Nebraska students national officers tell board how CTE shaped leadership — and raise AI questions

The State Board of Education heard four student national officers on Feb. 6 as part of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.

Katie Graham (administrator, Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education) introduced student speakers who described how CTSOs (career technical student organizations) extend classroom learning into leadership and work-based skills. The presenters included national FFA and FBLA officers and an Educators Rising national officer.

Amber Ruble (national FFA Central Region vice president) described international engagement from a program visit in Japan and tied CTSO involvement to global agricultural and leadership opportunities. James Fletcher (national FBLA officer) pinpointed professional communication, time management and accountability as concrete skills learned through FBLA and state CTE programs.

Owen Lasser (Educators Rising national officer) described mentorship and incremental leadership opportunities that prepared him for national responsibilities, while Annabelle Coombe (FBLA national parliamentarian) outlined national trends: greater interest in entrepreneurship among Gen Z, CTE as broadly college'preparatory, and a range of student views on AI in education (from overreliance concerns to using AI as a supportive tool). Coombe urged the board to consider AI ethics within education as students and teachers confront its growing presence.

Board members thanked the students and asked for advice; members noted plans to discuss AI's role in Nebraska classrooms in upcoming months.

The presentations were framed as recognition for CTE Month rather than formal board action.