La Joya Independent School District
Director of Career & Technical Education (CTE)
La Joya Independent School District, La Joya, Texas, United States, 78560
Job Title:
Director of Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Wage/Hour Status:
Exempt
Reports to:
Executive Director of College & Career Success
Pay Grade : AD 5
Dept./School:
Academics and School Leadership
Initiated Date:
June 2025
WHO WE ARE
La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a strong, 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. The district's vision - Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student - conveys our urgent focus on students.
Our work is rooted in five district priorities, which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the community. Customer Service Trust & Transparency High-Quality Instruction Excellence in Leadership Integrity & Accountability We are focused on ensuring every student in La Joya ISD has access to a high-quality, best-fit school as we work to improve from a B-district to an A-rated district. We serve more than 22,000 students in more than 30 schools and span six municipalities, covering more than 220 square miles.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking a strategic and equity-driven leader to serve as the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE). This leader will be responsible for designing, leading, and implementing a districtwide vision for high-quality CTE programs that prepare more students to complete CTE pathways and earn industry-based certifications. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of improving access, participation, and completion in CTE programs, particularly for historically underserved students. You will lead the alignment of CTE programs to labor market demands and college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) outcomes, while building strong partnerships with business, industry, and higher education. You must possess the ability to lead adaptive change, develop staff, and build systems to support program quality and expansion at scale. You must possess the commitment, urgency, and system leadership skills needed to lead adaptive change in a fast-paced, evolving educational environment.
WHY LA JOYA ISD
You will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and have access to the highest-quality, research-based resources and instructional materials. We are also a district focused on continuous improvement and rigorous analysis of where we need to grow and learn.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Certification: Bachelor's degree required; preferred in Education, CTE, Business, Industry, or related field Master's degree preferred Valid Texas Teaching certificate Valid or eligible to receive Texas Principal Certification or MId-Management Certification preferred Currently or eligible to become T-TESS certified preferred Experience:
Minimum of three year's teaching experience in CTE or related field Experience leading CTE programs or secondary academic initiatives preferred Special Knowledge and Skills
Proven success in leading a school or district community toward continuous improvement in academic goals with a relentless pursuit of academic excellence for all students Deep knowledge of curriculum and instruction as well as evidence-based practices in CTE Strong knowledge of CTE programs, state and federal CTE requirements, and industry certification systems Experience aligning CTE pathways to labor market needs and student interests Ability to design systems that increase student completion of programs of study and attainment of industry-based credentials Experience with student scheduling, master scheduling, and campus systems that impact CTE Proven experience to use and interpret data to inform decision-making processes that allow for intentional actions and lead to improved student/campus achievement Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) Leadership, management, and organizational skills Experience with diverse populations Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Executive Leadership
Serve as a transformational leader working to create a best-in-class learning environment. Participate in professional development and training to improve skills related to job assignment. Foster team collaboration and shared ownership of student success across content teams and campuses. Set ambitious goals for CTE achievement, monitor progress, and make adjustments as needed Serve as a strategic leader who builds and implements a high-impact, equitable CTE program aligned to district and state goals. Provide for two-way communication with staff, students, parents, and community. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior. Serve as a role model for all campus staff. Develop and set annual performance objectives. System Leadership:
Promote the expectation for high-level performance from staff and students and recognize excellence and achievement.. Lead the development and execution of a districtwide CTE strategy that increases student participation and pathway completion. Ensure all CTE programs of study are aligned to labor market data and postsecondary options, including industry certifications and dual credit. Monitor and support implementation of CTE programs with fidelity, ensuring compliance with TEA and federal Perkins V requirements. Collaborate with campus administrators and counselors to ensure equitable access to CTE programs across middle and high schools. Support new CTE program development and expansion based on regional workforce demand and student interest. Partner with higher education, workforce boards, and industry to expand dual credit, internships, and work-based learning opportunities Lead the continuous improvement of CTE program quality, student outcomes, and accountability indicators (e.g., CCMR). Utilize campus data for corrective action leading to improvement, as well as for recognition of success. Evaluate and adjust educational programs and approaches to ensure rapid student acceleration. Disaggregate and interpret data in order to assist in developing appropriate next steps for campus improvement. Support campus leaders in analyzing data and developing action plans to improve teaching and learning. Professional Learning Community (PLC's)
Support the development and implementation of PLC structures for CTE teachers focused on improving instruction and program quality. Ensure professional learning is differentiated and aligned to instructional best practices, certification alignment, and industry standards. Support campus leaders and teacher teams in using PLC structures to improve instructional planning, delivery, and assessment Effective Feedback
