Professional Development


The Perkins V Act guides how states invest federal funds in career and technical education. Translating that legislation into effective programs is intricate work, and Perkins Leaders are the professionals who carry it out. They administer the grant, ensure compliance, and direct resources toward local improvements. 

Our professional development and technical assistance is built to support that work at every stage. We develop activities and topics that address the responsibilities Perkins Leaders face, from navigating grant administration and compliance requirements to strengthening the quality of CTE programs across their consortia.

Have a topic you would like to explore, or an idea for one we should offer? Contact Yingfah Thao, Director of Professional Development, to request or suggest it.

Thursday, October 1, 2026
Perkins Leaders Fall Meeting
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Room: Pine Room (Lower level)

Perkins Leaders meetings are offered in the Fall and Spring. These annual meetings are designed for Coordinators who oversee the administration and implementation of the Perkins V Act across 23 statewide consortia.

Fall and Spring Meeting Registration

November 12-13, 2026
Career and Technical Education Annual Summit
Location: Delta Hotels Minneapolis Northeast, 1330 Industrial Blvd. NE
Time: Two Days

The annual Career and Technical Education Summit is held in November every year. It is the largest conference in Minnesota, bringing together CTE teachers, faculty, administrators, business and industry sectors, and the workforce development community.

More Information

For information about the annual Summit, contact Yingfah Thao, Director of Professional Development, at Yingfah.Thao@MinnState.edu. 

Wednesday, September 30, 2026
New Perkins Leaders Orientation
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Room: Pine Room (Lower level)

New Perkins Leaders carry a real load: the grant rules, the relationships, the accountability. The New Perkins Leaders Mentorship Program focuses on critical information and strategies to help new leaders succeed. The program pairs them with experienced leaders who have carried the load before. The purpose of the program is to:

  • Equip new Perkins Leaders with the skills needed to successfully administer the Perkins V federal grant
  • Provide structured support from state staff and experienced Perkins leaders

Program Elements

State staff provide professional development opportunities, including webinars and in-person sessions, to support all Perkins leaders. The mentorship program is designed to reinforce and build on that training. Program elements include:
  • New Perkins leaders are paired with an experienced Perkins leader to serve as their mentor
  • Mentors provide one-on-one support through monthly check-in meetings, either virtually or in person, and by remaining available for questions throughout the year
  • Monthly Webinars for all Perkins leaders
  • Fall and Spring Perkins Leaders Meetings
  • New Perkins Leaders Orientation session at the Fall Perkins Leaders Meeting
  • At least three virtual sessions for new Perkins leaders, covering Perkins requirements and providing time to connect with other new leaders
  • Mentees are encouraged to attend a professional development conference, such as the Career and Technical Education Annual Summit, NACTEi Conference, MACTA Annual Conference, ACTE Region III Conference, or the ACTE National Policy Seminar.

More Information

For information about this program, contact Sue Selland-Miller, Associate Director for CTE at Sue.Selland-Miller@MinnState.edu.