Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Kathryn Strevell
Strevell, Kathryn
Director of CTE
Nadaburg Unified School District
Dr. Kathryn Strevell is Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the Nadaburg Unified School District, developing in-demand programs that strengthen students’ academic and applied skills to prepare them for future-ready careers. Dr. Strevell has served students, families, and educators for more than two decades as a teacher, campus administrator, and district leader. In addition to earning a doctorate in educational leadership, she also earned a master’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in human resources and employment law. Dr. Strevell currently serves as the Arizona School Administrator’s new CTE Division as president-elect. As a high school principal, Dr. Strevell earned the recognition of Principal of the Month from Grand Canyon University, was nominated Arizona Association of the Student Councils Administrator of the Year, and has presented original research on CareerTech funding and academic success in rural areas at Indiana University’s LEAD conference. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Strevell is an avid reader with a strong appreciation for the arts. She is currently focused on expanding CTE opportunities within the rural school district she serves and on developing the new ASA–CTE Division to support educators statewide and share the transformative impact of Career and Technical Education.
Sessions:
[5680] From Classroom to Campus: Why CTE Educators are Built to Lead
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Loews Ventana Canyon
- Administration
- Interdisciplinary
Career and Technical Education professionals are uniquely positioned to shape the future of schools, not only through instruction, but through leadership. This session is designed for CTE professionals who are curious about, preparing for, or actively pursuing school administration roles and want to amplify their impact on students beyond the classroom. Participants will explore how the strengths that define high-quality CTE: real-world relevance, deep industry and community partnerships, and an unwavering focus on student success translates directly into effective, future-ready school leadership. Through reflection and practical examples, attendees will examine why CTE educators make strong administrators, how a workforce-readiness mindset strengthens whole-school outcomes, and how to leverage the credibility and results of CTE to lead with confidence, clarity, and vision.
[5711] Not Your Shop Class Anymore: Reintroducing CTE to Rural Communities
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Loews Ventana Canyon
- Administration
- Interdisciplinary
In many rural communities, Career and Technical Education is still viewed through the lens of “vocational” or “trade school” models that adults remember from their own school experiences. While today’s CTE programs are rigorous, college-aligned, and industry-connected, outdated perceptions continue to limit community understanding, parent support, and student participation. This session will equip CTE leaders and educators with practical strategies to reframe CTE for rural audiences, clearly communicating what modern CTE is—and what it is not. Participants will explore how to articulate the academic rigor, postsecondary alignment, leadership development, and workforce relevance of CTE while addressing common misconceptions such as the belief that CTE is only for students who are “not college bound.” Through real-world examples, messaging frameworks, and community-facing strategies, this session will help participants strengthen parent and community trust, elevate the value of CTE, and position CTE students as better prepared for college, career, and community life.
