The Value of a Career and Technical Student Organizations in Texas

Abstract

Career and Technology Education, or CTE, teachers are expected to participate in a Career and Technology Student Organizations, or CTSOs, as mandated by most school districts and outlined in their CTE performance goals. Additionally, current CTE Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS, warrant the participation of CTE programs in a CTSO. The CTE teachers that participate in running a CTSO volunteer extracurricular hours in order to incorporate a CTSO into their programs and curriculum, typically without incentive pay. This qualitative case study will investigate the value that CTE teachers find in joining in a CTSO versus the time dedicated to the programs and lack of supplemental income, in order to develop an understanding into why CTE teachers participate in these programs.