Region 9 CTE Insights

Mrs. Ward's 8th-grade technology students were able to design and build their own robots for a friendly competition thanks to Region IX's Vex Robotics System. Check out the action in the pictures below!

Email lacy.murphey@esc9.net to spotlight what is happening in

your classroom or at your district in the world of CTE!

The finalized 2025-2030 IBC list has been released! As promised, the finalized list includes IBC tiers! Check the document out at the link below.

The CTE Course Catalog is a comprehensive guide that provides CTE course information in one location. It organizes courses by programs of study and includes course descriptions, course codes, course credits, prerequisites, and corequisites.

To keep educators and stakeholders informed, the catalog will be updated as changes occur, and each update will be listed within the course change log. This document currently highlights changes from the June 2025 State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting, including:

• Movement of CTE courses from 19 TAC Chapter 130 to Chapter 127
• CTE courses revised from innovative courses to TEKS-based courses
• Newly developed and revised courses that were approved through SBOE

The TEA CTE teams is excited to announce the launch of monthly office hours for school administrators, counselors, and CTE teachers.

When: 2nd Wednesday of each month

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Use the link below to join the CTE Montly Office Hours via Teams. Office hours are designed to provide targeted assistance for any questions or concerns related to CTE programming. Whether you are seeking clarification on a specific initiative, need support with implementation, or simply want to connect with the TEA CTE Team, this space is open and available to you. There is no requirement to attend. Each session may include updates or insights on a specific topic, but the primary focus is to support stakeholders with their questions.

THLA and the Future Hotel & Tourism Professionals (FHTP) are partnering to host Groundhog Job Shadow Day on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. This is a hands-on opportunity for students to explore real hotel careers by shadowing professionals across multiple departments.

Eligibility: Participating students must be seniors (12th grade). The event is open to all seniors this year—FHTP membership is not required.

How it works

• Date/Time: Monday, February 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Setting: On-site at participating hotels
• Student placement: Our goal is ~3 students per hotel property that registers to participate.
• Logistics: THLA & FHTP will provide hotels with schedules and all necessary resources.
• Lunch: Once hotel assignments are confirmed, we’ll let you know if students need to bring their own lunch or if it will be provided.
• Teacher role: Help identify interested seniors, review the Student Guide with them, and coordinate permission slips and transportation.

Information needed from you

1. Estimate your interested student count and register that count at this link: Groundhog Job Shadow Day Interest Response
2. Confirm transportation/chaperone plans for your students.
3. Return permission slips (scanned via email) by your campus’s internal deadline so we can finalize placements.
4. Share the Student Guide with participants and review key expectations in class.

Attachments (please share with students and families)

1. Permission Slip – Upon completion, email a scanned copy to Debbie Wieland at dwieland@texaslodging.com.
• Bring the original to the hotel at check-in on February 2, 2026.
2. Student Guide – Provide to students in advance; consider reviewing it together a few weeks before the experience.
3. Post-Event Student Survey – Students will complete a brief Google survey after the job shadow.
• It’s OK to share the questions beforehand so students know what to look for during their visit.
4. Press Release Template – Please personalize and share with your district/campus communications team and local media outlets.

Next steps & timeline

• By Monday, December 15, 2025: Reply with your anticipated senior count using this link: Groundhog Job Shadow Day Interest Response.
• By Friday, January 16, 2026: Email scanned permission slips so we can finalize placements with hotels.
• Week of January 26, 2026: You’ll receive hotel assignments, check-in details, and day-of contacts.

From Air Force ROTC scholarships that cover tuition and fees, to JROTC scholarships and tuition assistance programs that support students while they serve, these opportunities make it possible for students to graduate with little to no debt.

Beyond financial aid, students gain access to:

● College Credit: Training that translates directly into transferable credit.

● Hands-On Experience: Career-relevant training in fields like STEM, health care, logistics, and more.

● Future-Ready Skills: Leadership development, mentorship, and professional growth.

Encourage your students to explore a pathway that not only pays for their education but also sets them up for success in both military and civilian careers.

• Register for CTAT Winter Leadership Conference 2026
• Order supplies for CTE Education Week in February
• Review the Approved SAAH
• Document dual credit course alignment
• Review department expenditures to date
• Meet with teachers regarding student certification and licensure programs
• Begin working on Course Catalog for next year

• 2026 Accountability Manual Webpage
• CTAT Resources
• 2025-2030 IBC List for Public School Accountability
• Region 9 CTE Connection Board
• Region 9 CTE Curriculum Padlet
• 2025-2026 Student Attendance Accounting Handbook

SparkEd Future Educator Conference | ESC 9 | January 21, 2026

United Regional Health Science Fair | ESC 9 | March 4, 2026

The TEA Work-Based Learning course is back up and running! Click below if you need to access it!

Conference Details:

• February 9-11, 2026
• Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk