Introduction to Hybrid and Remote Working – Professional Course with Industry Certification

If you're a career and technical education (CTE) educator in Texas, you know the pressure is on to prepare students for life after high school. The Texas Education Agency's College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) accountability system has changed how we measure success, and districts across the state are working hard to boost their CCMR ratings. Our Web Design, Web Animation, and Web and Mobile App Development courses offer a proven pathway to help your students meet CCMR requirements while building real-world skills that employers actually want. The Power of Industry-Based Certifications Industry-based certifications (IBCs) carry significant weight in today's job market because they demonstrate that students have mastered specific, job-ready skills. Unlike traditional assessments that test memorization, IBCs validate that students can actually perform the tasks required in professional settings. Employers recognize these credentials because the certification standards are developed by industry professionals—many of whom are responsible for hiring at their own companies. The courses we will discuss in this article offer certification pathways from our association partner Web Professionals Global —the professional association for internet professionals across industries. For Texas schools, IBCs offer a practical, accessible pathway to CCMR success. Not every student is college-bound, and not every student thrives in dual credit courses or standardized testing environments. IBCs provide an alternative route that respects diverse learning styles and career goals while still meeting rigorous state standards. Additionally, all of our courses include the opportunity to earn the Ethics in the Workplace micro-credential from Web Professionals Global. This is just another way every one of your students can grow their CCMR portfolio. Web Design Our Web Design course is listed on the Texas Education Agency's 2025-2030 Industry-Based Certification List for Public School Accountability. This TEKS-aligned curriculum prepares students to earn the Certified Web Designer Associate (CWDSA) credential. What makes this course particularly valuable is its comprehensive approach to career preparation. Students don't just learn HTML5 and CSS3—they develop critical STEM skills, build professional portfolios, and gain hands-on experience through project-based learning. Our curriculum is designed to be turnkey, meaning teachers can confidently deliver it even without prior web design experience. This addresses one of the biggest challenges facing CTE programs: finding qualified instructors for rapidly evolving technical fields. The Web Design course uses a media-rich, highly interactive format with over 120 tutorial videos that guide students through coding HTML5 and CSS3. Expert videos provide additional coaching on broader web development concepts. Students work on real projects they can showcase to colleges and employers, building confidence as they create actual websites from scratch. Like the other courses mentioned in this article, the Web Design course works seamlessly across PC, Mac, and Chromebook devices, making implementation straightforward regardless of your technology setup. Web Animation Our Web Animation course represents another powerful CCMR opportunity for Texas schools. Listed as Web Animation IBC 967 on TEA's approved certification list, this course prepares students for the Certified Web Animator Associate (CWAA) credential from Web Professionals Global. With the global animation market projected to reach over $587 billion by 2030, this pathway offers students access to a booming industry with competitive salaries and diverse career opportunities. Animation careers extend far beyond entertainment. Today's animators work in gaming, digital marketing, education, healthcare, and corporate communications. The skills students develop—visual storytelling, technical proficiency with industry-standard tools, project management, and collaboration—transfer across multiple high-demand fields. The Web Animation curriculum takes students through the fundamentals, including the 12 Principles of Animation developed by Disney, ensuring they understand the theoretical foundations of professional animation work. Students learn both 2D animation using Weditor (a free web-based creative suite) or Adobe Animate, and 3D animation concepts using tools like Adobe After Effects. Our Virtual Internship Model engages students with interactive, story-based projects that simulate real-world career experiences. This approach helps them develop not just technical skills but also the soft skills—communication, problem-solving, time management—that employers consistently cite as critical for workplace success. Each student builds a college and career-ready portfolio throughout the course, ensuring they have tangible evidence of their capabilities when they graduate. Web and Mobile App Development Our Web and Mobile App Development course offers another opportunity for students. Listed as code 966 on the TEA approved certification list, the course prepares students to earn the Certified Web and Mobile App Developer Apprentice (CWMA) credential through Web Professionals Global. The course uses a media-rich, highly interactive, hands-on approach to guide students through the exciting process of creating their own web or mobile apps using JavaScript. Students build actual working applications they can demonstrate to colleges, employers, or even publish in app stores. Throughout the coursework, students develop critical STEM skills, build confidence through successful project completion, and create a college and career-ready portfolio that showcases their abilities. Students experience everything from environment configuration and design through implementation, debugging, and deployment of web and mobile applications. They learn JavaScript programming fundamentals, understand the design process and web application life cycles, and gain practical experience with user interface and user experience concepts. Our curriculum weaves together technical skills with essential professional competencies like project management, ethics in the workplace, legal issues around intellectual property, and even entrepreneurship basics for students interested in starting their own development ventures. Why We Work Well with Texas CCMR Programs Several factors make our courses particularly well-suited for Texas districts