Category: Press Releases

ACTE Announces Colorado Lead Counselor as National Award Finalist 

 ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Jonathan Burke, Lead Counselor at Palisade High School, District 51 in Palisades, CO as the 2026 ACTE Region V Counseling and Career Development Professional. 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. 

Jonathan Burke, a dedicated school counselor and CTE specialist with 19 years of service to Mesa County Valley School District 51, has made a lasting impact on both education and his community. Based at Palisade High School, where he has served as Department Chair for many years, Jonathan has also taken on the critical role of District Coordinator for Mental Health and Crisis, demonstrating his commitment to student well-being and success. 

Raised in Mesa County and educated locally, Jonathan’s deep ties to the community are evident through his wide-ranging contributions, from wildland fire service and trail building to team building for organizations and support services for those in need. A devoted father of two, he balances his professional commitments with a love for running, cycling, music, and time with family and friends. 

Jonathan is a passionate advocate for career readiness and has championed the integration of high-quality CTE components into the district’s schools. His leadership has been marked by the development of strategic business and community partnerships, the implementation of a comprehensive career readiness course, and the introduction of career cluster-focused opportunities. These initiatives have expanded access to diverse and meaningful pathways for students, ensuring they are prepared with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for future success. 

Through innovative programming such as career cluster-themed worksite tours, professional development for educators, financial and educational planning events, and the coordination of a district-wide Workforce Development Day, Jonathan has demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing CTE. His strategic vision and collaborative approach have strengthened connections between education and industry, creating opportunities for both students and educators and fostering a community where career and educational success are accessible to all. 

Burke 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, 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 Oklahoma Counselor as National Award Finalist 

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 Region IV Counseling and Career Development Professional. 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. 

Valerie Tibbs has been a driving force in 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 in a path toward long-term success. 

With an unwavering commitment to student achievement, Valerie supports both S.C.O.R.E. and Career and Technical Education (CTE) learners, guiding them through program completion and preparing them for life beyond the classroom. She is known for her compassionate leadership, strong advocacy, and deep belief in each student’s potential. Central to her work is the ability to build meaningful, trusting relationships, empowering students who often face significant personal and academic challenges. 

Valerie’s extensive experience in dropout recovery has given her unique insight into the needs of today’s CTE students. She approaches every learner with optimism and a clear vision of their potential, continually striving to connect them with opportunities that can transform their future. 

An active member of ACTE and OkACTE since 2007, Valerie has received multiple honors for her impactful work. She was the recipient of the 2016 OkACTE Career Guidance Award, a nominee for the 2017 Region IV ACTE Career Guidance Award, and most recently, the 2024 OkACTE Counseling and Career Development Professional Award. She is now recognized nationally as the 2026 ACTE Region IV Counseling and Career Development Professional Award winner. 

Valerie is a passionate supporter of initiatives that improve student outcomes and believes deeply in the power of CTE to open doors. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that all students—regardless of background have access to meaningful pathways that lead to brighter futures. 

Tibbs 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, 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 WBL Coordinator at 
Wilco Area Career Center as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Margaret Janke WBL Coordinator at Wilco Area Career Center in Romeoville, IL as the 2026 ACTE Region III Counseling and Career Development Professional. 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. 

Margaret Janke, a Certified Veterinary Technician with more than 15 years of experience, brings her expertise and passion for animal healthcare to her role as instructor of the Veterinary Assisting program at Wilco Area Career Center in Romeoville, Illinois. Dedicated to connecting students with real-world opportunities, she has facilitated over 5,000 hours of work-based learning, partnering with local small businesses to provide students with meaningful, community-based experiences. Under her leadership, the program integrates industry-recognized certifications—such as Fear Free Veterinary Professional—directly into the curriculum, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce. 

Margaret has also championed innovative initiatives that invite the community into the school setting, offering low-cost veterinary services including grooming, microchipping, and vaccinations. These efforts not only enhance student learning but also strengthen the program’s role in serving the community. 

Her contributions extend beyond veterinary science education. Over the past two years, Margaret has successfully organized two large-scale Career Expo events for the entire career center. These expos connected students with hundreds of professionals across diverse industries—from Automotive and Welding to Law Enforcement, Allied Health, and Culinary Arts. Working closely with the county Workforce Services division, she also guided students in creating professional résumés, equipping them to make strong industry connections and explore career pathways with confidence. 

In addition to her work at Wilco, Margaret serves as vice president on the IFT-AFT Local 604 executive board and is an active member of the IFT CTE committee. Her dedication to her students, her profession, and her community exemplifies the spirit of excellence in Career and Technical Education. 

Janke 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, 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 Alabama Supervisor of Academies and Work-Based Learning,  as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced 
Claire Minto, Supervisor of Academies and Work-Based Learning at Mobile County Public School System, in Mobile, AL as the 2026 ACTE Region II Counseling and Career Development Professional. 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. 

Claire Minto serves as the Supervisor of Academies and Work-Based Learning for Mobile County Public Schools (MCPSS), the largest district in Alabama, where she leads efforts to connect thousands of students with high-quality career pathways. A strong advocate for equitable access to Career and Technical Education (CTE), Minto has built systems that link students to high-wage, in-demand careers while ensuring programs are aligned with workforce needs. 

Under her leadership, MCPSS has expanded career exploration opportunities through districtwide job shadowing days, summer internships, networking events, and mock interviews. She has pioneered data-driven counseling systems to personalize student career plans and developed partnerships with business and industry that have created pipelines into pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities in fields such as maritime, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. 

