Serve as an Advisor

Advisors are the heart of every successful CTSO chapter. Whether you're a career and technical education (CTE) teacher, school counselor, or someone passionate about student success, serving as a CTSO advisor gives you the opportunity to guide the next generation of professionals.

Why Serve as an Advisor?

Serving as a CTSO advisor is more than just a role. It is an opportunity to shape the future by guiding and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Advisors play a key part in helping students connect classroom instruction with real-world experiences that build skills and inspire purpose.

As a CTSO advisor, you will:

  • Empower Student Leadership: Support students as they take initiative, lead meetings, and plan chapter activities.

  • Foster Career Exploration: Help students learn about professions through guest speakers, field trips, and hands-on activities.

  • Build Real-World Skills: Encourage students to develop communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and technical abilities through competitions and chapter projects.

  • Create a Positive Impact: Watch your students gain confidence, discover their passions, and grow as future professionals.

  • Join a Statewide Network: Connect with other educators and professionals who are passionate about career and technical education.

Advisors often find that their CTSO becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their teaching career. The impact made on students, combined with the professional growth gained through their CTSO, makes this experience both powerful and rewarding.

A SkillsUSA advisor reviews competition information in a huddle with his competitors.
An FCCLA adviser attends the State Leadership Conference.
Several FBLA advisors sit in the audience of the Opening Session at the State Leadership Conference.

How CTSOs Benefit You

Enhanced Classroom Engagement

CTSOs bring classroom content to life by providing real-world applications, hands-on learning, and leadership opportunities that align with career and technical education courses.

Professional Growth

Advisors gain access to exclusive training, resources, and networking with other educators and industry leaders, supporting their own development and instructional effectiveness.

Supportive Community

Join a statewide and national network of dedicated educators who share ideas, solve challenges, and celebrate student success together.

Two DECA advisors pose for a picture with their International Finalist at DECA ICDC.

What Advisors Do

Advisors serve as mentors and facilitators, helping students take ownership of their CTSO experience. Key responsibilities include:

  • Guiding students in setting goals and leading chapter activities.

  • Overseeing membership affiliation and chapter operations.

  • Supporting student participation in conferences, competitive events, and service projects.

  • Communicating with Tennessee CTSOs and staying up to date on deadlines and opportunities.

Who Can Be an Advisor?

Most advisors are educators in a career and technical education (CTE) pathway. However, any staff member committed to student success and career readiness can serve as an advisor with school approval.

Ready to Learn More?

Learn how to start a CTSO chapter and support student leadership in your school.

  • DECA

    DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

  • FBLA

    FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders.

  • FCCLA

    FCCLA promotes personal growth and leadership development in human services, education, design, and hospitality.

  • FFA

    FFA develops students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

  • HOSA–Future Health Professionals

    HOSA empowers Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community.

  • SkillsUSA

    SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades, empowering students to become skilled professionals and career-ready leaders.

  • TSA

    TSA enhances personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Questions?

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