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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.

Sessions:

5324: Developing Tomorrow’s CTE Leaders: Inside the ACTEAZ Fellows Program

Date From To
  • 07/13/2025
  • 11:30 AM
  • 1:00 PM

Loews Ventana Canyon

  • Interdisciplinary

Looking to strengthen your influence and leadership in Career and Technical Education (CTE)? Join us for an engaging luncheon and panel presentation to learn more about Arizona’s premier leadership development opportunity—the ACTEAZ Fellows Program. This session offers a firsthand look into the Fellows experience, featuring insights from current program participants who will share how the program has shaped their professional journey, expanded their networks, and deepened their understanding of CTE advocacy and leadership. Whether you’re an emerging CTE leader or a seasoned CTE professional looking to take the next step, this session will inspire and inform your path forward.

5323: ACTEAZ Annual Awards Celebration

Date From To
  • 07/16/2025
  • 8:00 AM
  • 10:00 AM

Westin La Paloma

  • Interdisciplinary

Join us as we wrap up the 2025 Summer Conference with an inspiring morning of recognition and celebration! During the 2025 ACTEAZ Awards Breakfast, we will be honoring outstanding educators, leaders, and advocates who are shaping the future of Career and Technical Education. Don’t miss this chance to connect, celebrate, and feel empowered by the best in CTE!