Career and Technical Education

When policymakers discuss strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE), the conversation often focuses on programs, equipment, instructors, facilities, and employer partnerships. These investments are essential, but they represent only part of what students need to successfully navigate a career pathway.  Behind every successful CTE student is a network of support. School counselors, career advisors, social

Career and Technical Education (CTE) has long been promoted as a pathway to workforce readiness, economic mobility, and postsecondary success. For many students, particularly those from low-income households and historically marginalized communities, CTE provides meaningful opportunities to develop practical skills, explore career options, and gain access to employment pathways that could otherwise remain out of

While the number of vacant teaching positions in Illinois has gone down over the past few years, the severity of the persistent shortage of quality educators in rural areas remains as potent as ever. This is the mixed reality of the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) “2026 Unfilled Positions Dashboard.” As ISBE correctly notes,

Executive Summary Illinois’ community college systems play a vital role in providing access to affordable post-secondary education and workforce training. In rural areas, these institutions often serve as a primary pathway beyond high school. Dual credit programs within Career and Technical Education (CTE) allow students to earn college credit, industry-aligned skills while reducing the cost

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MACOMB, IL, FEBRUARY 2026 – The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS) has completed a third statewide assessment of rural career and technical education programs (CTE) through their partnership with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Regional Office of Education 26 called the Rural IL CTE Project. The Project