Coach and provide feedback to CTE coordinators, strategist, and teachers to strengthen instruction, compliance, and certification attainment. Monitor program data and conduct site visits to evaluate instructional effectiveness and fidelity of implementation. Provide instructional and programmatic feedback to teachers, administrators, and staff based on observations, walk-throughs, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback. Culture & Climate
Create, cultivate and lead a culture of excellence, support, and community for all stakeholders. Build capacity among staff to sustain a culture of reading, inquiry, civic engagement, and critical thinking. Facilitate effective and timely resolution of conflicts. Identify, analyze, and apply research findings (e.g., effective school correlates) to promote school improvement. Promote inclusive practices that reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of La Joya ISD students Follow all policies, practices, and procedures that create optimal learning conditions for students with special needs in alignment with IDEA. Personnel Management
Select, train, supervise and evaluate all assigned staff fairly and in alignment with proper policies and procedures. Ensure accurate documentation on any and all recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline and dismissal. Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff with the lens of both support and accountability for all employees. Coach staff and help them identify and develop appropriate professional growth opportunities as well as accomplish improvement goals. School or Community Relations
Articulate the mission and purpose of CTE to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission. Serve as a key liaison between the district and business, industry, and postsecondary partners. Lead strategic partnerships that enhance work-based learning, mentorship, and certification opportunities for students. Communicate with parents, families, and communities on a regular and consistent basis to ensure clear and consistent messaging to parents. Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs using appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement. Management of Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions
Ensure all employees follow proper protocols to maintain accurate records as required Ensure compliance with all TEA and Perkins V requirements, including documentation, evaluation, and reporting. Support campuses in completing all associated administrative duties and tasks in a timely manner Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports. Develop budgets based upon documented Needs Assessments, estimated enrollment, personnel, and other entitlement funding streams; implement programs within budget limits; maintain fiscal control; accurately report fiscal information. Comply with district policies, state and federal laws and regulations affecting schools.
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff assigned
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands
Typical demands of an office environment, including extensive computer use and district-wide travel for meetings and events. Lifting and carrying of books, boxes, and audiovisual equipment, light (15-20 pounds), climbing, stretching, visual acuity, walking, pulling, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, reaching, pushing, sitting, kneeling, standing, and twisting, may be required to control behavior through physical restraint.
Work Environment Primarily office-based with regular interaction with district staff, educators, students, families, and community members. Campus visits will be required as needed and as a part of ensuring program implementation with fidelity and monitoring of service delivery models. Attendance at evening or weekend events may be required. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
Reading, supporting instruction, demonstrating computer skills appropriate for assignment, effective communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work well with students, concentration (detailed work), interpretive skills (policy, procedure, dates), reasoning skills, understanding verbal instructions, analyzing, differentiating, memorizing, coordinating, compiling, and computing.
Mental Demands:
Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress.
POSITION WORKING DAYS 226 days
COMPENSATION
Based on the district's approved compensation plan.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.
Director of Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Wage/Hour Status:
Exempt
Reports to:
Executive Director of College & Career Success
Pay Grade : AD 5
Dept./School:
Academics and School Leadership
Initiated Date:
June 2025
WHO WE ARE
La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a strong, 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. The district's vision - Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student - conveys our urgent focus on students.
Our work is rooted in five district priorities, which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the community. Customer Service Trust & Transparency High-Quality Instruction Excellence in Leadership Integrity & Accountability We are focused on ensuring every student in La Joya ISD has access to a high-quality, best-fit school as we work to improve from a B-district to an A-rated district. We serve more than 22,000 students in more than 30 schools and span six municipalities, covering more than 220 square miles.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking a strategic and equity-driven leader to serve as the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE). This leader will be responsible for designing, leading, and implementing a districtwide vision for high-quality CTE programs that prepare more students to complete CTE pathways and earn industry-based certifications. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of improving access, participation, and completion in CTE programs, particularly for historically underserved students. You will lead the alignment of CTE programs to labor market demands and college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) outcomes, while building strong partnerships with business, industry, and higher education. You must possess the ability to lead adaptive change, develop staff, and build systems to support program quality and expansion at scale. You must possess the commitment, urgency, and system leadership skills needed to lead adaptive change in a fast-paced, evolving educational environment.
