SCACTE
2026-2027 School Year
Message from SCACTE President
Dear SC ACTE Members,
It is an honor to serve as president of the South Carolina Association for Career & Technical Education. Anyone who knows this work understands the deep passion behind it — career and technical education is, without a doubt, the lifeblood of our students’ futures, our local communities, and a thriving economy. This year marks my 15th year in CTE leadership and my passion for all things CTE still grows!
The strength of SCACTE lies in our collective spirit. We weave together our diverse divisions, provide high-quality professional development, advocate at both the state and federal levels, and foster a strong network where professionals can lean on one another to elevate our programs and practice.
As this school year unfolds, the invitation to each of you is: get involved! Whether you are a new or veteran classroom teacher, a school counselor, an administrator, an industry partner, or a retiree, your help is needed. SCACTE is at its best when we collaborate, support one another, and align around a shared purpose — delivering world-class CTE programs. Our committees truly need your hands and heart to keep our association operating at its highest potential. Complete this interest survey to get involved:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZbeLLFXp9bWQAEz1jCZ80qOnBZacgrFR1tbqnA9hCBWaKSg/viewform
Heartfelt thanks go to the SCACTE Board and Executive Director, Brenda Baldwin for their steady guidance, support, and experience. Together, we will continue expanding life-changing opportunities across South Carolina.
All the best,
Jen Newendyke
CTE Director for Rock Hill Schools, SCACTE President
Congratulations to Dr. Wider!
Reflection from Dr. Wider
I have been invited by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) to serve as the featured Alumni Spotlight presenter during the upcoming ACTE National Fellowship Meeting on September 1, 2026, at 6:30 pm. During this session, I will have the opportunity to share my journey and experiences as an ACTE Fellow with current fellows and alumni from across the nation.
I am both humbled and honored by this invitation, as it provides an opportunity to represent not only Richland School District One, but also the South Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education (SCACTE), ACTE Region II, and the many educators, mentors, and leaders who have supported my professional growth throughout the years.
This recognition reflects the outstanding work taking place within Richland One and the commitment our district has made to providing high-quality Career and Technical Education opportunities for students. I am grateful for your leadership, encouragement, and support, which have played a significant role in my professional journey.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of representing our district and state on the national stage. I look forward to sharing the impact of our collective work with fellow CTE leaders from across the country.
Respectfully,
Dr. Beyonka S. Wider, Ed.D.
Career and Technical Education Program Coordinator
Richland School District One
The SCACTE 2026-2027 Regional Series
We are thrilled to announce a powerhouse lineup of meetings and professional development sessions for the upcoming academic year. Whether you’re leading a school, guiding students, or looking for cutting-edge technical training, we have something designed specifically for you.
Visit scacte.com to register for these events - you won't want to miss these!
🌱 Ready to Grow as a Leader?
Apply for the ACTE National Leadership Fellowship!
Looking to grow as a leader, strengthen your advocacy skills, and connect with CTE professionals across the country? The ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program offers a year of leadership development, mentorship, networking, and hands-on policy and advocacy experiences.
Fellows participate in monthly learning opportunities, attend the ACTE National Policy Seminar and CareerTech VISION, and receive a $1,500 stipend plus complimentary registration for both events.
Applications for the 2027 ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program are due Sept. 15. CCD has a proud tradition of leadership, and we encourage you to apply!
Click the button below to learn more about the program and submit your application.
SCACTE 2026 Awards
Congratulations to the the following SCACTE awards winners for the 2026 year!
Leon Burgess, Lifetime Achievement
Tiffany Joyner, New Teacher of the Year
Dr. G Cleve Pilot, Administrator of the Year
Jessica McManus, Carl Perkins Community Service Award
Trey Harris, Teacher of the Year
Anna Snipes, President's Service Award
Raising the CTE Voice on Capitol Hill: Highlights From NPS
ACTE members and event participants gathered at ACTE’s National Policy Seminar (NPS), educating policymakers and ensuring that Congress understands how much career and technical education (CTE) matters to the country’s economic success. From meetings with policymakers to powerful moments of advocacy, NPS showcased the collective voice of the CTE community.
