TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) program has been selected as a CTE District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT). This esteemed recognition celebrates districts across Texas that demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success through high-quality CTE programs.
The CTE District of Distinction program, launched by CTAT, highlights districts that excel in workforce readiness, foster innovation in CTE, and inspire others through their dedication to student achievement and community impact. Recognized districts serve as models of excellence, showcasing best practices and driving progress in CTE statewide.
“This distinction is consistent with our community’s expectations for workforce development and have been embedded into the design and delivery of our demonstration site since 2018,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, Superintendent of Schools for Temple ISD. “What separates the TISD CTE program from others is that we are a service center, not just a training center. Our menu of services per program promotes community engagement and soft skill development as they receive expert instruction. This is the vision of our community and provides our students a competitive advantage in the market.”
Temple High School offers 17 programs of study across 13 career clusters in Career and Technical Education. THS CTE students earned nearly 450 industry-based certifications last year. The program offers a variety of services to students, staff, and the community through service-based learning opportunities and also collaborates with several local businesses and the City of Temple for internships and work-experience partnerships. Temple ISD also offers CTE classes on the middle school level.
“This achievement reflects the commitment, collaboration, and support from our business and industry partners, teachers, and incredible students,” added Sara Bartlett, Director of CTE for Temple ISD. “Our community partnerships are a vital component in providing our students with real-world experiences, mentorship, and opportunities to develop the skills needed for success in today’s workforce. This achievement means we are workforce relevant, and students are obtaining certifications that make them desired employees. I am immensely proud of our department for this recognition.”
The CTE District of Distinction program was designed to celebrate outstanding career and technical education programs across Texas. Honored districts are selected based on their ability to meet rigorous criteria that include innovative programming, industry-based certifications, alignment with workforce needs, and exceptional student outcomes.
As a CTE District of Distinction, Temple ISD is not only celebrating its own achievements but also setting a benchmark for excellence in CTE statewide. This designation opens doors to new opportunities for collaboration with educational and workforce development leaders, further advancing the program’s mission of preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving economy.
Temple ISD’s CTE program will be formally recognized with the District of Distinction during the CTAT Winter Leadership Conference in San Antonio in February of 2026.