Career and Technical / CTE Overview

There is a growing need in the U.S. workforce to obtain well-trained, quality employees who are prepared with the 21st Century skills that businesses and corporations have identified as critical for the challenges of our global economy. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Virginia public schools prepare today's students for tomorrow by offering quality hands-on learning in a "real-world" context.

The mission of CTE is to ensure that every graduate is prepared for the challenges of post-secondary education and the workplace. Workplace readiness skills emphasized within CTE programs include critical and high order thinking, collaboration and teamwork, creativity, personal and social responsibility, communication, and decision-making skills.

The Career & Technical Education department consists of four program areas: Business & Information Technology, Family & Consumer Sciences, Marketing Education, and Technology Education. All program area classes incorporate teaching strategies that actively engage students in applying knowledge to real world scenarios. Some courses also provide laboratory learning experiences, such as work in the video production studio, school store, gourmet foods kitchen, preschool, research & development lab, and more. Students gain valuable skills and knowledge that prepare them for post-secondary education and/or the workplace. All students are provided with opportunities to earn industry certifications aligned with the competencies of the program area or course.

Business & Information Technology

Mr. Christopher Truong	Cyber Security 2 Intro to Cyber Security
Mrs. Martha Somers	Accounting Business Law Business Management Personal Finance
TBD	CIS Advanced CIS Personal Finance

Family & Consumer Sciences

Ms. Cassie Bends	Early Childhood Education I & II (Preschool)
Mrs. Liz Miller	Gourmet Foods Intro to Culinary Arts Intro to Early Childhood

Marketing Education

Mrs. Casey Sorenson	CTE Department Chair Intro to Business & Marketing Marketing & Marketing Co-op Project Management & Leadership DECA
Ms. Amy Buckingham	Intro to Business & Marketing Marketing & Marketing Co-op Sports & Entertainment Marketing Teacher Cadet DE
Ms. Annie Hulse	Intro to Business & Marketing
Ms. Laura Leigh	Personal Finance Sports & Entertainment Marketing Intro to Business & Marketing
Mrs. Christine Swartz	Advanced Marketing & Marketing Co-op

Technology Education


Mr. Phil Truiett	Aerospace Science I and II Robotics Applied Tech II & III Computer Aided Drafting & Design I, II, & III Intro to Eng / PLTW

Students enrolled in CTE courses follow a curriculum based upon competencies established by the Virginia Department of Education according to the sixteen career clusters. Details can be viewed from the CTE Resource Center website that outlines each program area.

Graduation Requirements

All Students: at least two sequential electives
All Students: may utilize additional tests for earning verified credit in CTE
All Students: credits earned shall include one credit in fine arts or CTE
All Students: must earn 1-credit in Economics and Personal Finance
Class of 2017 and later: must earn a CTE credential for a Standard Diploma

Awards for Exemplary Student Performance

The Career and Technical Education Seal may be earned by students receiving the Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma who (1) complete a prescribed sequence of courses in a CTE concentration or specialization that they choose and (2) maintain a “B” or better average in those courses or pass an examination that earns certification from a recognized industry, trade, or professional association.

Career & Technical Student Organizations

Enrollment in CTE courses also affords students the unique opportunity to participate in Career & Technical Student Organizations. These co-curricular student organizations are integrated into the classroom experience to provide additional learning opportunities that develop leadership skills and enhance the student's perspective of the world through field trips, guest speakers, competitive events, and conferences.

CTSOs at Broad Run include DECA, an association of marketing students, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and Educators Rising (EdRising).

Virginia Department of Education - CTE

Career and technical education programs in Virginia public schools serve more than 550,000 students in grades 6-12. These programs are designed to prepare young people for productive futures while meeting the commonwealth's need for well-trained and industry-certified technical workers.

DECA - National Website

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high school and colleges around the globe. More than 185,000 high school members participate in DECA through 5,000 chapters in all 50 states and 8 countries.

Virginia DECA

VA DECA values every one of our 13,000+ members. From students grades 9 - 12 to advisors, business partners and alumni - each plays a vital part in our organization. The support of our members allows us to offer programs that reach far more individuals than just our members.

Educators Rising (formerly Future Educators Association, FEA)

Educators Rising, a member of the PDK International family of associations, is an international student organization dedicated to supporting young people interested in education-related careers. Founded in 1937, Educators Rising has helped thousands of students develop the skills and strong leadership traits that are found in high-quality educators.

FBLA - National Website

Welcome to the largest and oldest business student organization in the world! The high school division has 215,000 members, while the postsecondary division reaches over 11,000 college students. More than 11,000 advisers round out the group.

Virginia FBLA

Thousands of Virginia high school students, educators, administrators, and business professionals have chosen to be members of the premier business education association preparing students for careers in business. All business students are members of FBLA on the local chapter level. Students have the opportunity to participate in activities at the regional, state, and national levels.

Broad Run is proud to be represented by Saad Siddiqui, the 2014 - 2015 Virginia FBLA State Vice President representing the Shenandoah Region.

FCCLA - National Website

The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Organization is headquartered in Reston, VA. FCCLA is a nonprofit national career and technical organization for young men and women in family and consumer sciences education in public and private school through grade 12.

Virginia FCCLA

What is Virginia FCCLA? It is the ultimate leadership experience! The Virginia FCCLA is a state affiliate of the national organization of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc.

Last Modified on January 19, 2023