Tennessee Celebrates Career Development Month Throughout November

Showcasing Career and Technical Education, Career Readiness Opportunities 

Nashville, TN — During the month of November, the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) is celebrating Career Development Month to recognize the career and technical education (CTE) programs that provide every student with the necessary skills to pursue high-skill and in-demand careers and postsecondary education. Additionally, TDOE will recognize Early Postsecondary Opportunity (EPSO) Week, November 10–14.

Using the hashtags #CareerDevelopmentMonth, #EPSOWeek2025, and #AcceleratingTN, Tennesseans can engage on social media to learn about the career development opportunities students are participating in across the state.

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, in-demand jobs, whether immediately after high school or after completing postsecondary education.

"During National Career Development Month, we celebrate our state's commitment to equipping Tennesseans with training needed to thrive in a competitive workforce," said Gov. Bill Lee. "From the GIVE Act to our historic investment in Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, our highly-skilled workforce makes the Volunteer State a destination for top global companies and high-quality jobs, and we are grateful to provide opportunity for all Tennesseans."

“We aspire for every Tennessee student to build a strong academic foundation and apply that knowledge through career exploration and real-world skills, preparing them for independence and success in their chosen path, whether they enter the workforce, attend a two-year, four-year, or technical college, or join the military upon graduation,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “Across districts and charter schools, educators and school leaders continue to invest in career awareness, student-centered advising, and CTE programs that ensure a strong future for both the students and the state's workforce.”    

TDOE 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, and Work-Based Learning (WBL). These priorities represent a statewide commitment to helping students have the skills, experiences, and supports needed to pursue meaningful futures.

To support TDOE’s four strategic initiatives and Tennessee CTE, FutureReadyTN Roadshows were hosted throughout October in each Grand Division. More than 400 educators, industry partners, and policymakers came together to strengthen the state’s vision for postsecondary and workforce readiness. 

Tennessee CTE reached new milestones in the 2024–25 school year and continues to improve programs, access, and middle and high school student participation in CTE.

• A total of 46,139 middle school students participated in new CTE programs across 165 districts and public charter schools.
• For the seventh consecutive school year, student WBL credit attainment increased to 51,427 WBL credits earned, surpassing the 43,435 WBL credits earned in 2023–24.
• Student participation in EPSOs reached new heights, with over 221,000 course enrollments statewide.
• Tennessee career and technical student organizations’ membership grew to 70,694 members, a six percent increase from the 2023–24 school year.
• A total of 42 districts reported increasing their career coaching staff to build student capacity around EPSOs, credentials of value, and WBL experiences.  

Learn more about Tennessee’s CTE work on TDOE's website and in the latest Postsecondary, Workforce, CTE, and Military Readiness Overview report.

For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.

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