ACTE Announces Texas Teacher as National Award Finalist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org  

ACTE Announces Texas Teacher as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced  Nickolas Alan Lebo, Business Teacher at Austin ISD in Austin, TX as the 2025 ACTE Region IV Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) 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. 

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. 

Under his leadership, Austin High has launched practicum courses in Entrepreneurship, Culinary Arts, Engineering, IT, and most recently, Education. Nick coordinates all the internship programs and has built industry partnerships with over 100 local companies. He continuously sharpens his teaching practices by participating in AISD’s Leadership Pathways and is currently on track to become the school district’s first CTE National Board-Certified Teacher. 

In addition to teaching, Nick sponsors Business Professionals of America, Rock the Street Wall Street, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He believes that education is his calling in life and that the role of a teacher is not only to educate students but to help prepare them for success after graduation—in their careers, at home, and as future leaders of their community. 

Lebo is one of five 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, 2024, 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.  

###  

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 Missouri Teacher as National Award Finalist 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org  

ACTE Announces Missouri Teacher as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Chris Edgar, Teacher at Lake Career and Technical Center in Camdenton, MO as the 2025 ACTE Region III Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) 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.  

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. 

Chris also serves as a dual credit professor in partnership with Missouri State University, enabling students to earn college credits while gaining practical skills and knowledge in areas such as crime scene investigation, law enforcement procedures, and the judicial system. His leadership extends to serving as Vice President of the board for Criminal Justice Instructors of Missouri, where he advocates for the advancement of CTE programs statewide. 

Prior to his full-time role in education, Chris spent nearly two decades in law enforcement, beginning as a full-time police officer with the Camdenton Police Department. There, he served in various roles, including investigator, School Resource Officer, and member of the Major Case Squad and Sexual Assault Response Team. He continues to maintain a part-time commission with the Camdenton Police Department, where he assists with investigations and stays connected to the field. 

In addition to his teaching and part-time law enforcement roles, Chris has served as Chief of Operations and Investigations at the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, overseeing investigations and managing law enforcement procedures. His experience in both law enforcement and education makes him uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. 

In August 2024, Chris Edgar was elected as Sheriff of Camden County and will take office on January 1, 2025. His commitment to both CTE and law enforcement continues to shape the future of his students and his community. 

Edgar is one of five 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, 2024, 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.  

###  

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 Georgia Teacher as National Award Finalist 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org  

ACTE Announces Georgia Teacher as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Jason Van Nus, Teacher and Director of Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Programs at Lowndes County School as the 2025 ACTE Region II Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) 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.  

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. 

Jason credits much of his growth to the mentorship of Mr. Robert Jones and Dr. Steven Hankla, who encouraged him to view teaching not just as a job, but as a vocation. With their guidance, Jason has become a data-driven, innovative educator who creates impactful programs that prioritize student success. Under his leadership, the WBL/YA program at Lowndes County Schools has grown by over 535%, with student enrollment increasing from 51 to 273. The program has generated more than $5.36 million in student wages and has made an economic impact exceeding $24.18 million in the community.  

Jason’s efforts have been recognized at both the local and state levels. He has been selected for the ‘Leadership Lowndes’ program and the prestigious ‘LEAD CTAE’ leadership program for Georgia Career Educators. In addition, he was named Coordinator of the Year for the Southwest Region and Georgia’s ACTE Teacher of the Year in 2023. Jason also serves on the Advisory Board for the CTE Research Network 2.0, established by the Institute of Educational Sciences (IES) and the American Institutes for Research (AIR). He was named YouScience’s 2024 Innovative Educator of the Year. 

His innovative approaches have drawn national attention, leading to invitations to present his best practices across the country. Despite his many accolades, Jason remains focused on helping students gain new opportunities and career prospects through his WBL programs. 

Jason holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Valdosta State University, a Specialist Degree from Auburn University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Career and Technical Education with a focus on Workforce Development and the impact of Work-Based Learning. 

Van Nus is one of five 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, 2024, 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.  

###  

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 Michigan Teacher as National Award Finalist 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org  

ACTE Announces Michigan Teacher as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Jared Diephouse, Teacher at Northwest Education Services Career Techin Traverse City, MI as the 2025 ACTE Region I Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) 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.  

Jared Diephouse, the Power Equipment instructor at Northwest Education Services Career Tech, embodies a commitment to student success that has become the hallmark of his teaching career. Jared’s journey in Career and Technical Education (CTE) began in 2001 when he first entered the same program as a student. His deep connection to the program continued as he transitioned to a paraprofessional role and eventually became a highly respected instructor. 

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. 