working to improve CCMR outcomes: Alignment with State Standards : All three courses are TEKS-aligned and approved by TEA for the 2025-2030 certification list. This removes uncertainty about whether students will receive CCMR credit for their work. You can implement these courses with confidence that they meet state requirements. Accessibility for All Students : The turnkey design means you don't need specialized faculty or expensive equipment. Students and teachers can start with no prior experience in web design, animation or mobile app development. This democratizes access to high-quality CTE pathways, allowing more students to benefit regardless of your campus's resources or location. Portfolio Development : Both courses emphasize building professional portfolios. Students create projects they can show to college admissions offices, potential employers, or use as the foundation for freelance work. This practical output reinforces learning and provides students with immediate value beyond the certification itself. Industry Recognition : The certifications from Web Professionals Global carry weight because they're developed and recognized by actual industry professionals. Students aren't just earning a piece of paper—they're demonstrating competencies that employers actively seek. Bonus Industry Recognized Micro-Credentials: Boost student CCMR with additional micro-credentials in soft skills companies are looking for. Flexibility in Delivery : The courses work across multiple devices and support both blended learning and fully online instruction. This flexibility proved invaluable during recent years and continues to benefit schools serving students with diverse needs and schedules. Competition Opportunities : We partner with SkillsUSA, providing students opportunities to compete at regional, state, and national levels in Web Design and Development competitions. These experiences build confidence, create memorable milestones, and add impressive credentials to college applications. The Financial Impact on Your District Under House Bill 3, TEA awards CCMR Outcomes Bonus funding to districts based on the number of graduates who demonstrate college, career, or military readiness above certain thresholds. These bonuses apply to three cohorts: economically disadvantaged students, non-economically disadvantaged students, and special education students. By expanding access to industry-based certifications through our courses, you increase the number of students who meet CCMR indicators. This directly impacts your district's funding allocation while simultaneously improving your accountability ratings. It's a win-win situation where doing right by students also benefits your campus financially. Moreover, the relatively low barrier to implementation means you can scale these programs efficiently. You're not building expensive facilities or hiring highly specialized staff. You're providing students with internet-connected devices they likely already have and curriculum that's ready to deploy. Preparing Students for Multiple Pathways One of the most valuable aspects of our courses is how they serve students pursuing different post-secondary paths. For college-bound students, the certifications enhance applications and demonstrate initiative in developing technical skills. The portfolios provide concrete examples of their work during admissions interviews. Some universities even grant credit for industry certifications. For students entering the workforce directly after graduation, the certifications provide immediate employability credentials. Web designers and animators can find entry-level positions or start freelancing while continuing their education part-time. The skills are in demand across industries, not just in traditional tech companies. For students considering military service, the technical competencies developed through these courses align well with many military occupational specialties in communications, intelligence, and technical fields. Implementation Support and Professional Development We understand that adopting new curriculum can feel daunting, which is why we provide comprehensive support throughout implementation. When you reach out for a demo, you're not just seeing a product presentation—you're beginning a partnership with a team committed to your success. We offer professional development for teachers, ensuring you feel confident delivering the material even if you're new to web design, animation or mobile app development. Our curriculum includes detailed instructor guides, and the platform itself provides scaffolded support for students, reducing the instructional burden while maintaining high-quality learning experiences.  Technical support is readily available when you need it, and we actively work with partner schools to gather feedback and continuously improve our offerings. This responsive approach means your voice matters and your students benefit from ongoing enhancements. Looking Toward the Future The world of work continues to evolve rapidly, with digital skills becoming essential across virtually every industry. Web design, animation and mobile app development aren't just creative pursuits—they're fundamental communications tools in our increasingly digital economy. By offering these pathways now, you're positioning your students to adapt and thrive regardless of how their career interests develop. The skills students learn extend beyond the specific technical knowledge. They develop computational thinking, creative problem-solving, the ability to receive and implement feedback, and persistence through challenging projects. These meta-skills serve students well in any field they ultimately pursue. As artificial intelligence and automation reshape many traditional jobs, the creative and technical synthesis required in web design and animation becomes more valuable, not less. Students learn to work alongside technology, leveraging tools to amplify their creative vision—exactly the kind of human-machine collaboration that defines modern work. Contact Us Today Ready to learn more about how our Web Design, Web Animation and Mobile App Development courses can enhance your CCMR program? Reach out to us at hello@ctelearning.com or 913-764-4272 to schedule your free demo and discover how you can help your Texas students earn industry-recognized certifications, build impressive portfolios, and meet CCMR requirements while developing skills that will serve them throughout their careers. Your students' futures are waiting—let's build them together.

