Irving ISD has been named a CTE District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) for a second consecutive year. The association recognized the district’s outstanding commitment to career and technical education and its dedication to preparing students for success in college, careers and beyond.
“Irving ISD is committed to equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to succeed in today’s workforce,” says Superintendent Magda A. Hernández. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers, the vision of our district and the incredible partnerships we’ve built with our community to prepare students for bright futures.”
This prestigious honor celebrates districts that demonstrate exceptional leadership in developing innovative programs, building strong industry partnerships and providing students with real-world learning opportunities that lead to meaningful career pathways.
“To earn the honor for the first two inaugural years of the award is a pretty big deal,” says Irving ISD Director of Career and Technical Education Zach Moore. “I hope we can keep this going for many years to come.”
With 34 career pathways offered across the district’s five high school campuses, Irving ISD provides opportunities for students to explore fields ranging from aviation to culinary arts to law and public service.
The district’s programs have also earned three national Excellence in Action awards from Advanced CTE. These awards recognized the Culinary Arts and Law and Public Service programs at Singley Academy as well as the Aviation program at Irving High School.
“Our goal in CTE is to ensure our students have a competitive advantage when they leave Irving ISD and that we are closing the 21st-century skills gap,” says Moore. “When students leave our programs, we want them to have the skills and professional aptitude needed to be successful in either a career immediately out of high school or in college.”
The district’s success is fueled by strong collaboration with local industries and community partners. Each CTE pathway includes an industry advisory board, made of professionals who help ensure programs remain aligned with workforce needs and emerging trends.
“Recognitions like these spotlight the quality career education our students are getting in Irving ISD,” says Moore. “This distinction means more opportunities for business and community partnerships that will result in more opportunities for our students in the long run.”
Looking ahead, Irving ISD is already planning to expand its CTE offerings with a new Career and Technical Education Center, scheduled to open in August 2027. The new facility will add programs in plumbing, HVAC and electrical studies – all focused on high-demand and high-wage career fields.
The district will be formally recognized during the CTAT Winter Leadership Conference, where honorees from across the state will be celebrated for their contributions to advancing career and technical education in Texas.
