ACTE Announces Missouri Assistant Professor at University of Central Missouri as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Dr. Krystle Gremaud, Assistant Professor – Program Coordinator for CTE Teacher Education programs – Family Consumer Sciences lead faculty, at University of Central Missouri as the 2025 ACTE Region III Teacher Educator of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Krystle Gremaud has dedicated 20 years to education, embracing teaching as a true calling. After a fulfilling career in K-12 education, Krystle transitioned to higher education to make a lasting impact on the next generation of educators. She believes that guiding future teachers allows her to have the greatest influence, both in the classroom and beyond. Krystle is deeply committed to being a positive role model and leading by example. Understanding the challenges of teacher burnout, she emphasizes the importance of work-life balance to her pre-service educators, teaching them how to prioritize their commitments and set healthy boundaries. Her approach ensures that her students not only excel academically but also maintain their well-being. Above all, Krystle is passionate about fostering a sense of belonging in her classroom. She takes pride in building strong, supportive relationships with her students, ensuring they feel loved, valued, and respected. Krystle is not only viewed as a professional but also as a trusted advocate for her students. Her greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that when her students leave her classroom, they do so with confidence, readiness, and the assurance that they have a lifelong ally in her.
Dr. Gremaud is one of four finalists for the 2025 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 4, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox. The Army, 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.
Nick Lebo is a graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in education in Sport Management. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Kelsey, and they have three amazing children: Lyla, Lily, and Shepherd. Nick is entering his fourteenth year of teaching and coaching in Austin ISD. He is currently the CTE Department Chair, Business Teacher, and Head Golf Coach at Austin High.
Chris Edgar has been a dedicated advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE) for nearly a decade, combining his extensive background in law enforcement with a passion for teaching the next generation of professionals. As an instructor at Lake Career and Technical Center (LCTC), Chris has developed and led innovative programs in law enforcement and crime scene investigations. His goal is to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for careers in criminal justice while fostering a positive perception of law enforcement in their communities.
Jason Van Nus is the Director of Work-Based Learning (WBL) and Youth Apprenticeship (YA) Programs for Lowndes County Schools in Valdosta, Georgia. With over 20 years of experience in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE), Jason has become an expert in various instructional areas, including Business Education, Graphic Communication, and Work-Based Learning. His journey into education began as a way to stay connected to sports, but it soon evolved into a deep commitment to his students and their success.
Jared’s dedication and passion for his students have made his program one of the most sought-after at Northwest Education Services. His classes consistently have a waitlist, driven by the positive word-of-mouth from current students to prospective ones. Underclassmen, parents, and alumni often express a strong desire to see firsthand what is happening in the Power Equipment program, even if their personal ambitions lie elsewhere.
LTC Scott Caldwell has served as the Director of JROTC for the Washoe County School District since 2018. A retired Army officer with 30 years of distinguished service, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Aero Technology from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in international relations from Troy University. Before transitioning to his current role, his final military assignment was as the Professor of Military Science and Department Chair for the Senior ROTC Program at Florida Tech. He later spent six years as the Senior Army Instructor at Ft. Pierce Westwood High School in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
April Blackwell has been an integral part of the Northeast Tech team since 2011, and since 2019, she has served as the Instructional Services Director. As the first person to hold this pivotal position, April has been instrumental in building the department from the ground up. Under her leadership, she has expanded her team to include four instructional coordinators, one for each campus, ensuring comprehensive support across the district.
Jennifer Kline, M. Ed., served as the Healthcare Program Manager for GateWay Community College in Phoenix, AZ (Region V) and has recently joined Erie County Community College (Region I) as the Associate Dean of Academics. With more than 26 years of combined CTE experience, she has held various roles, including flight paramedic, firefighter, workforce and business development manager, and has spent ten years in higher education as both an administrator and educator.
Jona Kay Squires embodies the career technical education (CTE) legacy, deeply rooted in agriculture and FFA, influenced by parents who dedicated 56 years to CTE teaching. As a former state FFA officer and CTE intern, her passion for teaching and entrepreneurship blossomed. With 26 years of CTE experience, she thrives as an agriculture business coordinator, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs.
