Serve as an Advisor
Advisors are the heart of every successful DECA chapter. Whether you're a marketing or business teacher or someone passionate about student success, serving as a DECA advisor gives you the opportunity to guide the next generation of emerging leaders.
Why Serve as an Advisor?
Serving as a DECA advisor is more than just a role. It is an opportunity to shape the future of marketing, finance, hospitality, and management by guiding and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Advisors play a key part in helping students connect classroom instruction with real-world experiences that build skills and inspire purpose.
As a DECA advisor, you will:
Empower Student Leadership: Support students as they take initiative, lead meetings, and plan chapter activities.
Foster Career Exploration: Help students learn about marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through guest speakers, field trips, and hands-on activities.
Build Real-World Skills: Encourage students to develop communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and technical abilities through competitions and chapter projects.
Create a Positive Impact: Watch your students gain confidence, discover their passions, and grow as future professionals.
Join a Statewide Network: Connect with other educators and professionals who are passionate about career and technical education.
Advisors often find that DECA becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their teaching career. The impact made on students, combined with the professional growth gained through DECA, makes this experience both powerful and rewarding.
How DECA Benefits You
Enhanced Classroom Engagement
DECA brings classroom content to life by providing real-world applications, hands-on learning, and leadership opportunities that align with marketing and business courses.
Professional Growth
Advisors gain access to exclusive training, resources, and networking with other educators and industry leaders, supporting their own development and instructional effectiveness.
Supportive Community
Join a statewide and national network of dedicated educators who share ideas, solve challenges, and celebrate student success together.
What Advisors Do
Advisors serve as mentors and facilitators, helping students take ownership of their DECA experience. Key responsibilities include:
Guiding students in setting goals and leading chapter activities.
Overseeing membership registration and chapter operations.
Supporting student participation in conferences, competitive events, and service projects.
Communicating with Tennessee DECA and staying up to date on deadlines and opportunities.
Who Can Be an Advisor?
Most advisors are educators in marketing, business, finance, hospitality, or career and technical education (CTE) pathways. However, any staff member committed to student success and career readiness can serve as an advisor with school approval.
Ready to Learn More?
Visit our Start a Chapter page for step-by-step guidance.