What sets Jared apart is his unwavering focus on each student’s success. He has cultivated a culture of respect, enthusiasm, and safety within his classroom, making it a welcoming and inspiring environment for all. This supportive atmosphere, coupled with Jared’s expertise and genuine care for his students, has made the Power Equipment program a standout within the school, admired by students, parents, and colleagues alike. 

Diephouse is one of five 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, 2024, 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.  

###  

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 Nevada Retired Director at Washoe County School District as National Award Finalist 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org  

ACTE Announces Nevada Retired Director at Washoe County School District as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced LTC Scott Caldwell, Retired Director JROTC, at Washoe County School District as the 2025 ACTE Region V 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.  

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. 

Caldwell’s military career is marked by extensive travel and diverse assignments across various fields. Beginning his service at 17 as an enlisted soldier in 1981, he held leadership, training, and staff positions in the Infantry, Air Defense, Aviation, and Civil Affairs branches. As a Blackhawk helicopter pilot with Joint Task Force Bravo in Honduras, he worked throughout Central America for more than a year. He also spent six years in Germany, collaborating with NATO and conducting civil-military training with partners including Russia, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Portugal, and over 30 other nations. 

His combat experience includes tours in Operation Desert Shield/Storm (Saudi Arabia and Iraq, 1990-1991), Operation Iraqi Freedom (Baghdad, Iraq, 2003-2004), and Operation Enduring Freedom (Kabul, Afghanistan, 2007-2008). A graduate of the Latin American Staff College and the Joint & Combined Warfighting School, Caldwell’s military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), and Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among others. He also holds numerous skill badges, including the Ranger Tab, Aviator Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. 

Internationally recognized for his achievements, Caldwell has been awarded the Wisam Al-Tahrir (Kuwait Liberation Medal), La Monja Blanca (Order of the White Nun-Guatemala), La Estrella Militar (Order of the Military Star-Ecuador), and parachutist badges from Australia, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. 

Caldwell 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.  

###  

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 Director of Instructional Services at Northeast Tech as National Award Finalist 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org  

ACTE Announces Oklahoma Director of Instructional Services at Northeast Tech as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced April Blackwell, Director of Instructional Services at Northeast Tech as the 2025 ACTE Region IV 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.  

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. 

Before stepping into her current role, April served as a business development consultant and technology trainer for Northeast Tech’s Business and Industry Services department. Prior to that, she was a visual communications instructor within the district. With over a decade of experience as a CTE business education instructor in both K-12 and technology center settings, April brings a deep understanding of all aspects of Career and Technical Education (CTE) to her work. 

April is deeply committed to the Northeast Tech mission of “Preparing Individuals for Successful Careers,” a mission she has wholeheartedly adopted as her own. She maintains a mindset of continuous improvement and strives for excellence in all district initiatives. As an Instructional Services Director, April leads with grace, vision, confidence, and empathy. Her passion for lifelong learning and her servant’s heart drive her to empower her staff, instructors, and students, fostering a culture of continual growth and leadership development. 

April models the teaching cycle daily—preparing, training, assessing, reflecting, and adjusting—demonstrating her commitment to helping others succeed and promoting the CTE advantage to everyone she encounters. 

Blackwell 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.  

###  

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 Georgia Professor at University of Georgia as National Award Finalist 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact: Marlen Zarcone  

mzarcone@acteonline.org 

ACTE Announces Georgia Professor at University of Georgia as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Roger Hill, Professor at University of Georgia, as the 2025 ACTE Region II Teacher Educator of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle, secondary and post-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.  

Roger Hill is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Workforce Education and Instructional Technology at the Mary Frances Early College of Education, University of Georgia. In addition to his primary role, he also serves as the Department Head for Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Education. Professor Hill and his colleagues have successfully secured numerous STEM-related grants aimed at advancing coding instruction and learning. Notably, he recently completed the NSF-funded STEM+C project, Collective Argumentation Learning and Coding (CALC), which was awarded $2,144,800. 

Professor Hill’s research agenda centers on the work attitudes and affective characteristics essential for success in the 21st-century workforce. By integrating this theme into STEM instruction and learning, he advocates for a holistic educational approach that is often lacking but critically needed for preparing students for STEM careers. His impactful work is evidenced by over 2,000 citations of his publications, an h-index of 26, and an i10-index of 38. 

Hill 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.  

###  

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 Arizona Healthcare Program Manager, and New Associate Dean of Academics, as National Award Finalist 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact: Marlen Zarcone  

mzarcone@acteonline.org 

ACTE Announces Arizona Healthcare Program Manager, and New Associate Dean of Academics, as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Jennifer Kline, Associate Dean of Academics at Erie County Community College, as the 2025 ACTE Region V Postsecondary Professional of the Year. 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. 

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. 

