CTE Curriculum
Prepare learners with CTE curriculum aligned to industry standards.
Tiauna Young
CTE Director
Tiauna Young earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith in 2013 and began her career in corporate marketing before transitioning to education. She taught business and marketing at Pea Ridge High School for seven years, where she launched a school-based enterprise, sponsored DECA, and served in multiple leadership roles. Her commitment to CTE earned national recognition, including Arkansas ACTE Teacher of the Year (2019–2020), Region IV ACTE Teacher of the Year (2020–2021), and ACTE Teacher of the Year finalist (2021–2022). Now in her third year as CTE Director for Rogers School District, Young works to connect business partners, educators, and students to strengthen the workforce pipeline and ensure student success.
What are your key CTE responsibilities in your current job role?
Support CTE teachers (I have around 60 in grades 6–12 at Rogers School District) and students with funding (local and Perkins), professional development and CTSO needs.
Develop relationships with business and industry partners to ensure what our teachers are doing in the classroom matches the needs of our community.
Give students the opportunity to graduate enrolled, enlisted or employed.
Why do you feel CTE is important to the future of education?
CTE can sometimes get a bad rap, or people think it is for “those kids.” CTE is for everyone. Our courses prepare each and every student to take on whatever path they choose after high school. Whether they plan to pursue further education, enter the workforce or join the military, CTE courses prepare them for those next steps.
What is the biggest benefit students can receive from enrolling in CTE programs/course?
Transferable skills. No matter which pathway a student starts in, they learn skills that will transfer if they change programs while also preparing them for life after graduation.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy fishing, hunting, kayaking and really anything outdoors, as well as spending time with my two daughters, who are now 3 and 6 years old.