AI in CTE: What Teachers Can Use Right Now
Artificial intelligence is quickly reshaping Career and Technical Education, and this recent Education Week piece offers a useful look at how CTE teachers are blending AI into hands-on learning:https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/classroom-view-how-ai-is-influencing-teacher-approaches-to-career-and-technical-ed/2025/11
One of the educators highlighted in the article is Leah Ferguson, a local CTE Graphic Design & Digital Media teacher at The Dalles High School. Leah’s inclusion is a proud moment for our region - her classroom is featured as an example of how CTE teachers are helping students use AI creatively and responsibly. Her students treat AI as an early-stage design partner, while the real creative and technical work still happens through thoughtful human skill.
Practical Ways CTE Teachers Can Use AI Today
Use AI for early drafts and ideation.
Generate quick sketches, concepts, or outlines.
Have students critique the AI outputs, then build their own versions.
Let AI handle repetitive tasks.
Summarize technical manuals or safety steps.
Draft workflow checklists or sample résumés.
Outline scripts, presentations, or project plans.
Teach AI literacy through existing assignments.
Include a brief “How I used AI” reflection.
Ask students to verify accuracy or spot bias.
Compare multiple AI outputs to strengthen critical thinking.
Blend AI with making.
Use AI for early CAD prompts, video storyboards, or marketing drafts.
Shift quickly into fabrication, coding, filming, testing, or analysis.
Keep ethics front and center.
Discuss originality, copyright, and training data.
Explore when AI-generated content is appropriate - and when it’s not.
Why It Matters
AI is now part of nearly every technical field. CTE teachers are uniquely positioned to help students learn to use these tools responsibly while staying grounded in authentic, hands-on skills.
With local educators like Leah Ferguson featured on the national stage, the Gorge is well-positioned to continue leading thoughtful, practical AI integration across CTE programs.