In recent months, the team at CTeLearning has been hard at work revising our popular Ethics in the Workplace curriculum and certification. Designed in partnership with Web Professionals Global , the professional association for all web careers, this micro-credential is a valuable opportunity for students to build a well-rounded professional profile that combines technical skills and a professional portfolio with essential workplace ethics knowledge. The curriculum is designed with real-world application in mind, preparing students for the ethical challenges they'll face in professional environments. We ensure learners are well-prepared to navigate both the technical and professional aspects of modern workplaces, making them more attractive candidates to employers who value both competency and integrity. Students who work through the curriculum earn the certification after completing all required coursework. Warren Buffett has stated that he looks for three qualities when hiring: integrity, intelligence, and energy. He noted that without integrity, the other two traits "will kill you," underscoring the foundational importance of ethical behavior. Let’s take a look at the Ethics in the Workplace certification and the key changes we have made for 2025-2026. Background on the Certification Over a decade ago, we developed the first version of the Ethics in the Workplace curriculum. This came after years of our teachers struggling with teaching ethics in their classrooms. Since everything we do is wrapped up in the context of a career experience, we knew that we could deliver ethics in a practical and direct manner. We decided to dive even deeper into this idea when two new hires straight out of college came to work for us. No need to go into detail, but let’s just say we saw firsthand what happens when you have people who you assume understand the basics of ethical behavior. I (Steve) can still remember the conversation when my head of development came into my office and sat down with me to tell me a story of what she had discovered. In short, we had to fire the new employees and clean up the mess they left. However, this gave us the extra boost to develop our first ethics module. This internal training became the basis for what we dropped into every career pathway course we delivered to teachers and students. A few years later, we partnered with Web Professionals Global to have this micro-credential endorsed, and the rest is history. New Features for 2025-2026 As all our clients know, we are constantly updating our content. All areas of career and technical education (CTE) are always changing, so we keep adapting as part of our commitment to our teachers. In recent years, we had conversations with teachers who do not teach CTE pathways like web design, web game design, or animation but still wanted to teach ethics to their students. They asked us to deliver the Ethics in the Workplace certification as a standalone course, which makes sense considering it is important to be ethical in the workplace across all career pathways. As a result, our course can now be utilized in any class. It is designed to work with PC, Mac and Chromebooks. It is incredibly easy to facilitate with plenty of touch points teachers may choose to use to expand the learning experience and customize it to suit their students’ needs. AI has dramatically affected ethics in professional settings, and our most recent version includes a new section to teach students about the reality of AI and its use in the workplace. This topic also is good for students to understand as the same ethical approach to using AI in the workplace should be applied to using AI as it relates to school. We also revamped the certification so that it is now available to schools in Spanish as well as English. This allows our schools to reach more learners and integrate the curriculum into English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Language Learner (ELL) programs. Teachers and students can easily switch back and forth between English and Spanish. In the future, based on needs and requests, we will add other languages to the list. Get Started Today Ethics should be a part of every school experience. Students who work through the course and earn the certification are better prepared than peers to work in professional environments in an ethical manner. Imagine your learners being able to take home their certifications and show their family what might be their first industry-based certificate. We see this as another path to building a student's workplace confidence in addition to the technical skills and other soft skills our courses teach. For more information about the certification or any of our other courses , contact us today at 913-764-4272 or hello@ctelearning.com . We would be happy to give you a 30-minute demo of any of our courses and show how we can help your school meet STEM education goals.

