10 Easy Ways to Celebrate National CTE Month
February is right around the corner, and you know what that means—it’s time to roll out the red carpet for National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month! It’s the perfect excuse to hit pause on the chaos (well, sort of) and shine a spotlight on the amazing work happening in your CTE classroom.
Let’s face it: CTE teachers are basically the superheroes of education, but we also have to be our own advocates for our programs. Between juggling lesson plans, CTSO meetings, and preparing students for their futures, you’re basically running your own mini-empire. So why not take this opportunity to celebrate all the awesomeness you bring to the table in your school and community?
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the CTE world, I’ve got 10 easy, impactful, and downright fun ways for you and your students to raise awareness and celebrate CTE Month. Let’s make February your program’s time to shine!
1. Host a School-Wide CTE T-Shirt Day
Encourage your CTE teachers and students to wear shirts representing their Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) or CTE programs. Whether it’s DECA, FBLA, HOSA, or another organization, this simple activity visually showcases the number of students engaged in CTE courses and organizations. Plus, it doubles as a recruitment tool for students considering joining next year! Schedule a time for everyone who wore a CTE shirt to take a picture in the gym. This is great promo on social media, newsletters, community promotion, and it makes a great shot for the yearbook! Looking to score some bonus points with your admin? Give them a shirt to wear that represents your organization!
2. Share Stats on Social Media
Boost your program’s online visibility by posting CTE-related graphics on your school’s social media pages. Include interesting facts and statistics about CTE, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #CTEMonth to connect with the broader CTE community. Need some stock graphics to use? Grab 10 free ones here.
3. Write Advocacy Letters
Have students or CTSO officers write letters to school administrators, board members, or local policymakers about how CTE has positively influenced their education and career goals. This activity can also serve as a meaningful assignment for a Computer Applications class or as an engaging sub-plan for a day you’re out of the classroom. The content is more meaningful and impactful when it comes from a student perspective!
4. Organize an Advisory Council Meeting
Use CTE Month as an opportunity to hold your annual advisory council meeting. Invite local business leaders, industry partners, and community members to learn more about your program. Make it memorable by hosting a themed event like “Breakfast with a Business” and showcasing student projects.
5. Secure a City Proclamation
Work with your mayor or local officials to sign a proclamation officially recognizing CTE Month in your city. This action highlights the shared investment between schools and local government in preparing the workforce of tomorrow. Have each of your CTSO presidents be the ones to present the proclamation to be signed!
6. Plan Middle School Outreach
February is the perfect time to connect with middle schoolers as they prepare to choose high school classes. Host a “Recruitment Day” where 8th graders can tour your CTE classrooms, meet teachers, and learn about the exciting opportunities your programs offer. This is one of the things we do at my school that makes THE biggest impact on our CTE course registration numbers.
7. Treat Students with a Hot Chocolate Bar
February weather is chilly, so warm things up with a hot chocolate bar at your monthly CTSO meeting! Pinterest is a goldmine for setup ideas. Add a cozy touch by projecting a crackling fireplace on the screen during the event. You could even take this a step further, put your hot cocoa bar on rolling carts, and treat the teachers in your building to a cozy beverage compliments of the CTE department.
8. Integrate Career Research Activities
Incorporate career research standards into your February lesson plans with “Future Fridays.” Dedicate Fridays to career exploration activities, connecting them to how your CTE courses prepare students for the careers they’re researching. For a ready to go project you can use, try my Career Research Infographic Activity.
9. Create a Student Spotlight
Showcase your students’ achievements with a “Wall of Fame” in a high-traffic area. Highlight accomplishments like industry certifications, competitive event results, and standout projects. Visual displays like bulletin boards are a fantastic way to celebrate your students and inspire others to join CTE programs.
10. Surprise Teachers with a Root Beer Float Cart
Spread some joy to your fellow CTE teachers with a surprise snack cart. Stock it with vanilla ice cream, root beer, Coca-Cola, and snacks. Have students push the cart to each CTE teacher’s room, offering to make floats and deliver treats. It’s a simple gesture that will leave your team smiling all day.
Bonus Tip: Collaborate and Share Ideas
CTE Month is about celebrating together! Collaborate with fellow teachers to share resources, plan events, and brainstorm new ways to raise awareness.
National CTE Month is your time to shine, and these activities are just the start! Ready to take your celebration to the next level? Download your free CTE Month Graphics here to jumpstart your social media campaign. Have a favorite way to celebrate? Drop a comment below or connect with me—I’d love to hear how you’re making #CTEMonth unforgettable in your school! Happy celebrating!