Career Technical Administrator of the Year: Julie Edwards

Julie Edwards has been named the 2023 Career Technical Administrator of the Year for California ACSA Region 10, which includes Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties.

Edwards has led Career Technical Education in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District for the past four years, overseeing the restructuring and growth of the program since the district took over programming in 2019.

Before that, Edwards spent four years as assistant principal of Aptos High School, overseeing the counseling program, Advanced Placement program and other responsibilities.

Since then, Edwards has developed an extensive infrastructure of courses and learning pathways to achieve CTE’s highest aim: To create life-changing opportunities for students through a combination of rigorous academics and work-based learning experiences that prepare them for high-wage, high-skill careers, and higher education.

“Julie Edwards” page 9

“Year One” from page 5

In a community that has so many alumni and such strength, they embraced me as a new Mariner.

From athletic events to the performing arts to our new parent advisory, I appreciate every introduction, reintroduction, and conversation. What challenges do you see?

We had 386 students take over 677 Advanced Placement exams this year, which is phenomenal and has been celebrated and recognized. There is still room for more students to be in our AP classes, especially in the AP Spanish Language and creating a AP Spanish Literature class.

We also have Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways that lead to certification or job opportunities, including a new science class about drones.

We are offering one class this next year, and we hope to offer two courses if more students are interested.

How might those challenges be addressed?

We want to encourage every student to consider AP classes, especially our students who might be the first in their families to graduate high school or go to college.

We also have to advertise and communicate our CTE options, so students and families are aware of the many options we provide. All of these classes open doors and opportunities beyond high school. n