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

Janna Shelton, Rouse High School

Rouse High School’s CTE program continues to grow thanks to educators like Janna Shelton, whose impact in Computer Science and Robotics has been immediate and significant.

Since joining her campus, Shelton has expanded the Computer Science program while rebuilding the Robotics program into a competitive and growing opportunity for students. This year, she relaunched Robotics with two competitive teams and is already planning for three teams next year. Interest continues to rise, with more than 100 students applying to participate.

“Janna is an outstanding Computer Science teacher and Robotics sponsor who brings creativity, dedication, and compassion to everything she does,” Rouse assistant principal Rosie Palazzolo said. “A true team player, she is collaborative, supports students both inside and outside the classroom, and always steps up to help wherever needed while creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.”

In addition to her work with students, Shelton is an active member of the district Computer Science PLC and has mentored a new teacher who joined Rouse mid-year, further strengthening the program’s foundation.

Through her leadership, Shelton is helping students explore innovation, build technical skills and prepare for future careers in technology!

PARTNER THE MONTH

Industry Partner of the Month: Keen AI

Cedar Park High School’s Engineering Practicum students are gaining real-world experience through a partnership with Keen AI, where they are designing and building a robot for a sports-based application.

Under the mentorship of founder Aditya Ramarao, students have developed an early prototype and worked through key phases of the engineering process, including CAD design of the chassis, intake and outtake systems. The project is structured in stages and will continue into next year, allowing future students to build on the current design.

“It has been a great experience for the students to see how the process works,” Cedar Park engineering teacher Amy Lovelace said. “Adi has given them a lot of freedom to design and choose parts, but is always there to give them needed guidance.”

Students have also been challenged to consider cost, materials and system capabilities while collaborating to solve complex design problems, pushing them beyond their comfort zones.

Through this partnership, students are gaining valuable insight into engineering design, prototyping and iteration while preparing for future careers in the field. Thank you, Keen AI!

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