Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Marci Boettcher
Boettcher, Marci
Director of CTE
Saddle Mountain Unified School District #90
Sessions:
[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 While today’s CTE programs are rigorous, college-aligned, and industry-connected, outdated perceptions continue to limit community understanding, parent support, and student participation.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.
