Category: Press Releases

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. 

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 2026 National Award Finalists 

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced its 2026 national finalists from its five regions in eight different award categories. Finalists were announced for Teacher of the Year, Postsecondary Professional of the Year, Administrator of the Year, New Teacher of the Year, Teacher Educator of the Year, Counseling and Career Development Professional Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Carl Perkins Community Service Award.

The national winners will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will be held on December 9, 2025 at 7:00pm. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Wilcox, the Army and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.

Teacher of the Year Finalists 

• Terence Richards – Washington, DC – Region I
• Matthew Nanny – Warsaw, VA – Region II
• Matt Erbach – South Elgin, IL – Region III
• Clint Young – Pontotoc, MS – Region IV
• Matthew Waynee – Los Angeles, CA – Region V

Postsecondary Professional of the Year Finalists 

• Cynthia Thomas – Syracuse, NY– Region I
• Robert Jason Davis – Mount Olive, NC – Region II
• Angeleic Huth – Raytown, MO – Region III
• Sheri Deaton – Fayetteville, AR – Region IV
• Tyson Sorensen – Logan, UT– Region V

Administrator of the Year Finalists 

• Patrick Lamb – Traverse City, MI – Region I
• Chris Kennedy – Dothan, AL – Region II
• Brittany Kloer – Indianapolis, IN – Region III
• Donna Prudhomme – Beaumont, TX – Region IV
• Tina Gudvangen – Willcox, AZ – Region V

New Teacher of the Year Finalists 

• Rick Villano – Frederick, MD – Region I
• Michelle Hill – Mathews, VA – Region II
• Kelly Paige – Alton, IL – Region III
• Paden Hagler – Lovington, NM – Region IV
• Leah Ferguson – Dalles, OR – Region V

Teacher Educator of the Year Finalists 

• Tyler S. Love – Baltimore, MD – Region I
• Ulla Carr – Athens, GA – Region II
• Jill Conlon – Mankato, MN – Region III
• Christina Loyd – Center Ridge, AR – Region IV
• Xue Xing – Las Vegas, NV – Region V

Counseling and Career Development Professional Finalists

• Karmin Olds – Traverse City, MI – Region I
• Claire Minto – Mobile, AL – Region II
• Margaret Janke – Romeoville, IL – Region III
• Valerie Tibbs – Lawton, OK  – Region IV
•  Jonathan Burke – Palisades, CO – Region V

Lifetime Achievement Award Finalists 

• Katherine Manley – Big Rapids, MI – Region I
• June St. Clair Atkinson – Raleigh, NC – Region II
• Jay Davis – Kokomo, IN – Region III
• Rex Buckhaults – Laurel, MS – Region IV
• Curt Bertelsen – Tucson, AZ – Region V

Carl D. Perkins Community Service Award Finalists 

• Clinton Burch – Charleston, WV – Region I
•  Tiffany Barney – Marietta, GA – Region II
• Eric Sawatzke – Barrett, MN – Region III
• Heather Monks – Ponca City, OK – Region IV
• Nikki Melius – Faulkton, SD – Region V

ACTE Announces California CTE Animation & Video Production Teacher as National Award Finalist 

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 Region V 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. 

Matthew Waynee is an accomplished screenwriter and veteran educator with more than 20 years of experience in both the entertainment industry and the classroom. A Michigan native, Waynee earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree from the University of Southern California (USC). He currently 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 is a leader in expanding access to real-world learning experiences for students in Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) fields. He has written nearly $3 million in grant funding and built impactful industry partnerships with top entertainment companies including DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Illumination Pictures, NBC/Universal, and Warner Bros. His CTE Animation pathway has been selected as one of just three programs in North America to participate in a year-long mentorship program with Nickelodeon Studios. 

A recognized voice in education policy and curriculum development, Waynee served on the Education Advisory Team that recently revised the California State CTE standards for all AME pathways, a framework currently pending final approval from the California Department of Education.  He has also shared his expertise widely, presenting at conferences and events across the country, including the ACTE CareerTech VISION Conference and San Diego Comic Con. 

In 2023, collaborating with the BRIC Foundation, he authored the first-ever U.S. Department of Labor and Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) registered Animation, Game Design & VFX Apprenticeship Program, helping students bridge the gap between school and industry in innovative and meaningful ways. 

Waynee is one of five finalists for the 2026 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 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by 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.  

ACTE Announces Mississippi Instructor/FFA Advisor as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Clint Young, Instructor/FFA Advisor at Pontotoc County School District in Pontotoc, MS as the 2026 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. 

Clint Young is a passionate and committed agriculture educator at Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technical Center in Pontotoc, Mississippi. He teaches a Diversified Agriculture curriculum that includes principles of agriculture, animal science, veterinary science, precision agriculture, and plant science. Clint’s hands-on, career-focused instruction equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a wide range of agricultural careers. 

