During November, the Tennessee Department of Education is celebrating Career Development Month, emphasizing Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Innovative School Models (ISM) programs. These initiatives are designed to equip students with the skills necessary for postsecondary education and careers in high-demand industries. The department will also recognize Early Postsecondary Opportunities (EPSO) Week from November 11-15 and National Apprenticeship Week from November 18-22. Schools and educators are encouraged to participate by sharing their efforts on social media using hashtags like #EPSOWEEK2024 and #NationalApprenticeshipWeek2024.
Governor Bill Lee issued a proclamation to highlight the career development opportunities available to students, encouraging engagement with hashtags such as #CareerDevelopmentMonth. He stated, “During National Career Development Month, we celebrate Tennessee’s commitment to deliver the training needed for Tennesseans to thrive in a competitive workforce.”
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Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds expressed pride in the state’s innovative programs, noting Tennessee’s dedication to career exploration and on-the-job training opportunities. A significant investment of over $500 million from Governor Lee and the General Assembly supports ISMs, which play a crucial role in transforming classroom experiences in public schools across Tennessee.
The CTE program has seen increased participation, with middle school student enrollment nearly doubling in three years. Industry credential earnings rose 27.9% from the 2022-23 to 2023-24 school years. There are 160 partnerships statewide providing students with exposure to various careers and industries, including advanced manufacturing and health sciences.
The Tennessee Educator Survey indicates that 93% of CTE teachers offer career exploration opportunities, and 87% provide platforms for students to demonstrate their knowledge through leadership or competitive events. Additionally, early-career teachers often come from industry backgrounds, enhancing their teaching with real-world experience.
High school students in Tennessee can earn an average of 23 college credits through EPSOs before graduation. In July 2024, the department recognized 49 work-based learning employers as Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners for their contributions to local school districts.
Tennessee also offers 64 certified pre-apprenticeship programs that can transition to registered apprenticeship programs, combining paid coursework and on-the-job training for valuable student learning experiences. Commissioner Deniece Thomas highlighted the importance of pre-apprenticeships in providing students with essential skills and real-world experience.
For more information on Tennessee’s CTE initiatives, visit the Tennessee Department of Education’s [CTE page](https://www.tn.gov/education/educators/career-and-technical-education.html) and [Innovative School Models page](https://www.tn.gov/education/innovative-school-models.html). For media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.
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Tennessee’s No Trash November Initiative Returns
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has launched its fourth annual “No Trash November” initiative, encouraging residents to participate in litter cleanup efforts across the state. Last year, over 2,200 volunteers collected 86,000 pounds of litter. Participants can join events or organize their own, with recognition available for top-performing groups. The new Trash Masters Rewards program offers incentives for individual contributions. More information and registration are available on the Nobody Trashes Tennessee website.