Category: Press Releases

ACTE Announces Oklahoma Counselor as National Award Winner 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced  Valerie Tibbs, S.C.O.R.E./Career Counselor at Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton, OK as the 2026 ACTE Counseling and Career Development Professional – National Winner. This award recognizes school counselors and career development professionals who have demonstrated commitment to connecting students with opportunities for success, shown innovation in career exploration and development, and have advocated for CTE as a viable option for all students. The Counseling and Career Development Professional Award is sponsored by The U.S. Army.  

Valerie Tibbs has been a cornerstone of student success at Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton, Oklahoma, where she has served as the S.C.O.R.E./Career Counselor since 2007. The S.C.O.R.E. (School of Career Opportunities and Real Education) program is a dropout recovery initiative designed to help students earn their high school diplomas and re-engage with meaningful career and educational pathways. 

Throughout her career, Valerie has demonstrated unwavering dedication to both S.C.O.R.E. and Career and Technical Education (CTE) students. She guides learners through program completion while equipping them with the skills and confidence needed for success beyond the classroom. Known for her compassionate leadership and strong advocacy, Valerie excels at building trusting relationships that empower students, especially those facing significant personal and academic challenges, to reach their full potential. 

With extensive experience in dropout recovery, Valerie brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities CTE students encounter. She approaches each student with optimism, a clear vision of what they can achieve, and a commitment to connecting them with resources and experiences that can transform their futures. 

An engaged member of ACTE and OkACTE since 2007, Valerie has earned numerous accolades for her impactful work, including the 2016 OkACTE Career Guidance Award, a nomination for the 2017 Region IV ACTE Career Guidance Award, and the 2024 OkACTE Counseling and Career Development Professional Award. She is now celebrated nationally as the 2026 ACTE Region IV Counseling and Career Development Professional Award winner. 

Valerie remains passionate about initiatives that enhance student outcomes and firmly believes in the power of CTE to open doors. Her ongoing mission is to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to meaningful pathways that lead to brighter futures. 

Tibbs was one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 9, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. 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. 

ACTE Announces Minnesota Agriculture Education Instructor as 

National Award Winner 

 ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced  Eric Sawatzke, Agriculture Education Instructor, at West Central Area Schools in Barrett, MN, as the 2026 ACTE Carl Perkins Community Service Award – National Winner. This award recognizes individuals who have used CTE to make a significant impact on their community and demonstrate leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service.  

Eric Sawatzke has transformed West Central Area Schools’ agricultural education program into a model of career readiness and community engagement in rural Minnesota. As an agricultural education instructor serving 360 students in grades 7–12, Sawatzke is dedicated to preparing students for meaningful careers while fostering strong connections with the communities they call home. 

Situated in a region shaped by agriculture, WCA’s program under Eric’s guidance emphasizes hands-on learning, practical experience, and service to the community. He creates a classroom environment that meets the needs of diverse learners, ensuring students graduate with a comprehensive understanding of food, fiber, and fuel production, and the important role each individual plays in supporting local communities. 

Eric’s innovative approach and focus on partnerships have led to the creation of two major facilities: a greenhouse valued at over $350,000 and a $371,000 mobile meat processing trailer. Supported by more than 60 local and regional partners, these projects provide students with advanced training opportunities while also increasing the supply of fresh food donated to local food shelves. 

Through strategic grant writing and community engagement, Sawatzke has expanded agricultural education throughout the district, installing 11 hydroponic towers in classrooms ranging from elementary to high school, including biology labs, Family and Consumer Sciences, and even English classrooms. 

Beyond his district, Eric has influenced agricultural education statewide. He has collaborated with Minnesota legislators to establish a Meat Processing Education grant, which has already provided $550,000 in equipment to schools. His work with the Department of Agriculture’s Meat Inspection Division helps schools safely launch meat processing programs, and he recently played a pivotal role in funding a statewide meat processing curriculum, which will be available to all agricultural educators in Minnesota. 

Through his dedication to agriculture, student success, and community service, Eric Sawatzke continues to inspire both students and fellow educators. His work not only equips students for the workforce but also instills a strong sense of civic responsibility and pride in their rural heritage. 

Sawatzke was one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 9, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. 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 

ACTE Announces Texas Director of Career and Technical Education as the 2026 National Award Winner 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Dr. Donna Prudhomme, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at 
Beaumont ISD in Beaumont, TX as the 2026 ACTE Administrator of the Year – National Winner. This award recognizes administrative CTE professionals at the school, district, county, state, or federal level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique, and effective career and technical education programs. The Administrator of the Year Award is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox.  

Dr. Donna Prudhomme serves as the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Beaumont Independent School District, bringing more than three decades of experience to her role, including 28 years within BISD and three in industry. She began her career teaching Criminal Justice and went on to serve as a high school counselor, assistant principal, magnet coordinator, and principal of Clifton J. Ozen Magnet High School. During her tenure as principal, the school earned state accountability ratings of Met Standard along with a state distinction in science. 

