Professional Development Opportunities for the CTE community

The Professional Personnel Development Center (PPDC) at Penn State offers a wide range of professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators. These programs aim to keep educators updated with the latest teaching methodologies, industry trends, technological advancements, and compliance requirements. 

Whether you're a new teacher or an experienced educator, the PPDC’s offerings include live workshops, personalized professional development sessions, webinars, and networking opportunities. These programs are designed to help CTE educators enhance their skills, improve student outcomes, and meet Pennsylvania’s Act 48 requirements. 

Benefits of Professional Development with PPDC 

Participating in professional development opportunities through the PPDC provides numerous advantages for CTE educators: 

• Stay Compliant: Ensure you meet Pennsylvania’s professional development requirements, including Act 48 Hours.
• Enhance Skills: Improve your instructional practices with the latest teaching strategies.
• Network with Peers: Connect with other CTE educators to share best practices and build your professional network.
• Access Resources: Gain valuable resources, including recorded webinars and curriculum guides.
• Improve Student Outcomes: Apply new knowledge to create engaging, effective learning environments for your students. 

Available Programs (Pro Academy, Podcast, and My CIP will go under this section) 

Professional Learning session and on-demand Podcast 

1. CTE Professional Academy 

The CTE Professional Academy offers a comprehensive series of workshops designed to explore and inform educators about contemporary topics in CTE and workforce development. 

ACT 48 Hours Provided 

Past Academy Topics: 

• 2023 Pro Academy: Global Competence: Helping Students Thrive in a Globally Connected Classroom
• 2024 Pro Academy: Beyond Fear: Using AI (Artificial Intelligence) to Enhance Classroom Instruction
• 2025 Pro Academy: Enhancing Teacher Resilience for Career and Technical Educators 

Join the 2025 Penn State CTE Pro Academy – Enhancing Resilience for CTE Teachers! 

Teaching in career and technical education comes with unique challenges, and building resilience is key to thriving in this rewarding field. The 2025 Penn State CTE Professional (Pro) Academy will focus on “Enhancing Teacher Resilience,” providing you with the strategies and support you need to maintain balance, overcome challenges, and inspire your students every day. 

Through monthly virtual sessions, you’ll collaborate with fellow CTE educators to: 

•  Learn effective stress management techniques
• Foster a positive and sustainable teaching mindset
• Share resources and best practices for long-term success
• To review the program objectives and meeting dates click here! 

This is your chance to grow, connect, and equip yourself for the challenges ahead—don’t miss out! 

To Learn more about specific dates and session topics-  CLICK HERE 

To register for the 2025 Pro Academy -CLICK HERE! 

2. The Drive CTE Podcast 

The Drive CTE Podcast provides information and resources for CTE administrators and instructors on the go! 

Upcoming 2024/2025 Season: 

The new season will focus on various topics, from special populations to promoting positive teacher-student relationships to fostering student success. Be sure to check it out! 

Listen to Drive CTE on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Link 

Episode Highlights: 

• Supporting Homeless Students in CTE Classrooms
• Teaching Strategies for Improving Student Awareness of Global Connections
• Basics of Artificial Intelligence for Educators
• SkillsUSA: Beyond the Elevator Pitch – An Interview with Dodie Amigh
• Multi-Generational Workplace: How CTE Programs Can Thrive in a Multi-Generational Environment 

Upcoming Pro Academy Meetings

• April 28: Time Management and Work-Life Balance
• May 19: Emotional Intelligence and Self Regulation
• June 30: Healthy Lifestyle Habits - Developing a Personalized Wellness Plan
• August 11: Managing Change and Uncertainty
• September 29: Fostering a Positive Mindset
• October 27: Resilience Strategies for the Classroom
• November 17: Integrated Learning Conference - Leveraging Professional Development and Support Networks
• December 8: Building a Long-Term Resilience Action Plan (Pro Academy Debriefing)

3. "MY CIP" Virtual Teacher Networking Session 

Join the "MY CIP" Sessions – a monthly opportunity for CTE educators to connect, collaborate, and innovate within their career pathways. 

What You’ll Gain: 

• Craft innovative lesson plans and teaching methods
• Share valuable resources and ideas
• Develop cutting-edge assessment tools
• Build a supportive network of peers 

Eligible teachers will earn 1 Act 48 Hours for attending each session. 

Upcoming Session: 

• Date: January 29
• Time: 6-7 PM
• Topic: Using Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Lesson Plans 

Customize Your Professional Development – We’re Here for You! 

Are you looking for tailored professional development to meet the unique needs of your school or classroom? We offer personalized services specifically for career and technical education directors and teachers. 

How to Request a Customized Session: 

1. Identify Focus Areas: Decide the topics or challenges you want to address.
2. Contact Us: Submit your request in your preferred format (in-person or virtual).
3. Collaborate with Our Team: Work with us to design a personalized professional development plan. 

Ready to get started? Contact Maria Border at [email protected] or visit this form to submit your request. 

4. PPDC Monthly Newsletter

Stay Informed with the Latest Updates from PPDC!

The PPDC Monthly Newsletter provides CTE educators with the latest insights on professional development opportunities, industry trends, workforce education updates, and upcoming events. This resource ensures you stay connected with relevant news, best practices, and strategies to enhance your teaching experience.

What You’ll Find in the Newsletter?

• Updates on upcoming professional development sessions and events
• Highlights from CTE best practices and teaching strategies
• Workforce development news and industry insights
• Opportunities to network and collaborate with other educators

🌍 Read the Latest Edition Here

• PPDC Newsletter (January 2025 Edition)
• PPDC Newsletter (February 2025 Edition)
• PPDC Newsletter (March 2025 Edition)