Few career paths offer the perfect blend of creativity, technology, and lucrative opportunities like animation. As businesses increasingly rely on visual storytelling to capture audience attention, animation has emerged as one of the most exciting and financially rewarding career choices available to young professionals. Let’s take a look at the rise of the animation profession and how our team here at CTeLearning is helping to meet these growing needs at high schools nationwide with our Web and Computer Animation course . The Growing Demand for Animation Professionals The animation industry has experienced unprecedented growth over the past decade, driven by the explosion of digital content across multiple platforms. From blockbuster movies and video games to social media marketing and educational content, animated visuals have become essential tools for communication and engagement. According to industry reports, the global animation market is projected to reach over $587 billion by 2030, creating thousands of new job opportunities for skilled animators. This growth spans multiple sectors, including entertainment, advertising, education, healthcare, and corporate communications, providing animation professionals with diverse career paths and stable employment prospects. Why Animation is an Attractive Career Choice Creative Freedom and Personal Expression Animation offers professionals the unique opportunity to bring ideas to life through visual storytelling. Unlike many traditional careers, animation allows individuals to express their creativity while solving complex problems and communicating important messages. Whether creating characters for a video game or developing commercials, social media content, educational materials or corporate training, animators have the freedom to shape digital storytelling to improve audience experience and engagement. Competitive Salaries and Financial Security One of the most compelling aspects of an animation career is the financial potential, with experienced professionals earning well over $100,000 per year. Specialized roles such as lead animators, animation directors, and technical directors often command high salaries, making animation one of the highest-paying creative fields. Location Independence and Flexible Work Options The digital nature of animation work provides professionals with unprecedented flexibility. Many animators work remotely, collaborate with international teams, and enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. This location independence has become increasingly valuable, especially as companies embrace remote work policies and seek global talent. Diverse Career Opportunities Animation careers extend far beyond traditional entertainment. Today's animators work in: Entertainment: Creating content for movies, television shows, and streaming platforms Gaming: Developing characters, environments, and effects for video games Digital Marketing: Producing animated advertisements and social media content Education: Creating interactive learning materials and educational videos Healthcare: Developing medical animations and training simulations Corporate Communications: Producing training videos and presentation materials Essential Skills for Animation Success Technical Proficiency Modern animators must master various software applications and technical tools. Industry-standard programs include 2D animation with Weditor or Adobe Animate and 3D animation supported by Adobe After Effects, Maya, Cinema 4D, and Blender. Understanding these 2D and 3D tools allows animators to create professional-quality work that meets industry standards. Artistic Fundamentals Strong drawing skills and understanding of artistic principles remain crucial for animation success. Knowledge of color theory, composition, and the twelve principles of animation (developed by Disney) provides the foundation for creating compelling animated content. Storytelling and Communication Skills Effective animators understand how to use visual elements to tell stories and convey messages. This often begins with storyboarding and script development. These skills require strong communication and the ability to translate complex ideas into engaging visual narratives that resonate with target audiences. Project Management and Collaboration Animation projects often involve multiple team members and tight deadlines. Successful animators develop project management skills, learn to work collaboratively, and understand the importance of meeting client expectations and project timelines. Project teams include animators, sound effects artists, audio engineers, music composers, voice actors, storyboard artists, character creators, scriptwriters, project managers, producers, and directors. There is a place for all talents and passion to come together and create. The Future of Animation Careers Emerging Technologies The animation industry continues to evolve with new technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations create exciting opportunities for animators to explore new forms of storytelling and develop cutting-edge content experiences. Increased Demand for Digital Content As businesses recognize the power of visual content in marketing and communication, demand for skilled animators continues to grow. Social media platforms, streaming services, and digital advertising agencies actively seek animation professionals who can create engaging content that captures audience attention. Global Market Expansion The international nature of digital content creation means animation professionals can work with clients and companies worldwide. Animation generates stories that can transcend culture and bring information and engagement to the broadest of audiences. This global market expansion provides unlimited growth potential and diverse project opportunities for skilled animators. Building a Successful Animation Portfolio Success in animation requires a strong portfolio that demonstrates technical skills and creative abilities. Aspiring animators should focus on: Creating diverse projects that showcase different animation techniques Developing a unique artistic style that sets them apart from competitors Building projects that demonstrate problem-solving abilities Including work that shows understanding of different target audiences Regularly updating their portfolio with new projects and improved skills Preparing High School Students for Animation Success Our comprehensive Web and Computer Animation Course is specifically designed to prepare high school students for successful animation careers. This innovative program combines technical training with practical experience, giving students the tools they need to excel in the competitive animation industry. Comprehensive Curriculum Design Our animation course is a media-rich and engaging program that gets learners excited about the world of