A committed lifelong learner, Dr. Prudhomme holds five degrees from Lamar University, Prairie View A&M University, and Nova Southeastern University. She is certified as a Superintendent, Principal, School Counselor, and Vocational Trades and Industry teacher, reflecting her broad expertise in educational leadership. 

Since stepping into the role of CTE Director in 2018, Dr. Prudhomme has led a transformation of BISD’s CTE programs, focusing on rebranding efforts, program expansion, deeper community engagement, and the development of strong industry partnerships. One of her signature initiatives is the Annual CTE Choice Awards—an elaborate red-carpet celebration that now attracts more than 1,000 attendees each year to honor outstanding students, educators, and community partners. 

Her leadership has driven significant gains in student achievement. Industry-based certification attainment has risen across the district, culminating in a major milestone in the 2024–2025 Accountability Ratings: BISD’s CTE industry-based certification results for College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) nearly match the State of Texas, with BISD at 34.9 percent and the state at 35 percent. BISD also surpasses the state average in Level I and Level II certificates, achieving 8.1 percent compared to the state’s 1.1 percent. 

Beyond her work in education, Dr. Prudhomme is a REALTOR®, a Board-Certified Credit Consultant, and the founder of the Credit Education School, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young women through financial literacy. Her accomplishments have earned widespread recognition, including being named the 2024 CTAT Administrator of the Year and the 2025 ACTE Region IV Administrator of the Year. She remains deeply committed to preparing students for success in college, career, and life. 

Prudhomme was one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 9, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. 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.  

ACTE Announces California CTE Animation & Video Production Teacher as the 2026 National Winner

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Matthew Waynee, CTE Animation & Video Production Teacher at Los Angeles Unified School District in Los Angeles, CA as the 2026 ACTE Teacher of the Year – National Winner. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education teachers 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. The Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals.

Matthew Waynee is a veteran educator and accomplished screenwriter with more than two decades of experience in both the entertainment industry and the classroom. Originally from Michigan, Waynee earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and later completed a master’s degree at the University of Southern California (USC). He now teaches at the USC Media Arts & Engineering Magnet in the Los Angeles Unified School District, where he helped design and launch the school’s CTE Video Production and Animation pathways from the ground up.

Waynee has become a driving force in expanding access to authentic, industry-connected learning for students pursuing Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) careers. He has secured nearly $3 million in grant funding and forged strong partnerships with leading entertainment companies, including DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Illumination Pictures, NBC/Universal, and Warner Bros. His CTE Animation pathway is one of only three programs in North America selected to participate in a year-long mentorship initiative with Nickelodeon Studios.

In addition to his work with students, Waynee plays an influential role in shaping AME education statewide. He served on the Education Advisory Team responsible for revising California’s CTE standards for all AME pathways—which was approved by the California Department of Education in November 2025. He also shares his expertise on national stages, presenting at conferences and events such as the ACTE CareerTech VISION Conference and San Diego Comic Con.

Most recently, in collaboration with the BRIC Foundation, Waynee authored the nation’s first U.S. Department of Labor and Division of Apprenticeship Standards–registered Animation, Game Design & VFX Apprenticeship Program. This groundbreaking initiative provides students with a direct, structured pathway from the classroom into high-demand creative industries, underscoring his commitment to preparing learners for meaningful, future-ready careers.

Waynee was one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 9, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. 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. 

ACTE Announces Tennessee EPP Supervisor at Knox County Schools as the 2026 National Winner 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Ulla Carr, EPP Supervisor at Knox County Schools (KCS) in Knoxville, TN, as the 2026 ACTE Teacher Educator of the Year – National Winner. This award recognizes teacher educators who have demonstrated innovation in teacher education, leadership in improving CTE, and commitment to preparing teachers to deliver high quality CTE programs.  

Ulla Carr, Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Supervisor for Knox County Schools (KCS) in Tennessee, is honored for her outstanding leadership in developing and sustaining a strong pipeline of future Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers. Now guiding her sixth cohort of aspiring CTE educators, Carr oversees a rigorous preparation model that blends coursework, individualized coaching, and structured mentoring. Serving 17 school districts, the KCS EPP is on track to welcome its 100th program completer next school year. 

Carr’s influence reaches well beyond Knox County. She serves on the State Board of Education’s Licensure Review Committee and previously contributed her expertise to the Tennessee Department of Education’s Educator Preparation Working Group from 2021–2023. She has also been deeply involved in professional leadership, including on the Tennessee ACTE (TNACTE) board, where she served as president from 2021–2023. Through these roles, she has helped shape educator preparation policy and strengthen professional expectations for teachers statewide. 

