and National standards
  • Maintain an active web site that includes job listings
  • Maintain contact with the State Education Department
  • Monitor legislative and political action
  • Monitor Board of Regents actions
  • Promote Technology Education within the industrial and business community
  • Expand our relationships with the math and science professional community
  • NSF grant participation

WECAWork Experience Coordinators' Association of New York State

WECA is a New York State organization that promotes work-based learning programs for all students under the auspices of the State Education Department and the Career Development and Occupational Studies Framework. Our members comprise a wide range of school and business professionals who work collaboratively to engage students in relevant, "real world" learning opportunities ranging from career awareness to career exploration and career development. 

Goals:

  • To unite all engaged in work-based learning programs and collectively share information and ideas for the promotion of these programs in New York State.
  • To serve as a liaison between our local organizations and the State Education Department for information relative to work-based learning programs in New York State.
  • To promote education and certification of teachers coordinating work-based learning programs throughout the state.
  • To aid in the development of new programs across the state.
  • To support and promote occupational programs, career majors, and other work-based learning programs.
  • To promote and support student leadership organizations.
  • To establish and maintain relationships with similar organizations in New York and other states.

NYSHSEANew York State Health Science Educators Association

The New York State Health Science Educators Association provides the following services:

  • Promotes and maintains active leadership in significant issues affecting Health Occupations and Career and Technical Education.
  • Serves as a resource group for educators seeking consultation concerning Health Occupations Education and promotes communication among NYSHOEA members.
  • Conducts annual meeting to promote staff development and address current issues.
  • Collaborates with other groups or individuals on matters affecting Health Occupations Education and supports SED activities.
  • Promotes active participation in Student Leadership Organizations (HOSA/SkillsUSA).

New York State Trade and Technical Teachers' Association

NYSTTTA is a new organization for CTE Teachers who are certified to teach Trade and Technical nysttasubjects. The purposes of the organization are to:

  • stimulate professional growth for Trade and Technical Teachers
  • protect the interests of Trade and Technical Teachers in New York State
  • provide an opportunity for collaboration and attention to mutual problems or concerns
  • provide an opportunity for addressing and supporting common interests of New York State Trade and Technical Teachers
  • provide the organization with support from business and industry to remain current with the trends in workforce needs
  • provide support for public relations initiatives related to Trade and Technical Education
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Criminal Justice Studies Technical Education Career Instructors

CJS/TECI,Inc is a criminal justice studies teacher organization created by Criminal Justice teachers for Criminal Justice teachers. This organization was formed approximately 18 years ago and is recognized by the NYS  Department of Education. It is a way for teachers to share curriculum ideas, best practices and provide training for new advances in the Criminal Justice System at our annual conference.

For more information contact Judy Essig, President, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.