Jennifer is passionate about student success and equity in CTE. As a first-generation college student, she strongly advocates for student access to affordable, high-quality education. She actively seeks to identify and remove barriers that limit access to education, creating alternative pathways to help students achieve their highest potential while minimizing student loan debt. Furthermore, she bridges gaps to employment by eliminating barriers and creating opportunities for credentialing, all while building a culture in her division that fosters innovation, equity, diversity, and a sense of belonging for all students, faculty, and staff. 

Recently, Jennifer completed the Association of Career and Technical Education Next Level Fellowship program, where she focused on college initiatives, advocacy, funding opportunities, and policy initiatives in Career and Technical Education. She is currently an ACTE National Leadership Fellow in the Experienced Leader cohort and is the proud recipient of the ACTEAZ and ACTE Region V Postsecondary Educator of the Year awards. Additionally, Jennifer is pursuing her doctoral degree in Workforce and Organizational Development, with an emphasis on Career and Technical Education. 

Kline is one of five 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.  

###  

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 Agriculture Business Coordinator/Manager at Mid-America Technology Center, as National Award Finalist 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact: Marlen Zarcone  

mzarcone@acteonline.org 

ACTE Announces Oklahoma Agriculture Business Coordinator/Manager at Mid-America Technology Center, as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Jona Kay Squires, Agriculture Business Coordinator/Manager at Mid-America Technology Center, as the 2025 ACTE Region IV Postsecondary Professional of the Year. 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.  

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. 

Her journey has been shaped by dedicated role models who encouraged her leadership in the Association for Career Technical Education (ACTE) at the state, regional, and national levels. Jona Kay served as the Oklahoma ACTE President in 2013-14 and has been an ACTE Fellow and Dupont Agriscience Teacher Ambassador, presenting at prestigious conferences including the National Association of Agricultural Educators National Conference, ACTE Conference, and ACTE Region IV Conference. 

Additionally, she received the Oklahoma ACTE New Teacher Award and the NAAE Region II New Teacher Award in 2004, along with the Post Secondary Adult Career Education Economic Development Award in 2022 and the PACE Award of Excellence in 2023. Proudly nominated for the ACTE Post Secondary Professional Award, her mantra of service, growth, and nurturing others resonates deeply, as she believes that through these actions, life inevitably becomes better. 

Jona Kay and her husband Mark have three grown children and three grandchildren, enjoying their time working and helping with the family farm. 

Squires is one of five 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.  

 

###  

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 Georgia Retired Instructor as National Award Finalist 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact: Marlen Zarcone  

mzarcone@acteonline.org 

ACTE Announces Georgia Retired Instructor as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Dr. Cheronie Blunt, Retired Instructor, as the 2025 ACTE Region II Postsecondary Professional of the Year. 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.  

Cheronie Blunt is a retired educator with an impressive career spanning over 18 years in Criminal Justice education. Most recently, she served as an instructor for Dual Enrollment at the Houston County College & Career Academy (HCCA), where she taught the Criminal Justice Program at Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) in Warner Robins, Georgia. Her passion for teaching is evident in her diverse teaching experience, which includes three years as an Adjunct Instructor at Middle Georgia Technical College, four years at Columbus State University, and 12 years as a full-time Criminal Justice Instructor at CGTC. Known for her team-oriented approach, Cheronie is committed to expanding her skills and knowledge to better serve her students. 

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, she was honored as the 2023 Georgia Association of Career & Technical Education (GACTE) Post-Secondary Professional of the Year. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for HCCA and as a manuscript reviewer for the Criminal Justice Association of Georgia’s “The Pursuit” Journal, evaluating scholarly articles. During her tenure at HCCA, she held leadership roles such as Dual Enrollment Lead Teacher, SkillsUSA Advisor, and Team Leader for the Harbor Freight Grant Writing Committee and Partners Club. She also played a key role in the 2021 TCSG-GaDOE curriculum alignment review for Criminal Justice courses. 

Cheronie’s influence extends beyond the classroom, with students under her mentorship achieving significant milestones. One of her students served as State SkillsUSA Vice President, and another was named Lieutenant Governor’s College and Career Academy Student of the Year. Her accomplishments include being named HCCA’s Teacher of the Year and the Houston County School District’s Exceptional Teacher of the Year in 2018-19. Additionally, she was a nominee for the 2021 and 2022 Rick Perkins Teacher of the Year awards and the recipient of the 2013-2014 CGTC Innovation Mini Grant. She has also collaborated with the Georgia Bar Association and volunteer attorneys to provide students opportunities to participate in Georgia Mock Trial Competitions, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering leadership and excellence within her community. 

Blunt is one of five 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.  

###  

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. 

 

# # # # # #