WHY LA JOYA ISD
You will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and have access to the highest-quality, research-based resources and instructional materials. We are also a district focused on continuous improvement and rigorous analysis of where we need to grow and learn.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Certification: Bachelor's degree required; preferred in Education, CTE, Business, Industry, or related field Master's degree preferred Valid Texas Teaching certificate Valid or eligible to receive Texas Principal Certification or MId-Management Certification preferred Currently or eligible to become T-TESS certified preferred Experience:
Minimum of three year's teaching experience in CTE or related field Experience leading CTE programs or secondary academic initiatives preferred Special Knowledge and Skills
Proven success in leading a school or district community toward continuous improvement in academic goals with a relentless pursuit of academic excellence for all students Deep knowledge of curriculum and instruction as well as evidence-based practices in CTE Strong knowledge of CTE programs, state and federal CTE requirements, and industry certification systems Experience aligning CTE pathways to labor market needs and student interests Ability to design systems that increase student completion of programs of study and attainment of industry-based credentials Experience with student scheduling, master scheduling, and campus systems that impact CTE Proven experience to use and interpret data to inform decision-making processes that allow for intentional actions and lead to improved student/campus achievement Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) Leadership, management, and organizational skills Experience with diverse populations Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Executive Leadership
Serve as a transformational leader working to create a best-in-class learning environment. Participate in professional development and training to improve skills related to job assignment. Foster team collaboration and shared ownership of student success across content teams and campuses. Set ambitious goals for CTE achievement, monitor progress, and make adjustments as needed Serve as a strategic leader who builds and implements a high-impact, equitable CTE program aligned to district and state goals. Provide for two-way communication with staff, students, parents, and community. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior. Serve as a role model for all campus staff. Develop and set annual performance objectives. System Leadership:
Promote the expectation for high-level performance from staff and students and recognize excellence and achievement.. Lead the development and execution of a districtwide CTE strategy that increases student participation and pathway completion. Ensure all CTE programs of study are aligned to labor market data and postsecondary options, including industry certifications and dual credit. Monitor and support implementation of CTE programs with fidelity, ensuring compliance with TEA and federal Perkins V requirements. Collaborate with campus administrators and counselors to ensure equitable access to CTE programs across middle and high schools. Support new CTE program development and expansion based on regional workforce demand and student interest. Partner with higher education, workforce boards, and industry to expand dual credit, internships, and work-based learning opportunities Lead the continuous improvement of CTE program quality, student outcomes, and accountability indicators (e.g., CCMR). Utilize campus data for corrective action leading to improvement, as well as for recognition of success. Evaluate and adjust educational programs and approaches to ensure rapid student acceleration. Disaggregate and interpret data in order to assist in developing appropriate next steps for campus improvement. Support campus leaders in analyzing data and developing action plans to improve teaching and learning. Professional Learning Community (PLC's)
Support the development and implementation of PLC structures for CTE teachers focused on improving instruction and program quality. Ensure professional learning is differentiated and aligned to instructional best practices, certification alignment, and industry standards. Support campus leaders and teacher teams in using PLC structures to improve instructional planning, delivery, and assessment Effective Feedback
Coach and provide feedback to CTE coordinators, strategist, and teachers to strengthen instruction, compliance, and certification attainment. Monitor program data and conduct site visits to evaluate instructional effectiveness and fidelity of implementation. Provide instructional and programmatic feedback to teachers, administrators, and staff based on observations, walk-throughs, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback. Culture & Climate
Create, cultivate and lead a culture of excellence, support, and community for all stakeholders. Build capacity among staff to sustain a culture of reading, inquiry, civic engagement, and critical thinking. Facilitate effective and timely resolution of conflicts. Identify, analyze, and apply research findings (e.g., effective school correlates) to promote school improvement. Promote inclusive practices that reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of La Joya ISD students Follow all policies, practices, and procedures that create optimal learning conditions for students with special needs in alignment with IDEA. Personnel Management
Select, train, supervise and evaluate all assigned staff fairly and in alignment with proper policies and procedures. Ensure accurate documentation on any and all recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline and dismissal. Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff with the lens of both support and accountability for all employees. Coach staff and help them identify and develop appropriate professional growth opportunities as well as accomplish improvement goals. School or Community Relations
Articulate the mission and purpose of CTE to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission. Serve as a key liaison between the district and business, industry, and postsecondary partners. Lead strategic partnerships that enhance work-based learning, mentorship, and certification opportunities for students. Communicate with parents, families, and communities on a regular and consistent basis to ensure clear and consistent messaging to parents. Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs using appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement. Management of Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions
Ensure all employees follow proper protocols to maintain accurate records as required Ensure compliance with all TEA and Perkins V requirements, including documentation, evaluation, and reporting. Support campuses in completing all associated administrative duties and tasks in a timely manner Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports. Develop budgets based upon documented Needs Assessments, estimated enrollment, personnel, and other entitlement funding streams; implement programs within budget limits; maintain fiscal control; accurately report fiscal information. Comply with district policies, state and federal laws and regulations affecting schools.
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff assigned
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands
Typical demands of an office environment, including extensive computer use and district-wide travel for meetings and events. Lifting and carrying of books, boxes, and audiovisual equipment, light (15-20 pounds), climbing, stretching, visual acuity, walking, pulling, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, reaching, pushing, sitting, kneeling, standing, and twisting, may be required to control behavior through physical restraint.
Work Environment Primarily office-based with regular interaction with district staff, educators, students, families, and community members. Campus visits will be required as needed and as a part of ensuring program implementation with fidelity and monitoring of service delivery models. Attendance at evening or weekend events may be required. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
Reading, supporting instruction, demonstrating computer skills appropriate for assignment, effective communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work well with students, concentration (detailed work), interpretive skills (policy, procedure, dates), reasoning skills, understanding verbal instructions, analyzing, differentiating, memorizing, coordinating, compiling, and computing.
Mental Demands:
Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress.
POSITION WORKING DAYS 226 days
COMPENSATION
Based on the district's approved compensation plan.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.