About The Organization

At the March 2008 General Membership meeting, the PAVESNP membership voted to change the name of the Association from Pennsylvania Association of Vocational Education Special Needs Personnel (PAVESNP) to Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Special Populations (PACTESP).

PACTESP – In the Beginning

The Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Education Special Populations (PACTESP), formerly PAVESNP, has a long history of serving special needs students. Wayne Grubb, with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, participated in an American Vocational Association (AVA) (now Association for Career and Technology Education) workshop in 1976 in Houston, where he saw a need for a state organization to share ideas and programs, both statewide and nationally. A meeting of 37 persons interested in organizing a state association of vocational education special needs personnel was held at Host Farm, Lancaster, on June 20, 1977.

PACTESP received its charter from the National Association of Vocational Education Special Needs Personnel (NAVESNP) on December 4, 1977, during the AVA Convention in Atlantic City. The presentation was made by Roger Sathre, NAVESNP President, and present to receive the charter were Sheila Feichtner, PACTESP President, and Mike Lynes, Treasurer. In December 1977, PACTESP became affiliated with the Pennsylvania Vocational Association (now Pennsylvania Association for Career and Technology Education).

On January 29-30, 1978, the first PACTESP Mid-Winter Conference was held at the Treadway Inn in Grantville with over 100 participants. This meeting became the precedent for the PACTESP Board and members to become actively involved in federal and state legislation, to lead national trends, and to encourage successful and innovative career and technical education programs. Regional and national involvement was also established during the first year.

PACTESP has had a long history of serving special needs students in Pennsylvania. From the first organizational meeting held June 1977 until today, PACTESP members continue their impact through an ongoing commitment to academic and occupational achievement for ALL students.