The last page of 2025 is being written. We've stuffed ourselves for Thanksgiving and are speeding toward Winter Break.

We've seen quite a bit of challenges in CTE this year. And challenges await in 2026: funding, what federal organization to report to, etc. Closer to home, we have our successes. We see this in the awards our students and colleagues brought home, graduations, career milestones. We hear this in the new confidence of our student's voices and the well-wishes of our co-workers.

Whether or not you're someone who makes resolutions, the turning over of a year is always a special sort of time. We spend more time with family. We think more closely about 'what's next'. (Especially if retirement is on the horizon.) In a dozen big and small ways, the lyrics from "Closing Time" are true: Every new beginning is some other beginning's end.

As we close 2025, I want to thank you for all you've done. An educator's job is one of the hardest. And regardless of your title - if you serve our students and families - you are an educator. I wish that I could offer everyone some physical token of appreciation. (Maybe a gift certificate for a ham or some such.) But, all I can offer is my very, very sincere thanks.

CTE For All-OK will introduce a few more options for you in 2026. Our Professional Development Day is returning. Our outreach to members is increasing. Our benefits to you as members are expanding. We will freshly support all the different positions and roles within our division. So prepare for a new year and newer us in 2026.

Again, wherever you are, however you spend this season, and whatever your plans in 2026, I'm proud to call myself a part of this team dedicated to serving all of our unique students in Oklahoma CTE.

Best Wishes,

Tim Lankford, President

CTE For All - OK