PVUSD Administrator honored for leadership in Career Technical Education

Julie Edwards, the Career Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator for PVUSD, has received the honor of being the 2023 Career Technical Administrator of the Year for California ACSA Region 10. Having led the CTE for the past four years, Edwards has been instrumental in the restructuring and expansion of CTE within PVUSD since the district started running its own programs in 2019.

Julie Edwards and her son, Michael Levy

Before this role, Edwards worked as the assistant principal of Aptos High School, managing the counseling program, Advanced Placement program, and other administrative tasks. As the CTE Coordinator, she has developed an extensive system of courses and learning pathways that combine rigorous academics with work-based learning experiences, with the aim of preparing students for high-wage, high-skill careers and further education.

Today, over 3,200 students, 50 teachers across 10 schools are involved in the district's CTE programs which include 65 courses and 26 learning pathways. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez has lauded Edwards' transformative approach to CTE, underlining her focus on student-centered program design, which has led to increased student motivation, academic achievement, and prospects for higher-wage jobs.

Edwards' key step was to ensure all CTE courses were college preparatory, meeting admission requirements for California State University and University of California systems. The PVUSD CTE program aligns with local employment needs, offering pathways in areas like sustainable agriculture, plant science, engineering, and computer science, making a significant contribution to local and regional workforce development.

Edwards is committed to making a positive contribution to PVUSD and is keen on delivering transformative experiences and high-quality environments that prepare students for life after high school.