119th (2025–2027)
S.Res. 618
This Senate resolution recognizes the vital role of career and technical education (CTE) teachers and work-based learning coordinators in preparing students for skilled careers and strengthening America's workforce. The resolution highlights that approximately 12 million students are enrolled in CTE programs nationwide, which have a 97 percent high school graduation rate and lead to better employment outcomes and higher earnings for graduates. However, it notes significant challenges including persistent teacher shortages, with administrators reporting difficulty filling CTE positions 57 percent of the time, and 25 states plus Washington D.C. reporting CTE educator shortages in the current academic year. The resolution calls for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for these educators to address the shortage problem and ensure all students have access to quality career and technical education opportunities. This is a non-binding resolution that does not allocate funding or establish mandatory timelines, but rather serves as a formal statement of congressional support during Career and Technical Education Month in February.