Chad Maclin grew up in Fairfax, Virginia, in a family full of educators. He knew from a young age that he also wanted to become a teacher, but it wasn’t until a high school drafting class that he realized he wanted to teach Career Technical Education (CTE).
“CTE is where I felt most comfortable in school. It was my favorite class,” Maclin said.
Maclin also recognized that it wasn’t just the drafting class that made an impact, it was the teacher.
“He made geometry make sense to me through drafting,” he said. “This course was offering me more than content. It was the through-lines to understand how these other classes mattered.”
Maclin went on to receive his CTE teaching degree from Old Dominion University, and began his teaching career in Tampa, Florida. A few years later, he returned to his hometown of Fairfax to teach technology education courses.
“I wanted to make my class the favorite class where students could go to make sense of their core academics,” he said.
Over the next two decades, Maclin served as a CTE teacher and administrator for Fairfax County Public Schools. He earned his Master’s Degree from George Mason University and he also served as president for the Virginia Association of Career and Technical Education.
In July, he moved into a new role when he was chosen to be the State CTE Director for the District of Columbia. Maclin said he was excited about this incredible opportunity, and is looking to increase CTE dual enrollment participation, engage with local and regional business leaders to determine which industry certifications that are meaningful and recognized, and bolster student engagement and learning through Career Technical Student Organizations.
Maclin said he also wants to make sure CTE programs are promoted far and wide so students and parents can make the most informed choices.
“So many times we hear, ‘I didn’t know schools offered that,’” Maclin said. “I’ve heard it for 20 years. I want to help students and parents know those options are out there.”
Andrea Zimmermann, Senior Associate, Member Engagement and Leadership Development
Tags: CTSO, District of Columbia, dual enrollment, industry-recognized credentials