- View and share photos from the event in our Flickr gallery to help amplify CTE advocacy.
- Save the date: NPS 2027 happens March 7–10, 2027 in Arlington, Virginia. We hope to see you there!
ACTE Turns 100!
Join us for ACTE’s Centennial Celebration at CareerTech VISION 2026, happening Dec. 2-5 in New Orleans. Experience the premier event for CTE professionals with hundreds of sessions, inspiring presenters, a bustling Expo and unforgettable centennial celebrations!
FYI Conference 2027
January 15-17, 2027
Registration will go live August 2, 2026
Reserve your room deadline, December 14, 2026
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: September 18, 2026
2026 SC HSE CONFERENCE | November 8-10, 2026
The 2026 South Carolina Health Science Educators Conference is an event you won’t want to miss. Join fellow educators from across the state for an engaging and meaningful experience filled with valuable professional development, innovative ideas, and lots of networking opportunities. Whether you are looking to enhance your classroom strategies, stay current with industry trends, or connect with other health science professionals, this conference offers something for everyone. Mark your calendar and be part of the excitement as we continue to elevate health science education in South Carolina.
SCCDP Conference | December 6-8, 2026
SCCDP Newsletter
Check out their latest updates below
Transform Best Practices Into Measurable Impact
Join career and technical education (CTE) leaders from across the country Oct. 6–8 at the Grand Hyatt Denver in Denver, Colorado, for the Best Practices for CTE Administrators Conference. Designed for current and aspiring education leaders, this conference supports administrators and staff who work in or with CTE programs and are eager to learn, grow and connect with peers. Attendees will engage in high-quality professional learning grounded in proven best practices that strengthen CTE leadership, enhance program quality and improve student outcomes across K–12, postsecondary and workforce systems. The conference reflects ACTE’s century-long commitment to advancing high-quality CTE nationwide. Early bird registration is now open!
Keep Your Member Profile Up to Date!
One of the easiest ways to be sure you’re receiving the latest ACTE updates, resources and opportunities is by keeping your member profile current. A quick update ensures you’ll always receive:
- Election communications sent to your preferred email and mailing address
- Division- and region-specific newsletters, eblasts and updates tailored to your interests
- Full access to the Techniques archive
- On-demand learning through CTE Learn
- Access to CTE Communities
- Exclusive offers through the new Member Deals program
Quick steps to update your profile:
1. Log in at acteonline.org.
2. Click the “Profile” tab.
3. Confirm or update your personal email and mobile number.
To update your Techniques subscription preferences, click on My Demographics and select the pencil icon to update preferences (scroll down for Preference for Techniques magazine subscription). Stay connected; update your member profile today!
Career Exploration for Students on Social!
Explore Jobs Explained, the free social media career discovery resource from WNET. On social channels students use daily, they'll find career-focused content, created by and for youth. Share these resources with students and watch them make plans to stay in school and reach their career goals! You can find them on Instagram under @jobs_explained.
Facebook Page
Join our new Facebook page "South Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education
Want to join ACTE/SCACTE...where do you belong?
South Carolina State Fact Sheet 2026
SCACTE Membership
SCACTE has unified with ACTE. To become a member or renew your membership,
go to ACTEonline.org.
Share your news with us!
Let us share your news! Is something newsworthy at your school or district? Updates from your division? Or anything you want to share from a conference that would be beneficial for our members of SCACTE? Please use this to submit the information and we will post updates live on our newsletter. Questions? Please reach out to Dana Crumpton, at dcrumpton@lexington1.net.
SCACTE BOARD MEMBERS
SCACTE Past President
SC Dept of Education
SCACTE President-Elect
SCACTE President
Rock Hill Schools, Senior Career and Technical Education Director
SCACTE Membership
McBee High School
SCACTE Executive Director
SC Region II Representative
Leon Burgess
Contact us
Email: contact.scacte@gmail.com
Website: http://www.scacte.com/
Location: South Carolina, USA
Phone: 803-429-4116
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCACTE

