Sessions of 2026 Midwinter Leadership Conference: Stephen Weltsch

Mr. Weltsch, Stephen

Executive Director
ACTEAZ

Stephen Weltsch is a living testament to the transformative power of Career and Technical Education (CTE). From his beginnings as a CTE student in a high school accounting program to becoming a respected leader in the field, Stephen’s journey embodies the impact of hands-on, work-based learning. Overcoming learning challenges through CTE, he gained the skills and confidence that laid the foundation for his academic and professional success. Now serving as the Executive Director for ACTEAZ, Stephen is dedicated to advancing CTE across Arizona and beyond. Previously, he held the role of Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning, and Campus Operations at West-MEC, where he played a pivotal role in shaping high-quality learning systems and industry partnerships. His leadership has helped numerous CTE programs earn recognition at local, state, and national levels. A passionate advocate for CTE, Stephen has served as a three-time ACTEAZ President and the President for the Arizona CTE Curriculum Consortium. With his work for NCLA, he continues to champion high-quality CTE initiatives, bridging the gap between education and industry. His work includes fostering partnerships with charter schools and community colleges, serving on Accreditation Engagement Reviews, and contributing to the Arizona Cognia Council. With 30 years of experience in secondary education, Stephen has worn many hats - teacher, school administrator, district leader, and now, statewide advocate. Holding a BA in Accountancy and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University, he combines his financial expertise with a deep passion for student and educator success. Stephen Weltsch’s leadership in CTE is more than just a career - it’s a mission. As Executive Director of ACTEAZ, he continues to drive innovation, expand opportunities, and ensure that every student has access to the life-changing benefits of career and technical education.