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

Cara Kinney, Business at Vandegrift High School

Kinney teaches Business and Accounting and makes a lasting impact by helping students build not only technical knowledge, but the universal skills they need to be confident, well-rounded individuals.

“Mrs. Kinney is a positive force at Vandegrift—advocating for the needs of her students and her programs of study," Vandegrift assistant principal Collin Fletcher said. "We are always grateful for her dedication and advocacy for students and colleagues in her department.”

She is also known for creating a strong, supportive class culture where students celebrate one another and lift each other up. Whether she’s supporting Global Youth Entrepreneurship, advising DECA, or sponsoring UIL Accounting, she is consistently present for her students and committed to fostering a genuine love of learning.

Thank you, Cara, for your passion, your advocacy and the positive impact you make every day. Leander ISD is lucky to have you!

PARTNER THE MONTH

Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
The Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce has been an incredible partner to Leander ISD CTE, providing meaningful connections between our students, educators and the local business community. Their support spans multiple programs of study, including Business and DECA, and continues to grow in impact.

This year, the Chamber partnered with us on the Summer Educator Externship, hosting Cedar Park High School business teacher Dianna Gage for an externship and offering valuable insight into real-world business operations.

“The Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce is a perfect resource for leadership, business, marketing and networking all rolled into one,” Gage said.

The chamber has also played a key role in the creation and launch of the Cedar Park Youth Leadership Academy, giving students an authentic leadership and networking experience beyond the classroom.

In addition, the Cedar Park Chamber serves on our Business, Marketing & Finance Advisory Council, regularly supports classroom learning by visiting Business Law, Business Management and Marketing classes, and provides ongoing mentorship for our DECA students. Their partnership also extends into advocacy, with CTE leaders invited to present at an upcoming Chamber luncheon.

Thank you to the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce for investing in our students, supporting our teachers and helping prepare the next generation of business leaders.

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