FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2021
Contact: Megan Kmiotek
mkmiotek@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Kentucky Agriculture Educator as 2022 National Award Winner
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Ashley Rogers, Agriculture Educator, FFA Advisor at Nicholas County Middle/High School in Carlisle, Kentucky as the 2022 National ACTE New Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes new CTE teachers who have made significant contributions toward innovative and unique career and technical education programs and shown a professional commitment early in their careers. The New Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox.
Rogers is a 6-year agricultural educator at Nicholas County High School. When hired, the program had on average 60-65 students enrolled in Agricultural Courses out of 514 students 7-12th grades. Since that time, her two-teacher department has grown the program to over 185 students enrolled in agricultural education courses with over 120 members involved in the FFA organization. In the agricultural education program, 98% of graduating seniors are Career Ready through Rogers’ program because of their passing rates on the End of Program assessment and industry certifications. With her co-teacher, Cameron Earlywine, they founded a middle school program to complement their high school program. During Rogers’ short tenure, the program has had numerous FFA state winners, and Top 10 National Finishers. The Nicholas County Agricultural Education program has raised significant funds through grants and events to utilize to better education and provide scholarship opportunities.
Rogers currently serves as a National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador, National Association of Agricultural Educators National By-Laws and Policies Secretary, Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators Scholarship Committee Chairman, and Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators Region 4 Meeting Planning Committee member. Within her school, she serves as the Agricultural Education Co-Op coordinator, Greenhouse Coordinator, Chairman of the Efficiency committee, Co-lead Class Sponsor of the Class of 2022, SBDM Council Elections coordinator, Trauma and Resilience Team Member, Local District Facility Planning Committee Election Coordinator, SBDM Secretary, and a Substitute Bus Driver. Through her work she has earned the National Association of Agricultural Educators Region 4 Early Career Teacher, Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Early Career Teacher of the Year and the Teachers Turn the Key award.
“Congratulations to the New Teacher of the Year award winners and finalists—what an amazing accomplishment to be honored so early in your teaching career,” said Todd Scheffers, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for G-W. “As G-W celebrates its 100th anniversary, we are thankful to have worked alongside so many outstanding educators like each of you over the years. Your commitment to education and the dedication of industry partners such as ACTE help us in our mission to help students build careers.”
Rogers was one of five finalists for the 2022 national title. The national winner was announced at the ACTE Virtual Awards Gala recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on November 30, prior to the start of ACTE’s Hybrid CareerTech VISION 2021. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, CareerSafe, Goodheart-Willcox and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
###
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.