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.
CTAT’s CTE District of Distinction program recognizes Texas school districts that demonstrate strong CTE leadership, innovative programming, alignment with workforce needs and positive student outcomes. Districts are selected based on established criteria that include industry-based certifications, career pathways, industry partnerships, and other practices that strengthen student preparation for high-demand careers. This is the second consecutive year that Temple ISD has been recognized as a CTAT CTE District of Distinction.
“Our career pathways would not be possible without the innovative partnerships we have in Temple ISD. These partnerships exist due to the trust between our community and school system, as well as proof of outcomes in delivering road-ready employees to local employers,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, Superintendent of Schools for Temple ISD. “Last year, the state recognized Temple ISD with 100% of seniors being career, college, and military ready. I know of no other high school in Central Texas with this distinction. Our CTE department has played a significant role in this achievement and provides the students of Temple ISD with 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 400 industry-based certifications last year and qualified more than 60 students for state and national competition. Temple ISD Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) students posted a 100% pass rate on the state exam and volunteers helped earn clients $416,000 in VITA refunds. 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.
“Being recognized as a CTAT CTE District of Distinction is an incredible honor for Temple ISD,” added Sara Bartlett, Director of CTE for Temple ISD. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers, students, administrators, and industry partners who work together to create meaningful opportunities for students. Our goal is to ensure students leave Temple ISD with the skills, experiences, and confidence they need to succeed in college, careers, and beyond. We are incredibly proud of the work happening across our CTE programs, and grateful to see that work recognized at the state level.”
The CTE District of Distinction program was created to recognize districts demonstrating excellence in career and technical education and to highlight practices that can strengthen CTE programs across the state. For more information about the CTE District of Distinction program and the application process, visit www.ctat.org.
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 2027.