Who to Follow: Thought Leaders in Education

Following proven educators on social media is a powerful way to discover fresh, effective teaching strategies. These experienced professionals regularly share insights, classroom-tested techniques, and innovative tools that can elevate your practice. Whether you’re looking to engage students more deeply, integrate technology, or differentiate instruction, their posts offer real-time inspiration and practical ideas. The CTE Center has selected the following educators based on the valuable information they share, not as an official endorsement, but as a resource to help you expand your professional learning network.

AJ Juliani

A.J. Juliani is a dynamic voice in modern education—author, speaker, and K‑12 innovation leader. He’s penned best-sellers like Empower, Launch, and The PBL Playbook, and serves as faculty at the University of Pennsylvania.  
His focus? Empowering teachers to transform classrooms with project‑based learning, design thinking, and meaningful uses of AI.

Dr. Tyler Tarver

Tarver Academy, founded by Dr. Tyler Tarver, is a high-energy hub for practical, time-saving tools and trainings designed specifically for K–12 educators. Known for his engaging style and modern approach, Dr. Tarver shares free templates, AI-powered workflows, and professional development resources that help teachers streamline their work and boost classroom impact. 

Carol Dweck

Carol Dweck’s concept of growth mindset is especially valuable for CTE teachers, as it encourages students to see skills and intelligence as qualities that can improve with effort and practice. In hands-on learning environments—like construction, healthcare, or digital design—students often face challenges that require persistence. By applying Dweck’s research, CTE teachers can help students view mistakes as part of the learning process, build confidence through progress, and develop the resilience and adaptability needed for real-world career success.

James Stronge

James H. Stronge is a leading education researcher and author known for his work on teacher and principal effectiveness. As a professor at William & Mary and author of Qualities of Effective Teachers, he provides evidence-based strategies for hiring, evaluating, and developing educators. His practical, research-driven insights help schools build strong instructional teams and support continuous improvement—making his work especially valuable for CTE programs focused on aligning teaching quality with real-world skills.

Jay McTighe

Jay McTighe is a leading educator and co-author of the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework, which promotes “backward design”—starting with clear learning goals and planning assessments that foster real-world application. His work helps teachers move beyond rote learning to focus on deep understanding and transfer of knowledge. Widely respected for his practical tools and global impact, McTighe’s approach is especially valuable for educators aiming to design intentional, meaningful learning experiences.