As an FFA advisor, Clint leads a highly active chapter that engages students on the local, state, and federation levels. Through this work, he inspires students to grow as leaders, develop confidence, and explore their future in agriculture. His commitment to student success is matched by his dedication to community involvement and fostering a strong agricultural foundation in the next generation. 

Throughout his career, Clint has remained actively involved in Mississippi ACTE (MS ACTE) and the Mississippi Association of Agriculture Educators (MSAAE). He has contributed to the planning and facilitation of state conferences, professional development sessions, and regional and national events. His service as President of MSAAE was a meaningful opportunity for growth and statewide representation. This year, he was also named Mississippi’s Agriculture Teacher of the Year. 

Outside of the classroom, Clint enjoys spending time with his wife, Libby, and their two children, Case and Raelyn. He’s an avid outdoorsman who finds joy in hunting, fishing, and embracing the natural world—values he brings into his teaching to help students connect with the importance of sustainability and stewardship in agriculture. 

Young is one of five finalists for the 2026 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 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by 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.  

ACTE Announces Illinois Teacher as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Matt Erbach, Precision Manufacturing Teacher at South Elgin High School in South Elgin, Illinois as the 2026 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.  

Matt Erbach, a veteran Precision Manufacturing teacher at South Elgin High School in Illinois, brings 18 years of classroom experience and a dynamic approach to Career and Technical Education (CTE). Since 2007, he has led the district’s precision manufacturing program, inspiring students through project-based learning in both manual and CNC metalworking. 

Matt is known for turning his classroom into a hub of creativity and innovation. His students have taken on real-world challenges—machining components for Project Lifechanger’s low-cost prosthetic leg, customizing Electrathon vehicles, and even producing billet aluminum electric guitar bodies and sandals. He has maintained National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) site accreditation and student certifications since 2012. 

A national leader in manufacturing education, Matt currently spearheads an international collaboration where students from the U.S., Wales, and Germany contribute to shared manufacturing assemblies, learning to design and problem-solve across borders. He also serves as the national president of the Haas Technical Education Community (HTEC), having previously held roles as Vice President and Secretary. Matt developed the first publicly available classroom projects for the Haas Desktop Mill and Lathe, incorporating advanced features like tool-change integration. 

Matt is also a curriculum contributor and panelist for Autodesk, where he created the widely used training resource Learn Fusion CAM 2.5 Axis in 90 Minutes. He holds a BA in Education and an MS in Workforce Development and Education and was named a Fellow in the prestigious Transatlantic Outreach Program in 2017. 

His dedication to excellence has been widely recognized. Matt was the first Precision Manufacturing teacher to receive the Illinois Golden Apple Award and was a 2018 winner of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. Under his mentorship, SkillsUSA teams have earned national accolades, and his students continue to thrive in a classroom culture that fosters creativity, skill development, and a passion for advanced manufacturing. 

Erbach is one of five finalists for the 2026 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 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by 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.  

ACTE Announces Virginia Agriculture Science Teacher as National Award Finalist  

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Matthew Nanny, Agriculture Science Teacher Rappahannock High School in Warsaw, VA as the 2026 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. 

Although Matthew Nanny did not experience the full range of opportunities FFA offers as a student, the experiences he did have left a lasting impact. “I saw firsthand how FFA builds leadership, responsibility, and hands-on skills that go far beyond the classroom,” Nanny shared. When the opportunity arose to reestablish a dormant FFA chapter, it felt like the perfect way to give back. 

Since then, Nanny has seen the transformative power of agricultural education, helping students build confidence, grow as leaders, and achieve impressive goals such as state championships and national recognition. “The chance to provide that life-changing impact for my students drives me to be an agricultural educator every day,” he said. 

Under his leadership, the program has expanded through strong partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and policymakers. Notable collaborations include W.E. Kellum Seafood, which supports aquaculture education and helps fund student participation in FFA events, and Healthy Harvest Fresh, where students gain hands-on experience with aquaponics and sustainable agriculture. The program also works closely with Virginia State Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent to strengthen advocacy for FFA and agricultural education. 

Nanny has also built partnerships with organizations such as James River Equipment, Farm Bureau, Tractor Supply, and Nutrient Ag Solutions, among others. Together, they are planning a county-wide Agriculture Expo during FFA Week to highlight the industry’s importance and connect with the community. 

Recently, Nanny completed a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies at Virginia Tech, further strengthening his ability to lead both in the classroom and beyond. With a philosophy that leadership is about action, not titles, he continues to inspire and guide the next generation of agricultural leaders. 

Nanny is one of five finalists for the 2026 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 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by 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.