Nebraska hosts annual career education conference highlighting future opportunities

Deborah A. Frison, Deputy Commissioner School Improvement and Support | Nebraska Department of Education

More than 500 educators and administrators gathered in Kearney, Nebraska from June 9-11 for the 2025 Nebraska Career Education (NCE) Conference. The event, hosted by the Nebraska Department of Education, marked its 51st year with the theme "Forward Together, Stronger Together." The conference aimed to explore future opportunities for Nebraskans through Career and Technical Education (CTE).

Dr. Brian Maher, Nebraska Commissioner of Education, opened the conference by acknowledging the contributions of CTE educators, school counselors, and administrators. Dr. Katie Graham and Dr. Josie Shafer discussed the impact of CTE on Nebraska's economy and workforce needs. Kelly Barnes encouraged attendees to be present and engaged throughout the event.

The conference introduced a new feature this year: the CTE Best Practices Showcase. This segment highlighted innovative programs across Nebraska focusing on strategic priorities such as career development, student achievement, professional development, educator recruitment and retention, and middle school CTE opportunities.

Attendees had access to over 150 breakout sessions that allowed them to collaborate with colleagues and learn from leaders at various levels about best practices in CTE programs.

Several awards were presented during the conference by the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education to honor excellence in CTE. Awards included:

- NCE Outstanding Business Partnership Award: The Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council (NeMAC)

- NCE Distinguished Partner Award: The Office of Public Information & Communication

- Elaine Stuhr Leadership and Advocacy Award: Dr. Cory Epler

- Outstanding CTE Administrator Award: Justin DeWitt

- Outstanding Postsecondary CTE Administrator Award: Dr. Leah Barrett

- Outstanding Middle School CTE Program: Lincoln Public Schools

- Outstanding Secondary CTE Programs Award: Kearney Public Schools

- Outstanding Postsecondary CTE Programs Award: Southeast Community College

- Outstanding Rule 47 Career Academy Program Award: Bryan Urban Agriculture College and Career Academy

Further details about each award can be found at https://www.education.ne.gov/nce/nebraska-career-education-conference/awards/.