During the March school board meeting, trustees received an update on the state of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Montgomery ISD.
CTE Program Overview
Montgomery ISD currently offers 13 of the 14 TEA-recognized CTE career clusters:
- Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
- Architecture & Construction
- Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
- Business, Marketing & Finance
- Education & Training
- Engineering
- Health Science
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Law & Public Service
- Manufacturing
- Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Program Highlights
- 96% of Montgomery ISD high school students are enrolled in at least one CTE course, an increase of approximately 20% over the past five years.
- All 8th-grade students in Montgomery ISD are currently taking a CTE course.
- The district offers 20 Programs of Study, providing specialized pathways that lead to certifications and practicum work-based learning experiences.
- The CTE program aims to increase the percentage of high school students earning Industry-Based Certifications (IBC) and graduates identified as program completers.
Growth in Industry-Based Certification Attainment
Director of Career and Technical Education, Amy Vance, reported a significant increase in students earning industry certifications. Due to expanded certification opportunities, strengthened partnerships with local businesses and community colleges, and enhanced career pathway guidance, the percentage of students earning an IBC has risen dramatically—from 5% of the Class of 2020 to 62% of the Class of 2023.
“This increase in certifications is a testament to the hard work and dedication Ms. Vance and our amazing CTE teachers have poured into our CTE programs and our kids,” Board President Matt Fuller said. “The improvement is impressive, especially considering the opportunities these certifications provide for our students in terms of career readiness.”
Community & Industry Partnerships
Vance emphasized the department’s commitment to collaborating with local businesses and community leaders to align CTE offerings with workforce needs. The CTE Advisory Board Committee meets twice a year to evaluate programs and ensure alignment with industry standards.
“Engaging with local business leaders and inviting them to see what our students are learning is a great way to promote our CTE programs,” Vance said. “It also ensures that students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an evolving workforce.”
Board Secretary Eddie Winn praised the MISD CTE team:
“What our CTE department and teachers have accomplished is remarkable,” Winn said. “Over the past four years, they have significantly expanded participation in our CTE programs while ensuring courses align with TEA requirements and industry standards. We are so grateful for our talented and dedicated teachers who help students discover their passions and prepare for future careers.”
The DEN: A New Era for CTE in MISD
The Montgomery ISD Career & Technical Education Center and the Montgomery ISD Agricultural Science Center are set to open for the 2025-26 school year. These facilities, included in the district’s bond package in 2022, were officially named The DEN during the March board meeting. The DEN will serve as a location where students from both high schools can Discover, Explore, and Navigate future careers.
The Montgomery ISD Career & Technical Education Center will be a two-story building housing specialized programs, including:
- Audio/Video Production
- Auto Mechanics
- Construction
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary Arts
- Engineering
- Health Science
- Robotics
- Welding
In anticipation of the CTE Center’s opening, MISD has introduced new programs in welding, construction, and automotive mechanics.
“This CTE update is a full-circle moment for those of us who served on the 2022 bond steering committee and recognized the need for a dedicated CTE facility,” Trustee Nate Robb said. “To officially name the building and reflect on the incredible impact of our CTE programs makes this an especially exciting milestone as we prepare for the new facility’s opening in August.”
A Farewell to Amy Vance
Vance announced that she will be leaving Montgomery ISD to pursue an opportunity in West Texas. She expressed gratitude for the district’s support throughout her tenure:
“When I joined Montgomery ISD in 2020, I was welcomed by a community eager to share ideas and vision for the CTE program,” Vance said. “At that time, the CTE Center was just a dream, but it quickly became a shared goal that our community turned into reality. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished and excited to see how the new facility will benefit MISD students for years to come.”
The Director of Career and Technical Education position is currently posted on the MISD website here.