EXPLORE CTE

All Leander ISD students have the opportunity to enroll in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses along with their traditional core academic courses. CTE courses are designed to provide authentic learning experiences through academically rigorous and industry aligned curriculum. The goal is for students to create a balanced four-year plan that includes the best of both academic and CTE courses.

Students enrolled in certain CTE courses have the opportunity to participate in a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) appropriate to the course in which they are enrolled. CTSOs promote leadership development, job skill training, and can provide scholarship opportunities. Students have the opportunity to reach advanced level CTE courses to increase the rigor of their learning and complete a CTE program of study sequence for an endorsement and/or earn recognized industry certifications.

High School CTE Experiences

Middle School CTE Experiences

CELEBRATING CTE!

TEACHER OF THE MONTH

Allison Marcuse, Floral Design at Vista Ridge High School

We’re proud to recognize Allison Marcuse, Vista Ridge High School’s dedicated Floral Design teacher, FFA Advisor and CTE Department Head, as this month’s CTE Teacher Spotlight!

Known as the supportive “mom” of the Vista Ridge Ag Science and FFA team. In addition to teaching Floral Design, she serves as the LISD Floral Design PLC Lead, trains six competitive FFA teams and advises the Vista Ridge FFA Chapter Officer Team. She also serves as the show rabbit advisor, oversees youth fair projects for WCLA and Greater Leander, manages multiple budgets, and coordinates major FFA travel and logistics.

“Mrs. Marcuse is a great mentor and inspires me to be a hard worker in and out of the floral classroom,” said Jaylee Agnew, Vista Ridge High School senior.

Beyond her leadership in FFA, Mrs. Marcuse brings beauty and creativity to her campus—providing flowers and balloon arches for school events and ensuring her students gain authentic, hands-on experience through design work that serves the community.

Thank you, Mrs. Marcuse, for your leadership, creativity, and unwavering dedication to your students and the Vista Ridge CTE community!

PARTNER THE MONTH

Southern Floral Company
Southern Floral has been the go-to supplier for cut flowers across Leander ISD’s Floral Design programs for many years, providing high-quality products that help our students bring their creative visions to life. From classroom arrangements to community events, Southern Floral ensures our floral design students have access to the freshest materials and professional-grade supplies.

“I know Southern Floral will always take care of my program’s needs for flowers and hard good items, even when we’re in a time crunch,” said Vista Ridge Floral Design teacher Allison Marcuse. “With the support of Vice President Susan Weatherford, Southern Floral has donated countless floral products for educator and student trainings and competitions over the years.”

Thank you, Southern Floral Company Wholesaler, for helping our students grow their skills and creativity through real-world floral design experiences!

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