Virtual CTE Courses: Expanding Career Pathways Without a Teacher in Every Building

Career and technical education (CTE) prepares students for careers and college, but many districts can’t hire a qualified instructor for every pathway students want. Virtual CTE courses help districts expand what they offer.

The CTE teacher shortage

For 2026–27, 25 of the 50 states plus D.C. list CTE as a teacher shortage area with the U.S. Department of Education. Rural districts are especially affected, since one open position can mean losing a pathway entirely.

How online CTE courses work

A certified CTE teacher teaches live online, while a local staff member supports hands-on work in the classroom or lab where needed. Pathways that rely less on specialized equipment are often the easiest to start virtually.

What a good program looks like

• Certified CTE teachers for each pathway
• Live instruction aligned to your state’s CTE standards
• A clear plan for hands-on components
• Progress your school can track toward credentials

Questions to ask any provider

A good provider should start by asking about your district: your students, your schedule, your staffing and what has or hasn’t worked before. Then ask:

1. Which CTE pathways can you teach?
2. Are your teachers certified for CTE in our state?
3. How do you handle hands-on and lab components?
4. How do courses align to our state’s CTE standards and credentials?

CTE Pathways from Fullmind

With Fullmind, districts can offer online CTE courses without a qualified instructor in every building. Tell us the pathway your students need, and we’ll work to match a certified teacher to it. See how rural districts are doing it in our video, Reimagining Rural Career Education: Fullmind × RSIZ.

Every district has a dedicated account manager and access to Fullmind’s success managers. Fullmind doesn’t lock districts into rigid contracts, and districts don’t have to use everything they sign up for, so support can grow or shrink as needs change.

How to fund virtual CTE courses

CTE courses are commonly funded through Perkins V, the federal career and technical education program, along with state CTE funds. Check eligibility and allowable uses with your federal programs coordinator.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Starting with the pathway that needs the most equipment, instead of one that’s easier to launch virtually
• Not planning who supervises hands-on work on site
• Choosing courses that don’t lead to a credential or a clear next step for students

How to get started with Fullmind

1. Tell us about your district. An education consultant learns about your students, schedule, staffing and goals.
2. Get a plan built around your needs. We recommend the right service, or combination of services, and the right format.
3. Meet your educators. We match certified teachers or licensed specialists to your students and your state’s requirements.
4. Start learning and track progress. Instruction begins on your schedule, and your team sees attendance and progress as it happens.

Related guides

• Filling teacher vacancies
• Instruction for English language learners
• Virtual enrichment programs
• Professional development for teachers

Talk with Fullmind

Tell us which career pathways your students want, and we’ll show you how Fullmind can help you offer them. Build your plan, book a time, or learn more about virtual CTE courses.

Frequently asked questions

Can CTE be taught online?

Yes. Many CTE courses can be taught live online by a certified teacher, with local staff supporting hands-on work where needed.

Which CTE pathways work best virtually?

Pathways that rely less on specialized equipment are often the easiest to start virtually. With Fullmind, start with the pathway your students need, and we’ll work to find a certified teacher for it.