Celebrate Career & Technical Education Month

February 27, 2026

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a national public awareness campaign that highlights the value of CTE programs in preparing students for high-demand, well-paying careers. This month-long celebration focuses on showcasing how CTE bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills.

Through FutureForward, the district’s career and technical education programming, 792 high school students earned nearly 3,327 industry certifications in the 2024-2025 school year. Industry certifications measure a student’s competency in an industry, and they validate the knowledge base and technical skills that show mastery in a particular occupation.

Students in FutureForward:

Explore opportunities that prepare them for high-demand careers and give them an edge entering college.
Engage in authentic, hands-on learning.
Equip themselves with relevant, rigorous and practical skills.

Learn more about FutureForward

Our amazing Five Star staff create opportunities for our students to gain real world knowledge, and explore a chosen pathway in a safe and thriving environment.

We asked our CTE educators: What inspired you to become a CTE educator?

"I love learning about business, but also putting the spotlight on students and helping them shine! At career night, we invited Jonathan Tejada, Thornton High School grad, DECA officer, and Business Owner of Taco Bron (who was featured on Food Network's Food Truck Prize Fight) to serve his food and share his business story with students and families."

Cassandra Brynning, Business/Marketing Teacher, FSOA

“After more than 20 years as a Registered Veterinary Technician, I developed a deep passion not only for animal care, but for mentoring others entering the profession. Throughout my career in clinical practice, I found myself naturally drawn to training new staff, supporting interns, and explaining the “why” behind procedures. Watching others gain confidence and skill was just as rewarding as providing patient care. …I want to help students discover their passions early, build practical skills, and see clear pathways into meaningful careers—whether in veterinary medicine or beyond.”

Kelly Gargulak, Veterinary Assistant Teacher, FutureForward at Washington Square

"I have always believed that education is the great equalizer of our time. It is the path to career stability, employment flexibility, and personal fulfillment. Too often, however, professional success is defined narrowly as earning a college degree, overlooking pathways such as skilled training, industry credentials, and professional internships. It’s time to broaden how we define success, and I am proud to support this new, more inclusive vision at Washington Square. "

Adam, Instruction Coach, FutureForward at Washington Square

“I was inspired to become a CTE educator because of my passion for computer science and the impact it has had on my own life. I’ve always loved the problem-solving, creativity, and real-world application that computer science offers. Over time, I realized that I didn’t just enjoy the subject itself—I enjoyed helping others understand it as well.

I wanted to become a CTE educator so I could help students see that computer science is not only valuable, but also accessible and empowering. Watching students build confidence as they learn new technical skills and solve problems on their own is incredibly rewarding.”

Melissa Borfitz, Computer Science Teacher, Thornton High School

Read the Associated Equipment Distributors article featuring Diesel Tech teacher, Ellen Gutierrez

Thanks to the passing of the 2025 Mill-Levy Override, a significant portion of that investment is going toward exploratory classes in career and technical education at the middle school level (grades 6-8). These additional opportunities will begin being offered to students in the 2026-2027 school year. Learn more about the expansion of CTE and other investments.