Prior to leading the EPP, Carr worked as a CTE Specialist for KCS, supporting nearly 200 CTE instructors and guiding new teachers as they transitioned into the classroom. She also served the Tennessee Department of Education as a CTE Literacy Common Core Coach, collaborating with districts across East Tennessee to enhance instructional practices. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade teaching Business and German at West High School in Knoxville, where she also served as Lead Teacher, Department Chair, Lead Mentor, and Professional Development Specialist for the district’s CTE Department. 

Carr earned an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Tennessee—graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA—as well as a master’s degree in business education from Friedrich-Schiller-University in Jena, Germany. She holds both a PreK–12 Educational Administration License and a Tennessee Professional Teacher License in Business Education and German. 

As a national award winner, Carr is celebrated for her vision, commitment, and enduring contributions to teacher preparation in Tennessee. Her work to build robust support structures, elevate professional learning, and empower new educators continues to strengthen CTE programs and enrich classrooms across the state. 

Carr was one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 9, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. 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. 

ACTE Announces Arkansas Teaching Assistant Professor as National Award Winner 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Sheri Deaton, Teaching Assistant Professor at University of Arkansas, in Fayetteville, AR, as the 2026 ACTE Postsecondary Professional of the Year – National Winner. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary 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.  The Postsecondary Professional of the Year Award is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox 

Sheri Deaton’s career reflects a deep commitment to preparing future educators and elevating career and technical education (CTE) at every level. As a Teaching Assistant Professor of Career and Technical Education at the University of Arkansas and Director of the Bessie Moore Center for Economic Education, she draws on more than 20 years of experience as a National Board-Certified teacher who has taught middle school, high school, and college courses. Her work blends practical, hands-on instruction with strong academic foundations, preparing students to excel in both classrooms and careers. 

Deaton’s educational journey began in family and consumer sciences, earning her BSE and MAT before spending three years teaching at Glen Rose High School and another ten at White Hall High School. In 2016, she transitioned to higher education as an instructor at the University of Arkansas, later completing her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in 2021. Altogether, she devoted 13 years to teaching in Arkansas public schools before joining the university faculty. 

At the University of Arkansas, Deaton teaches an extensive portfolio of undergraduate and graduate courses—ranging from Introduction to Education and Classroom Management to Career Development, Assessment, and specialized apparel and interior design courses for Family and Consumer Sciences education majors. She oversees all CTE student teachers, advises the university’s FCCLA chapter, and frequently shares her research and expertise through presentations and professional development sessions at the departmental, state, and national levels. 

Since becoming part of the faculty, she has led significant revisions to the undergraduate CTE program, strengthening the connection between theory and practice and ensuring student teachers enter the field confidently and well-prepared. Her innovative teaching and student-centered leadership earned national recognition in 2021, when she was named a National Finalist for Post-Secondary Teacher Educator of the Year. 

As a national award winner, Deaton is celebrated for her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to shaping a strong CTE workforce. Her work continues to uplift future educators and expands the reach and impact of career and technical education across the country. 

Deaton was one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 9, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. 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. 

ACTE Announces New Mexico Teacher as National Award Winner 

 ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Paden P. Hagler, Energy Instructor at Lovington Municipal Schools, in Lovington, New Mexico as the 2026 ACTE New Teacher of the Year – National Winner.  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.  

Paden Hagler, an innovative educator and seasoned industry professional, is being recognized nationally for his leadership in advancing energy education at Lovington High School. A proud Texico, New Mexico native, Hagler brings a blend of authenticity, determination, and industry insight to his classroom—qualities that have shaped his journey from a small-town student to a powerful force in Career and Technical Education (CTE). 

Hagler’s connection to skilled trades began in high school, where he discovered a talent for welding. His early achievements included winning a gold medal in the New Mexico FFA Agricultural Mechanics competition and earning Grand Champion honors at the NM State Fair for a custom-built trailer. He remained rooted in his community throughout college, attending Eastern New Mexico University near his family farm, where he broadened his focus to education and leadership. 

During his time at ENMU, Hagler distinguished himself through multiple leadership roles—serving as Collegiate FFA Chapter President, Student Senator, and later Student Body Vice President. His outstanding service earned him the university’s “Student Leader of the Year” award. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2018 with a degree in Agricultural Education. 

Hagler then spent five years in the oil and gas sector as both a welder and an emissions specialist. This hands-on experience strengthened his respect for the industry and inspired a desire to open doors for students interested in energy careers. When Lovington High School began building an energy program in 2022, Hagler recognized the opportunity as the perfect intersection of his skills and mission. 

Since entering the classroom, Hagler has been instrumental in establishing the Oilfield Pre-Employment Pathway and now serves on multiple multi-state boards dedicated to energy education. He also co-founded Lovington High School’s SkillsUSA chapter, which has quickly grown into the district’s largest Career and Technical Student Organization. 

