A resolution recognizing the importance of career and technical education ("CTE") educators and work-based learning coordinators in delivering high-quality CTE, preparing students for success in the workplace, the classroom, and in life, and supporting dynamic workforce pipelines that enable the United States to grow and lead in critical economic sectors.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 618
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-26: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S716; text: CR S710-711)
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-05T19:31:40Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 618) aims to formally acknowledge the vital role of career and technical education (CTE) educators and work-based learning coordinators. CTE refers to programs that teach practical skills for jobs in various industries, such as through hands-on training. The resolution emphasizes their contributions to preparing students for careers, academic success, and lifelong achievement while strengthening the U.S. economy in key sectors like manufacturing and technology.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses highlighting facts about CTE, followed by a "Resolved" section outlining the Senate's official stance:
- Recognition of roles: It praises CTE educators for guiding students in career exploration, teaching technical and hands-on skills, and fostering life skills for employment.
- Role of coordinators: It notes work-based learning coordinators' efforts in connecting students to real-world experiences like internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing through partnerships with schools and businesses.
- Program statistics: It cites that CTE programs exist in all states and territories, serve about 12 million students, and lead to higher graduation rates (97%), better employment, and higher earnings compared to non-CTE students.
- Challenges addressed: It points out shortages of CTE educators (e.g., 57% of schools struggle to fill positions, with 25 states plus D.C. and American Samoa reporting shortages in 2025-2026) and low awareness of work-based opportunities (79% of high school students interested, but only 34% aware).
- Senate commitments:
- Recognizes the need for all students to access quality CTE and work-based learning.
- Stresses that effective CTE relies on well-prepared educators and coordinators.
- Calls for competitive pay, benefits, and safe working conditions for all educators to address shortages.
- Commends CTE educators and coordinators for their dedication.
The resolution was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and agreed to by the Senate on February 26, 2026, during Career and Technical Education Month in February.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or amendments to existing laws. It serves as a declarative statement of support rather than enforceable policy.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May encourage federal education departments (e.g., Department of Education) to prioritize CTE funding or teacher recruitment initiatives, though it has no direct mandate.
- On citizens: Could raise public awareness of CTE benefits, potentially increasing student enrollment and addressing educator shortages, leading to a stronger workforce. Students, especially in high school and post-secondary programs, may gain better access to career preparation.
- On international relations: Minimal direct impact, but by bolstering U.S. workforce skills in critical sectors, it indirectly supports economic competitiveness globally.
Overall, the effects are symbolic and advocacy-oriented, potentially influencing future legislation or state-level education policies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- CTE educators and work-based learning coordinators: Directly honored, with emphasis on improving their recruitment, retention, and conditions.
- Students: Particularly the 12 million enrolled in CTE, who benefit from enhanced program quality and access to real-world training.
- Educational institutions: Schools, colleges, and state/territory education systems facing teacher shortages and needing industry partnerships.
- Industry partners and businesses: Involved in providing internships and apprenticeships, supporting workforce pipelines.
- Policymakers and administrators: School leaders and legislators who may use this resolution to advocate for resources.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None, as resolutions like this do not create law or alter constitutional rights; they express congressional sentiment without binding authority.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus (sponsored by 16 senators from both parties), highlighting education as a non-partisan priority. It underscores ongoing challenges like teacher shortages amid economic needs, potentially paving the way for future bills on education funding or workforce development. The timing during CTE Month amplifies its role in national awareness campaigns.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]
Cosponsors (14)
Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-26: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S716; text: CR S710-711)
- 2026-02-26: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the importance of career and technical education (“CTE”) educators and work-based learning coordinators in delivering high-quality CTE, preparing students for success in the workplace, the classroom, and in life, and supporting dynamic workforce pipelines that enable the United States to grow and lead in critical economic sectors. — issued 2026-02-26 — PDF (4 pages)