Tennessee Celebrates Career Development Month Throughout November

Showcasing Career and Technical Education, Career Readiness Opportunities

Nashville, TN-In November, the Tennessee Department of Education is celebrating Career Development Month to recognize the career and technical education (CTE) programs that equip every student with the skills needed to pursue high-skill, in-demand careers and postsecondary education. Additionally, the department will recognize Early Postsecondary Opportunity (EPSO) Week, November 9-13.

Using the hashtags #CareerDevelopmentMonth, #EPSOWeek2026, and #AcceleratingTN, Tennesseans can engage on social media to learn about the career development opportunities students are participating in across the state.

The department is leading efforts to modernize the high school experience and ensure all students are equipped for success-no matter the path they choose-through four strategic initiatives:

• Credentials of Value
• Individualized Advising
• Seamless Transitions
• Work-Based Learning (WBL)

These pillars represent a statewide commitment to helping students gain the skills, experiences, and supports they need to pursue meaningful careers. Tennessee students are better prepared to thrive in an evolving economy by earning industry-aligned credentials, accessing early college coursework, building career plans with expert coaches, and participating in hands-on, real-world experiences.

To support the department's four strategic initiatives and CTE, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and the department are wrapping up the K-12 Student Success Summit series held in each region of the state. Career coaches, school counselors, and advising professionals participated in professional development opportunities designed to bridge the gap between K-12 education, higher education, and the workforce. The summit comprised developing actionable pathways to transition students seamlessly from high school to postsecondary environments, training educators to navigate state-specific scholarship programs, and sharing data-driven frameworks to improve postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and graduation rates across Tennessee.

The department is also proud to highlight ongoing programs across the state supporting career and military readiness, including the state's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC). JROTC serves as both a leadership development course and a pathway within the state's CTE curriculum. This year, Hendersonville High School's Marine Corps Junior ROTC program earned the Naval Honor School designation for the eighth year, recognizing the top 20 percent of JROTC programs nationwide.

Governor Bill Lee issued a proclamation to spotlight Career Development Month and to highlight the CTE programs that provide opportunities for students to explore careers and develop the expertise to excel in fulfilling, high-demand jobs, whether immediately after high school or after completing postsecondary education.

"The goal is for every Tennessee student to gain a solid academic foundation and put that learning to use through career exploration and practical, real-world skills. This prepares them for independence and success in whichever path they choose after graduation, whether that's entering the workforce, attending a two-year, four-year, or technical college, or serving in the military," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "Educators and school leaders across districts and charter schools continue to prioritize career awareness, individualized advising, and CTE programs, helping secure a bright future for students and Tennessee's economy."

"National Career Development Month is an opportunity to recognize Tennessee's dedication to preparing students for success in today's workforce," said Gov. Bill Lee. "Through initiatives like Innovative School Models, the GIVE Act, and our support for Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, we're building a skilled workforce that attracts leading companies and creates quality jobs. We're proud to expand opportunity for Tennesseans across our state."

Tennessee CTE reached new milestones in the 2025-26 school year and continues to improve programs, access, and middle and high school student participation.

• For the eighth consecutive school year, WBL course enrollments increased to 61,544, surpassing the 53,186 WBL course enrollments in 2024-25.
• 63,870 students participated in dual enrollment in 2025-26.

Learn more about Tennessee's CTE work on the department's website.

For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact [email protected].

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