MassCTE Hosts Successful New Teacher Leadership Day to Support and Inspire Massachusetts Vocational Educators
December 5, 2025
Marlborough, MA — The Massachusetts Career & Technical Educators Organization (MassCTE) proudly welcomed a new cohort of vocational educators to its New Teacher Leadership Day, hosted today at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. The day-long professional development event brought together dozens of new Chapter 74 teachers from across the Commonwealth for meaningful learning, collaboration, and leadership development.
The event featured a dynamic lineup of sessions designed to strengthen instructional practice, deepen understanding of vocational licensure requirements, and support new educators as they enter the field of career and technical education.
Featured presentations included:
- Teachers as Leaders – Kathy Conole, MAVA Leadership Academy
- MTRS Retirement, Vocational Buyback & 403b Planning – Tracy Cahill, Regional Vice President, Equitable Advisors
- Overview of Vocational/CTE Licensure – James Wilkerson, Vocational Licensure Specialist, DESE
- High Quality Teacher Training & Cost Savings: Making the Most of MAVA Extended Campus – Sheila Harrity, MAVA Extended Campus Program Coordinator
- MassCTE in Action – Rick Torres, Past President, MassCTE Board Liaison
Throughout the day, participants engaged in professional dialogue, networked with colleagues, and accessed resources designed to strengthen their early experiences as vocational educators. The event also provided an opportunity for teachers to meet mentors, gain clarity on licensure pathways, and build meaningful connections that will support their professional growth.
“Today’s event reflects MassCTE’s commitment to empowering new vocational educators with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in their classrooms and programs,” said Rick Torres, Past President and MassCTE Board Liaison. “These educators are the future of career and technical education in Massachusetts, and we are proud to invest in their success.”
The attached group photo captures the energy and enthusiasm of this year’s participants, representing vocational schools and programs from across Massachusetts.
(Photo taken at Assabet Valley RVTS on December 5, 2025.)
MassCTE extends its gratitude to Assabet Valley RVTS for hosting the event and to our generous sponsors — Equitable Advisors and Ockers Technologies — for supporting this important professional development opportunity. Their partnership helps ensure that new vocational teachers receive high-quality training and resources as they begin their careers.
For more information about MassCTE programs, events, and membership, please visit www.masscte.org