animation and opens their eyes to potential career paths. The curriculum features tutorials and project-based learning that gives students an opportunity to build projects they can add to college and career-ready portfolios. It is turnkey, meaning teachers can administer the course with no prior animation experience. The course includes comprehensive coverage of fundamental animation concepts, including the 12 Principles of Animation lesson module based on Disney's foundational animation principles. This ensures students understand the theoretical foundations that underpin all professional animation work. Virtual Internship Model We offer an innovative approach to experiential learning with our Virtual Internship Model, which immerses the students in interactive story-based projects that look and feel like a career simulation. This unique project-based learning methodology provides students with a taste of what working in the real world is like, ensuring they develop both technical and soft skills necessary for career readiness. Portfolio Development Focus Understanding that a strong portfolio is essential for animation career success, our program emphasizes practical project creation. Each student is tasked with building their college and career-ready portfolio to prepare for their futures, ensuring graduates have tangible examples of their skills when applying for jobs or college programs.  Industry-Recognized Certifications We go beyond basic education by offering students the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials. These international industry-recognized animation certifications (IIRC), also referred to as Industry-Based Certifications (IBC), are backed by Web Professionals Global , which is the professional association for those who work on the internet tools used daily across industries. These certifications carry significant weight with employers because the standards are developed by industry professionals—including many who are responsible for hiring for their respective companies. These certifications test students for skills, knowledge and aptitude—not simply how well they can study for an exam. Deliver Engaging Animation Curriculum to Your Students For high school students considering animation careers, programs like our Web and Computer Animation Course provide the perfect foundation for success. By combining comprehensive technical training with industry-recognized certifications and practical portfolio development, we help ensure students are well-prepared to enter the competitive animation industry with confidence. To learn more, contact us today at 913-764-4272 or hello@ctelearning.com . Our free 30-minute demo will show you how we can help your students explore this exciting career pathway. Note: If you are a Texas school, ask us about the Web Animation IBC 967 listed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) on the 2025-2030 Industry-Based Certification List for Public School Accountability. Our course is TEKS-aligned and provides a simple path for your students to earn the Certified Web Animator Associate (CWAA) credential. Our curriculum and free online animation tool set works with PC, Mac and Chromebook. We also have a curriculum version to support schools that use Adobe Animate.

This summer, CTeLearning was proud to once again contribute to the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia World Congress Center from June 23-27. Our professional association partner Web Professionals Global ran the Web Design and Development competition for the 22nd year in a row, providing students from a number of states with the opportunity to participate.  Our founder and lead developer, Steve Waddell, has been helping to run SkillsUSA competitions since 2005. Additionally, this past spring, CTeLearning and Web Professionals Global helped to facilitate the SkillsUSA Web Design and Development state competitions, the winners of which were invited to the national competition. Let’s hear a recap from Mark Dubois, Executive Director of Web Professionals Global, who spent the week in Atlanta. Week Recap June 23 (Monday) - After arriving late Sunday night, Mark arrived at the registration desk very early in the morning. He met our colleague Tammy Finch (Web services, Inc). Once Mark checked in for the event and received the packets of information and badges, he and Tammy were off to Courtesy Corps to arrange for their assistance in setting up the competition area. Mark had previously requested their help and needed to confirm all details once on site. He also worked with SkillsUSA personnel to get the wifi router installed and configured. Shortly after noon, both he and Tammy participated in the Technical Chair meeting. This event is held just prior to the competition to communicate last minute information (such as the current dispatch phone number and emergency procedures in the event of severe weather or other disruptions). Mark also picked up a plaque honoring our long time co-chair, Steve Waddell, for his numerous years of service to this competition. Once the meeting concluded, both Mark and Tammy returned to the competition area to verify the wifi was working. Although there was no easy way to stress test the environment, all appeared to be working once the router received a software update. Many thanks to SkillsUSA for their help in getting this set up and working. June 24 (Tuesday) - We began the day once again testing the network and confirming all was working for the competition. At noon, we held a written test for competitors in room B-311. This was the room we also used for competition debriefing and training during the week. The test covered various aspects of web design and development including fundamentals every competitor should know as well as a few more advanced questions. When completed, competitors had a moment to grab some lunch prior to our mandatory training session (which started at 2 p.m.). We covered the use of our online coding environment as part of our training and explained how the competition would be run along with providing a written overview. We also provided links to videos explaining the coding environment. Mark also reviewed some potential pitfalls which could happen when using the environment. He also reviewed why it is important to preview your work in the browser periodically. Once questions were addressed, Tammy and David Jackson (Tekki Systems) [long time member of our on site technical team] provided an overview of what it is like to work in the industry today. After a brief discussion, they answered many questions from competitors. We hold these sessions concurrently for both the secondary (high school) and post-secondary (college) competitors. Each state was represented with a team of two competitors who had to work together to complete a series of specific tasks. More information about that can be found below (Wednesday). The