Hope you’re having a great Fall! Here are the latest updates from NOCTI.
Fundamentals of Teaching Now Available
Get involved in shaping the future of teaching! NOCTI, in partnership with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, has developed a new assessment, Fundamentals of Teaching, and the written component is ready to go. With secondary CTE programs increasingly emphasizing foundational skills for future educators, this credential provides a powerful way to validate essential teaching skills, especially at a time of national teacher shortages. We’re currently seeking participants to pilot-test the performance component—don’t miss this opportunity to make an impact. If you’re interested in joining this national initiative, contact us today!
Tips from the Customer Success Team
Pre-Testing Timelines
For learners planning to post-test in the spring, pre-testing must be completed by November 30. If your school follows block scheduling, please allow 60 days between pre- and post-testing to ensure the comparisons between scores provide the most useful information. You can find more details in our Pre-Test Policy in the Client Services Center under Resources.
Pilot testing opened for ordering on November 1. To participate, please submit orders by February 28, 2025, with testing completed by April 30, 2025. More information about pilot testing is available on our website.
Be sure to check the student test ordering timelines below to help you plan ahead and avoid the rush!
Helpful Info
The information icon on each page of the Client Services Center contains instructions and helpful hints—just click on it whenever you need extra guidance!
Looking for quick answers? Try searching our knowledge base by clicking on “NOCTI Help” in the first bullet under Notifications on the Client Services Center home page.
If you are setting up score report groups, check out the information icon next to the Manage Groups page header for easy-to-follow instructions on grouping student scores for reporting.
Encourage your students to make the most of their study time. Digital Study Guides are available to help them get familiar with the topics covered on the test, including competencies, knowledge checks, and practice questions—all accessible online, 24/7. Find more details in the Resources section of the Client Services Center.
Instructor Prep Packs are available to make test administration smooth and successful. Each Instructor Prep Pack includes equipment and materials lists, setup guidelines for performance tests, and detailed guidelines for administering assessments. You’ll find the Instructor Prep Packs in the Resources section of the Client Services Center under Performance Test Prep Resources.
Reminders
Don’t forget to release your user codes for scoring once the test has been completed! Releasing the user codes ensures that official scores can be processed smoothly.
Each test taker needs a unique Participant ID that stays the same throughout all NOCTI testing at your school. Once a user code is assigned, you can set up accommodations for qualified test takers with an IEP. Be sure to add these accommodations, such as text-to-speech, extended time, or multiple sessions before testing begins. You can easily set up the accommodations in the Manage Testing section of the Client Services Center.
And don’t forget—NOCTI’s 2025 video contest is open. This year’s theme, “CTE Mythbusters,” invites talented CTE students to debunk common misconceptions about CTE by highlighting its real benefits, opportunities, and pathways. We’re excited to see the entries! Check out the application packet for all the details on rules and requirements.
The Benefits of Education Professional Certifications
CTE professionals bring unique pedagogical skills and expertise, playing a critical role in the success of schools, centers, districts, and states by preparing students with the practical skills needed for the workforce. NOCTI’s CTE certifications provide valuable tools for a range of educational needs, from accreditation to professional growth. Here’s how they support and enhance key areas within CTE programs.
Accreditation and Quality Assurance: The certifications support the accreditation process by validating the qualifications of education professionals and they help in evaluating the effectiveness of program design by providing a structured feedback loop.
Employee Retention: By using a pre- and post-test model, the certifications support mentoring for new education professionals, measuring their growth and offering structured guidance. This approach is especially beneficial for CTE professionals with diverse industry backgrounds and varying levels of preparation.
Professional Development: These certifications enable educational entities to identify knowledge gaps through data-driven insights, guiding personalized improvement plans and enhancing ongoing professional development for CTE professionals.
Program Evaluation: The certifications offer a reliable method for assessing the effectiveness of education preparation programs, ensuring quality and consistency in CTE training.
Subject Matter Expert Spotlight: Stephanie Charns
Stephanie Charns brings years of culinary experience, having worked in diverse settings from boutique hotels to a platinum-level country club. One of her favorite roles was serving as the Executive Pastry Chef for the Governor of Virginia. Now, as a NOCTI Subject Matter Expert (SME), Stephanie contributes her expertise to the Retail Commercial Baking Assessment.
Reflecting on her experience with NOCTI, Stephanie shared, “I have enjoyed contributing to the standards in culinary education and training that can influence future professionals and improve industry practices. It is meaningful to know that I am part of a process that constantly seeks to refine and enhance assessment methods to ensure that the work remains relevant and effective.”
Stephanie looks forward to collaborating with NOCTI on future projects and finds the SME role highly fulfilling. Her advice to new SMEs is to work collaboratively, focus on clear standards, consider diverse perspectives, and embrace feedback.
When asked about the most rewarding part of her career, Stephanie replied, “Helping people find information, solve problems, and spark creativity. It’s fulfilling to know that I can provide support and insights that make a positive difference in a bakery project. Whether it’s answering a question or inspiring a new idea, it’s all about positive connections.”
Outside of work, Stephanie stays busy with her two newly rescued dachshunds. When traveling, she enjoys dining at local farm-to-table restaurants, where she appreciates seasonal ingredients and the connection between quality food and community. She also enjoys discovering unique bakeries and chocolate shops, especially treating herself to a chocolate bonbon or French macaron.
Stephanie encourages students to explore the opportunities beyond traditional kitchen roles. A strong foundation in baking and culinary skills opens doors to a wide range of exciting career paths, allowing students to leverage their knowledge in unique ways.
Interested in becoming a NOCTI SME? Submit your resume and apply online today!