Overview
As the landscape of career and technical education (CTE) evolves, postsecondary educators face growing challenges in meeting the diverse needs of their students. This whitepaper highlights an opportunity to rethink professional development (PD) through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). By focusing on practical strategies grounded in design thinking, the paper explores how intentional program and environment design can lead to increased teacher confidence and improved student outcomes.
For postsecondary CTE educators, this resource offers actionable insights into how UDL can help bridge the gap between today’s instructional challenges and the need for meaningful, impactful professional development. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of how implementing inclusive and flexible approaches can create environments where every learner can thrive.
Why download?
This whitepaper isn’t just about theory—it’s a call to action for educators, administrators, and policymakers committed to improving outcomes for postsecondary CTE students. By downloading, you’ll discover how applying design principles used by leading organizations worldwide can make a lasting impact on teaching and learning. Explore how UDL strategies not only benefit educators but also empower a new generation of learners to excel in today’s workforce.
Authors
Amanda Bastoni, Director of Career, Technical & Adult Education, CAST
Donald Walker, Career & Technical Education Trainer, CAST
Eric Feldborg, STEM Education Consultant, former NH State Director of CTE
Monica Pascoa, Workforce Operations & Project Coordinator, CAST
Published
February 19, 2025
Cite As
Bastoni, A., Walker, D., Feldborg, E., & Pascoa, M. (2024). Gaps in Understanding the Professional Development Needs of Postsecondary CTE Educators: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a Viable Solution [White Paper]. CAST, Inc. https://www.cast.org/resources/whitepapers/understanding-professional-development-postsecondary-cte/