session ran a bit over as there were many keen questions from those who aspire to work in our industry. Before we left the room, we reviewed the test scores of all competing teams and confirmed that their answers were properly recorded in our system. These scores are later input into a large spreadsheet for calculating the winners (gold, silver, and bronze) for both secondary and post-secondary competitions. We mentioned to all competitors that we were throwing a wrinkle into the process this year. We have a practicing web professional who spent the same amount of time and used the same work order and assets to create a website. Since we are a global organization, we were able to ask someone from another time zone to do this. We decided that we would be reviewing their work as part of the competition debriefing. Everyone seemed intrigued by this new approach. They also got to meet this individual at the end of the training session (obviously via a Zoom meeting). June 25 (Wednesday) - On this day we focused on the secondary teams. Roughly two dozen states were represented by teams of two. In order to compete in Atlanta, each team had to win first place in their respective state. We were honored to be able to work with many states in their respective state web design and development competitions. We provide the coding environment, assets, rubrics, and judging criteria. We ask each state to provide on-site personnel and judges. Dan Dao (our SkillsUSA .NET [National Education Team] member was able to join us again this year. This is his second year and we greatly appreciated his help. The competition began with a briefing and a client interview. In this case, David Jackson served in the role of client. He spent some time explaining what he needed as a client and was asked a number of questions by competitors about his business. Many of the questions were quite insightful and showed competitors wanted to understand his business to provide the best experience for his clients who would be visiting his website. Once the client interview was finished, competitors returned to their workstations and spent about an hour drafting a low fidelity wireframe (some also did a site map and a few did a mood board/ stylesheet). We supplied the paper for use in this part of the process. Once they were finished with their version of the wireframe, they flagged down a team member who had them secure their work and the team was then handed a medium fidelity wireframe developed by a practicing professional. This is what each team used as they developed the website. We have used this approach for a number of years and it vastly helps with judging as all judges are examining and comparing similar work (for example, they expect mobile versions to display images in a certain spot that is different from the desktop version). Competitors worked as a team and had until 3 p.m. to complete their work and validate it was working properly in our online coding environment. While each team was working, they were called up for a team interview. In addition to addressing why their team should be considered for future work with clients, we also asked detailed questions about their individual wireframes. Those wireframes were left with the interviewers. At 3 p.m. the competition concluded and competitors were able to leave the venue. Judges then began reviewing competitor work (each team had one submitted spot). We use our custom online tool as it has a judge view. In that view, judges can move from one team to another effortlessly. Judges are able to view the source code, validate it, and test in various mobile device settings. However, judges are not able to make any changes to the code itself (they are operating in a read only mode). We have been doing this for over 20 years (and a few of our judges have been with us for almost the entire time). June 26 (Thursday) - The post-secondary teams competed on this day. We had roughly a dozen post-secondary teams. We have noted that there are often fewer post-secondary teams than secondary teams. This is part of the reason we have the high school teams compete on Wednesday as judges can spend Wednesday evening as well as most of the day Thursday evaluating the work of the secondary competitors. As with the Wednesday competition, all teams met with the client and had the chance to ask many questions about his business. They then began to develop their own low fidelity wireframes. After an hour, they notified team members who secured their wireframes and provided competitors with a medium fidelity wireframe they could use to develop the website. As before, the competition ended at 3 p.m. We then held a debriefing session in B-311. We reviewed the work of our volunteer web professional and showed his work in the judge's view (so competitors got a behind the scenes look similar to what judges use - although it was in a different but similar coding environment). We then opened the floor for questions and comments by the competitors. Mark took notes as these comments will be reviewed and incorporated into next year’s event. Those notes have been shared with all team members and we are starting to make modifications already. Once the debriefing session concluded, a number of competitors accompanied us back to the competition venue as we had to dismantle the tables and chairs and stack all for the move out happening on Friday. Thanks to those who helped. You made a big difference. We then returned to our respective hotel rooms. Mark reviewed the score sheets provided by judges for the secondary competition and entered those scores into the SkillsUSA judges data store while the work of the post-secondary teams was being evaluated. Judges got all completed and the final scores were all recorded before the 9 p.m. deadline set by SkillsUSA. They need the time to then develop the materials for the awards ceremony on Friday. June 27 (Friday) - This was the first year that we knew when we would be handing out the awards (to the minute). We arrived at State Farm Arena and navigated our way backstage. Tammy and David placed the medals on the winning teams (gold, silver, and bronze) for both secondary and post-secondary teams. We went with the teams for official back state photos after the event. Congratulations to all who participated. Although there can only be one first place team in each event, you are all winners because you stepped up and tested your knowledge, skills, and abilities on a national stage. In a number of states, competitor teams had to win a regional competition, proceed to the state competition, and then on to the national competition (winning first in each to qualify for our competition in Atlanta). Well done and congratulations to all! Get in Touch CTeLearning is proud of its work over the years with SkillsUSA. Reach out to us today for information on our collaboration with SkillsUSA and course offerings.

