CTE Conference 2025: Educators Unite for Student Success at the CTU Center
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, the Chicago Teachers Union Foundation Quest Center proudly hosted Chicago Public Schools’ annual College and Career CTE Conference, titled “CTE Conference 2025: Connecting Pathway to CTE Student Success.” Held at the CTU Center at 1901 W. Carroll Avenue, the full-day professional development brought together every CTE educator across the district for the only citywide PD of its kind.
This year’s conference marked a milestone: it was the first time CPS and the CTU Foundation fully collaborated to design the event, a direct outcome of CTU Article 18 contractual wins that strengthened professional development opportunities for educators. The result was a day that left teachers energized, inspired, and deeply connected to their colleagues and their practice by learning together here at the CTU Center.
From the welcoming remarks by CTU Financial Secretary, Dr. Diane Castro, to the final sessions, CTE teachers felt great to be in one space together. For many, this is the one opportunity each year to connect across schools and pathways, exchange ideas, and see themselves as part of a citywide movement to prepare students for success. Educators left the CTU Center feeling both appreciated and empowered, ready to take new strategies they had learned in PD sessions. The Quest Center presented a session on “The Curriculum Workbench” that supports teachers to integrate academics back to their CTE classrooms.
A highlight of the day was the lunch panel discussion, “Green Schools, Good Jobs, Bright Futures,” which brought together an esteemed group of panelists: Mia Korinke of Climate Jobs Illinois, Rashaan Meador of HIRE360, and Mike Nicolosi of 548 Energy. Hosted by Lauren Bianchi, CTU Green Schools Organizer, the questions focused on the rapidly growing clean energy sector in Illinois, the demand for new skills, and the opportunities for CPS students to step into union careers.
For CTE teachers, the panel reinforced the crucial role they play in shaping the next generation of workers and leaders, particularly in ensuring Black and Brown students have clear pathways into these emerging fields. The conversation tied directly to the Green Schools Resolution that highlighted how educators are essential partners in creating equitable opportunities for all students and can set an example of what a green future looks like by fighting for job training and for our Black and Brown school communities and neighborhoods that have suffered from pollution and environmental racism.
By the close of the day, educators left with more than strategies and resources—they left with a renewed sense of purpose. CTU Recording Secretary, Vicki Kurzdlo, provided closing remarks that left the teachers with joy and feeling loved. The conference demonstrated how collective effort, strong collaboration between CPS and CTUF, and a focus on meaningful professional development can directly impact student success.
As CTE educators return to their classrooms, they carry with them the spirit of collaboration, the inspiration of the Green Schools panel, and the practical tools of the Curriculum Workbench along all the other wonderful sessions provided by CPS’ College and Career Success. Together, they are preparing students not only for careers, but for lifelong learning, leadership, and opportunity.