With a deep commitment to preparing students for real-world opportunities, Hagler continues to bring industry relevance and purpose-driven teaching to his work. His efforts are cultivating the next generation of energy professionals and demonstrating the profound impact an inspired educator can make. 

Hagler was one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 9, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. 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. 

ACTE Announces North Carolina Retired CEO for Emerald Education as the 2026 National Award Winner 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced June St. Clair Atkinson, Retired CEO for Emerald Education in Raleigh, NC, as the 2026 ACTE Lifetime Achievement Award – National Winner. This award recognizes CTE professionals for their leadership on behalf of ACTE, their innovations in CTE and their contributions to the field over an extended period. ACTE also inducted all five Lifetime Achievement national finalists into the ACTE Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors the leadership of CTE professionals who have made enduring contributions to CTE throughout their career.  

A respected and visionary educator, June St. Clair Atkinson has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for students and strengthening public education systems. She made history as the first woman elected State Superintendent of the Public Schools of North Carolina, serving from August 2005 to December 2016, and later continued her work in education leadership as CEO of Emerald Education. Her commitment to elevating achievement, supporting educators, and advancing career and technical education has left a lasting impact at both the state and national levels. 

During her time as State Superintendent, Atkinson championed transformative initiatives that elevated North Carolina’s high school graduation rate from 68 percent to nearly 86 percent—an unprecedented milestone. She visited all 115 school districts across the state, engaging directly with educators, parents, students, and business leaders to drive meaningful improvements. Among her many contributions, she helped advance the adoption of career clusters and strengthened pathways that support students transitioning from high school to higher education and the workforce. 

Atkinson began her career as a business education teacher in Roanoke, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, before moving into influential leadership roles at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). Her work as a chief consultant and director in business education, career and technical education, and instructional services showcased her deep commitment to professional development, curriculum design, and instructional excellence. 

Her legacy has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including the Champion of Children Award from the North Carolina Association of School Administrators, the State Policy Maker of the Year Award from the National Association for State Educational Technology Directors, and the Inclusive Leadership Award from the North Carolina Association of Educators. She has also earned Delta Kappa Gamma’s Founders Award, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the Frances Jones Trailblazer Award, and induction into the East Carolina University Education Hall of Fame. Most recently, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the North Carolina Association of Career Technical Education. 

Beyond her work in North Carolina, Atkinson has been a prominent national leader, serving as President of the National Business Education Association, President of the Council of Chief State School Officers, and President of the state directors of career and technical education, now Advance CTE. 

Atkinson holds a bachelor’s degree in business education from Radford University, a master’s degree in vocational and technical education from Virginia Tech, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from North Carolina State University. She has also been awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters by Campbell University. 

Atkinson was one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 9, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. 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. 

ACTE Announces Oklahoma Counselor as National Award Winner 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced  Valerie Tibbs, S.C.O.R.E./Career Counselor at Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton, OK as the 2026 ACTE Counseling and Career Development Professional – National Winner. This award recognizes school counselors and career development professionals who have demonstrated commitment to connecting students with opportunities for success, shown innovation in career exploration and development, and have advocated for CTE as a viable option for all students. The Counseling and Career Development Professional Award is sponsored by The U.S. Army.  

Valerie Tibbs has been a cornerstone of student success at Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton, Oklahoma, where she has served as the S.C.O.R.E./Career Counselor since 2007. The S.C.O.R.E. (School of Career Opportunities and Real Education) program is a dropout recovery initiative designed to help students earn their high school diplomas and re-engage with meaningful career and educational pathways. 

Throughout her career, Valerie has demonstrated unwavering dedication to both S.C.O.R.E. and Career and Technical Education (CTE) students. She guides learners through program completion while equipping them with the skills and confidence needed for success beyond the classroom. Known for her compassionate leadership and strong advocacy, Valerie excels at building trusting relationships that empower students, especially those facing significant personal and academic challenges, to reach their full potential. 

With extensive experience in dropout recovery, Valerie brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities CTE students encounter. She approaches each student with optimism, a clear vision of what they can achieve, and a commitment to connecting them with resources and experiences that can transform their futures. 

An engaged member of ACTE and OkACTE since 2007, Valerie has earned numerous accolades for her impactful work, including the 2016 OkACTE Career Guidance Award, a nomination for the 2017 Region IV ACTE Career Guidance Award, and the 2024 OkACTE Counseling and Career Development Professional Award. She is now celebrated nationally as the 2026 ACTE Region IV Counseling and Career Development Professional Award winner. 

Valerie remains passionate about initiatives that enhance student outcomes and firmly believes in the power of CTE to open doors. Her ongoing mission is to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to meaningful pathways that lead to brighter futures. 

Tibbs was one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 9, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. 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.