ACTE Announces Arizona Agriculture Teacher as National Award Finalist

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2018

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
jnagurka@acteonline.org, 703-683-9312

ACTE Announces Arizona Agriculture Teacher as National Award Finalist

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Amy Dillard, Agriculture Teacher at Gilbert Public Schools in Gilbert, Arizona, as the recipient of the 2018 ACTE Region V Carl Perkins Community Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who have used CTE to make a significant impact on their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service.

Amy Dillard is an innovator in developing partnerships within her community and the agriculture industry. She actively seeks opportunities for her students to give back to their community while developing transferable skills they can use in their careers.

Dillard is the first agriculture teacher in Arizona to set up a formal partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), allowing students to raise and train guide dog puppies as a supervised agricultural experience. Dillard saw this as a unique opportunity to align her veterinary science curriculum to follow the behavior and health protocols of GDB as the puppies mature, while giving back in a unique way.

Another project allows students in the agriscience program to complete a variety of projects focused on misconceptions in agriculture through an awareness campaign, discussion groups, an information fair and persuasive speeches. Additionally, Dillard works closely with colleagues and students to encourage students to educate the public about where their food comes from.

Dillard is one of 5 finalists for the 2019 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Banquet, a dinner and award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on Wednesday evening, November 28, during ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2018 in San Antonio, TX. The Awards Banquet is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, the US Army, CareerSafe, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.