Today we are taking a look at one of our most popular courses, Web Design . Schools all over the country have been using our Web Design course for years and showing students what an exciting career path web design can be. Thanks to Web Professionals Global , our association partner, students who complete the Web Design course can earn a professional web design certification, the Certified Web Designer (CWDSA) certification , that showcases their skills and aptitude in web design. One of the states where we see the most certifications being awarded is Texas. The CWDSA certification is on the 2025-2030 Industry-Based Certification (IBC) List for Public School Accountability, which is the official list of state-approved certifications. Maintained by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the purpose of the IBC list is to “identify certifications that prepare students for success in the workforce, military, or postsecondary education.” Every five years, there is an assessment process that determines whether certifications will be accepted for the list. Being on the list means that our schools know our courses and certifications meet rigorous state standards and are preparing students to excel in future educational and professional pursuits. We are proud to be certified by the TEA for the next five years and look forward to working with students and teachers in Texas for years to come. CWDSA Overview We at CTeLearning are not the providers of the certification. We develop curriculum, as our first priority, to help teachers prepare their students for careers. For many teachers, this includes helping students get an industry-based certification. So, in many of our courses, that means making sure our curriculum helps students build not only their knowledge and portfolio but also the broad industry and technical skills needed to earn an industry-based certification. In this case, our curriculum aligns with what a student must know to get The Certified Web Designer Associate (CWDSA) certification. The examination measures more than just the essential competencies for aspiring or practicing Web Designers. The examinee must demonstrate working knowledge of Internet basics, HTML including HTML5, CSS3 and WYSIWYG editors, Web graphics, Web audio and video, Web site design, Web site management, and basic legal issues at the standard defined by this test specification. The skills and knowledge measured by this examination are derived from an industry-wide and worldwide job task analysis which was validated through a survey of hundreds of designers. The results of the survey were used in weighting the domains and ensuring that the weighting is representative of the relative importance of that content to the job requirements of a Certified Web Designer Associate. The intent is to certify individuals in a body of knowledge that is identified and accepted as the baseline or foundation of any Web Designer. Web Design as a Career If you are considering what to teach or coaching your students about future career options and pathways, web design can be a great choice. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% growth in employment for web developers and digital interface designers from 2023 to 2033—faster than the average for all jobs. Demand is strong and still rising as more businesses move online and prioritize digital experiences. Web developers earned a median annual salary of $90,930 in May 2024, showing that this field doesn’t just offer creative freedom—it pays well too. Design matters more than ever. Around 65% of all website traffic comes from mobile devices, making a mobile-first approach essential. Plus, 94% of businesses say website design impacts their impression of a brand, and 42% of users will leave a site if it’s hard to use. To stand out, a strong portfolio is your best tool—it shows what you can do. But industry-recognized certifications can boost your credibility, especially if you’re just starting out or want to specialize. In this pathway, whether you're freelancing, joining a design agency, or building your own brand, the web design world is full of opportunity. Just keep learning, stay creative, and always design with the user in mind. Reach Out Today If you are a teacher or administrator interested in our Web Design course and certification, reach out to us today. Our free 20-minute demo can show you the value for you and your students.