CTE Leadership Development Program

The CTE Leadership Development Program at Penn State prepares educators to take on leadership roles within Career and Technical Education (CTE). This program equips participants with essential skills in educational administration, leadership strategies, policy advocacy, and effective management of CTE programs. 

The program offers multiple pathways to achieve the CTE Director’s Certificate and advanced degrees, including a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Science (M.S.), allowing educators to tailor their leadership training to meet their career goals. 

1. Director’s Certification Pathway 

The Director’s Certification Pathway is designed for educators aspiring to become Directors of CTE programs. CTE Directors play a critical role in overseeing the administration of area technical schools and Career and Technical Centers (CTCs), ensuring that educational programs meet state and federal guidelines while addressing student and community needs. 

Key Responsibilities of a CTE Director: 

• Personnel Management: Supervise and evaluate both certificated and non-certificated staff.
• Student Services: Manage student affairs and ensure equitable access to CTE programs.
• Fiscal and Facilities Management: Oversee budget planning, resource allocation, and facility improvements.
• Curriculum and Instruction: Lead curriculum development and ensure alignment with industry standards.
• Community Relations: Serve as a liaison between schools, local businesses, and community stakeholders.
• Compliance: Ensure programs meet legal and regulatory requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). 

Grade Level Scope: The certification qualifies educators to manage CTE programs for grades 7-12 in Pennsylvania. 

2. Program of Study for Director’s Certification 

The Director’s Certification Program can be completed in two years (four semesters) and offers an optional pathway to earn an M.Ed. or M.S. degree. Courses are delivered in a blended format, combining online classes with in-person sessions as needed. 

Certification Courses (24 Credits): 

M.Ed. or M.S. Degree Options (Additional Credits): 

Note: Students must complete the ETS Praxis School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) (#6990) to qualify for certification. 

3. Eligibility and Enrollment 

Eligibility Requirements: 

To enroll in the Director’s Certification Pathway, candidates must:  

Meet all PDE requirements for CTE administrative certification. 

Career and Technical Administrative Director Certification (Traditional Route) 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will issue the Career and Technical Administrative Director Certificate to an applicant who: 

• Has a bachelor's degree.
• Satisfies the requirements in section 24 P.S. § 12-1209.
• Provides verification of three years of relevant professional experience in a career and technical education school. For the purpose of this section, relevant professional experience is "professional experience in a career and technical education school that is related to the instructional process."
• Completes an approved program of graduate study in educational leadership. Preparation completed out-of-state must meet Pennsylvania standards. A 3.0 program Grade Point Average (GPA) is required.
• Provides proof of completion of the graduate program by either submitting the recommendation for certification by the authorized certification officer or by submitting the transcript indicating completion of a graduate program in education and conferral of a graduate degree from an approved college or university.
• Presents evidence of satisfactory achievement on the Praxis test required for career and technical administrative directors. 

How to Enroll: 

1. Contact Dr. Joey Fleck: 
   Email: [email protected] 
   Phone: (814) 865-2133
2. Submit Required Documentation:

• CTE Director Certification Application Form
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Endorsement Letter from a CTE administrator supporting your application.
• Official Transcripts from previous institutions.
• Background Checks and Clearances required to work in Pennsylvania schools. 

Application Materials Submission: 
Wilda Hackman 
Administrative Support Assistant III 
Professional Personnel Development Center 
The Pennsylvania State University 
409J Keller Building, University Park, PA 16802 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: (814) 863-0805