Sessions of 2025 Summer Conference: John Mulcahy

Dr. Mulcahy, John

Former Assistant Superintendent

Dr. John Mulcahy is widely recognized as the voice of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Arizona. With a career spanning 42 years, he has been a dedicated educator, leader, and advocate, shaping the future of CTE at every level. From his early days as an agriculture teacher to serving as Assistant Superintendent at West-MEC, John has made a lasting impact on students, educators, and industry professionals alike. A mentor to hundreds of agricultural educators and administrators, Dr. Mulcahy has also contributed significantly to CTE research, with eight published works. He has played a pivotal role in ACTEAZ, serving as President twice and Vice President for a total of eight years. His leadership extends beyond Arizona, with service on the ABEC Board, Region V, and National Resolutions Committees. John’s influence in career exploration is profound. He developed the My Life Program in Peoria, ensuring every 7th and 8th grader had access to career exploration opportunities. His work in professional development includes contributions to West-MEC’s Premier Series Program, and he was a key innovator behind the Career Expo at Cardinals Stadium, which won the prestigious Best of the West Award. Dr. Mulcahy holds the distinction of being the first and only CTE teacher to receive the Arizona Education Foundation’s Teacher of the Year award, later serving as its Master of Ceremonies for 21 years. His dedication to strengthening CTE policy and business partnerships led to innovations such as simplifying Arizona’s certification requirements and establishing the ACTEAZ Circle of Distinction with business CEOs. A passionate CTE evangelist, John believes that "CTE will change the world." His expertise and leadership continue to be sought after both in Arizona and nationally. Through his unwavering commitment, he has changed tens of thousands of lives—for good.