ABOUT
The Wyoming Association for Career and Technical Education (WACTE) is a dynamic organization dedicated to advancing career and technical education (CTE) in the state. Comprised of a diverse range of stakeholders, including educators, administrators, and industry professionals WACTE serves as a unifying force to propel CTE forward. At the heart of our work is a commitment to fostering collaboration and communication among these key players, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to CTE within Wyoming. WACTE plays a crucial role in the professional development of its members, offering a platform for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and the exchange of best practices. WACTE serves as a powerful advocate, providing its members with a collective voice in legislative matters that impact CTE, thereby contributing to the enhancement of careers and the workforce across Wyoming. Through networking opportunities and strategic initiatives, WACTE is at the forefront of shaping a robust and responsive CTE ecosystem, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge essential for success in the ever-evolving workforce landscape, and therefore bettering the future of Wyoming.
Our Mission
The mission of the Wyoming Association for Career and Technical Education is to provide educational leadership in developing a competitive workforce.
Our Goals
The purpose of WACTE is to support teachers and students by: Fostering excellence in career and technical education; Advocating public policy to benefit career and technical education; Providing access to professional development; and Creating public awareness of career and technical education.
Executive Team
President
Damein Christensen
Damein Christensen is a dedicated leader in Career and Technical Education across Wyoming. He teaches agriculture and welding at both the middle and high school levels, and manages his school's greenhouse, giving students hands-on experience in agricultural science. Damein graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and a minor in Agricultural Economics. Over his 26-year teaching career, he has spent 14 years teaching in Douglas and 12 years in Shoshoni.
Damein previously served as President of the Wyoming Agricultural Teachers Association (WATA) and remains an active member of the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) after 26 years. Outside of school, Damein enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, woodworking, and tinkering with his El Camino.
Past President
Jason Thoren
Jason Thoren is an experienced educator entering his fourth year teaching Technical Education in Ten Sleep, Wyoming. He holds a degree in Technical Education from Casper College and the University of Wyoming, complemented by a Computer Science Endorsement from Northwest Community College. Dedicated to the field, Jason has served as the past-president of the Wyoming Technical Education Association and is a member of the Advanced Manufacturing Pathway Micro-Credential Team for the Wyoming Department of Education. Additionally, he actively coaches football and basketball while fulfilling the role of SkillsUSA Advisor at his school.
Outside of his professional commitments, Jason enjoys quality time with his family, exploring the great outdoors with his son and wife. As a third-generation educator, he deeply values Career and Technical Education, advocating passionately for its benefits to all students
Public Affairs
Jessie Dafoe
Jessie Dafoe is a proud Wyoming native specializing in organizational strategy. Jessie guides organizations of varying sizes and growth stages through strategic planning, development, and implementation of operational plans. Additionally, Jessie focuses on governmental affairs work and crafting thoughtful policy solutions for Wyomingites.
Jessie’s career, which spans more than two decades of working in close partnership with leaders from each of Wyoming’s economic industries, began as an intern in the office of then-Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). Next, Jessie focused on regulatory issues for the Wyoming Resource Alliance and most recently led Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom as their Executive Director.
Jessie, who was raised on her family’s ranch, graduated from the University of Wyoming, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business and a Master of Business Administration. Jessie is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Wyoming.
Executive Director
Megan Garnhart
Megan is currently in her 13th year as a Wyoming educator and teaches Computer Science and Business at Sheridan High School. Prior to teaching High School, she spent seven years teaching elementary. Megan is a proud University of Wyoming College of Education alumni and a Poke through and through. In addition to her bachelor's degree, Megan pursued her passion for STEM education and obtained her master's degree from Concordia University. In addition to being the WACTE Past President, Megan also sits as President for the Wyoming Computer Science Teachers Association.
Outside of work, Megan stays busy chasing her two kids with her husband, Kasey. Megan and her family love fly fishing, camping, and anything in the mountains. Megan believes strongly in Career and Technical education and it's fundamental importance for the future of Wyoming students and the Wyoming workforce.