Minto’s innovative approach has earned recognition at regional and national levels. She has secured grant funding to market and elevate CTE programs, launched Academy Ambassadors to train student leaders, and designed a professional learning unit for principals to strengthen schoolwide ownership of career pathways. In addition, she represents Alabama through leadership roles such as her selection to Team Alabama with the CEMETS Advanced Institute, where she collaborates on advancing workforce and education reform strategies. 

Through her advocacy, collaboration, and vision, Claire Minto has positioned Mobile County’s academies, industry partnerships, and work-based learning programs as a model for preparing students for success in both college and career. 

Minto 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 Michigan Counselor, as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Karmin Olds, Counselor at Northwest Education Services Career Tech, in Traverse City, MI as the 2026 ACTE Region I Counseling and Career Development Professional. 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. 

Karmin Olds, a dedicated educator and school counselor, is making a lasting impact on students and the broader community through her work at Northwest Education Services Career Tech in Traverse City. A longtime resident of Northwest Michigan, Olds has spent her career supporting students on their paths to career and postsecondary success. 

A 1992 graduate of Traverse City Senior High School, Olds earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University in 1997, with teaching certifications in Spanish and Biology. While teaching at Kalkaska High School, she pursued her passion for student support by earning a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Western Michigan University in 2003. 

Since 2019, Olds has served as a school counselor at Career Tech, where she is known for her commitment to addressing the holistic needs of students. She established the school’s student pantry, which provides food, hygiene products, clothing, and professional attire to ensure students are prepared for both school and career opportunities. 

As the advisor for Career Tech’s National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), Olds fosters student growth through leadership luncheons, service learning, and community engagement projects like Campus Clean Up. Under her guidance, NTHS students partner with local organizations to strengthen ties between school and community while building civic responsibility and leadership skills. 

Olds is also the former leader of North Ed’s Regional Counselors Group, a professional learning network that brings together secondary counselors across a five-county region to collaborate and share best practices. 

With a career grounded in service, leadership, and student empowerment, Karmin Olds continues to be a driving force in advancing career and technical education and student well-being in Northern Michigan. 

Olds 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 Oklahoma Marketing Education Teacher as  National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Nikki Melius, Family and Consumer Science Teacher, at Faulkton Area Schools 24-4 in Faulkton, SD as the 2026 ACTE Region V Carl Perkins Community Service Award. 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. 

Nikki Melius, a dedicated family and consumer science teacher at Faulkton High School, has spent 28 years shaping the lives of students through career and technical education, including 25 years at Faulkton. She teaches students in grades 6–12 within the Human Services and Education Career Clusters and holds National Board Certification in Career and Technical Education. Melius also advises the school’s FCCLA chapter, guiding students in leadership, service, and career development. 

In her classroom, Melius provides a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students for both higher education and the workforce. Her approach combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on experiences, helping students develop technical skills, critical thinking, and real-world knowledge. 

Through strong connections with local businesses and organizations, Melius ensures her students gain workplace experience and a clear understanding of industry expectations. She has coordinated internships across nearly every career cluster, offering students opportunities to explore career pathways, build professional networks, and even secure potential job placements. Many graduates return to mentor current students, providing powerful testimony to the program’s impact. 

Beyond the classroom, Melius equips students with leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through FCCLA and other opportunities. She also emphasizes certifications, technology integration, and alignment with industry standards to keep instruction relevant and impactful. 

Melius sees her role as vital not only for individual student success but also for the long-term vitality of her rural community. By preparing students to return with academic or trade training, build careers, and raise their families locally, she is helping sustain a skilled workforce and a thriving future for Faulk County. 

Through her dedication to student achievement, community partnerships, and workforce development, Nikki Melius continues to inspire the next generation of leaders while advancing the mission of career and technical education. 

Melius 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, 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.  

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Heather Monks, Marketing Education Teacher and DECA Advisor, at Ponca City Public Schools in Ponca City, OK as the 2026 ACTE Region IV Carl Perkins Community Service Award. 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. 

With a career spanning 25 years, Heather Monks has made an indelible mark on students, colleagues, and the greater Ponca City community. Since 2000, Monks has served as the Marketing Education teacher and DECA advisor at Ponca City High School, dedicating her entire teaching career to preparing students for success in business, leadership, and life. 

Known for her deep commitment to community engagement and service learning, Monks seamlessly integrates classroom instruction with real-world experiences. Through hands-on projects and partnerships with local organizations, she teaches students the value of service, empathy, and civic responsibility. Her approach not only enhances academic learning but also inspires students to become compassionate, community-minded individuals. 

Monks leads by example, actively participating in service work both inside and outside of school. She volunteers at her church, serves as a certified Special Olympics coach, participates in PTA, and supports school activities as a homeroom mom and volunteer. Her visible involvement reinforces the message that service is not just a topic of discussion—but a way of life. 

A respected leader within the school, Monks serves as the Career Tech Department Head, mentoring fellow CTE teachers, and promoting collaboration and excellence. She is also the advisor for the National Technical Honor Society, recognizing outstanding CTE students, and a member of the Hospitality Committee, fostering a strong sense of unity among staff and students. 

Whether she’s guiding students through community service initiatives or supporting colleagues through mentorship, Heather Monks exemplifies the spirit of education that extends far beyond the classroom. Her legacy is defined by strong relationships, meaningful learning experiences, and a lifelong dedication to empowering others through service. 

Monks 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, 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 Minnesota Agriculture Education Instructor as National Award Finalist  

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 Region III Carl Perkins Community Service Award. 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. 

West Central Area Schools’ agricultural education program is flourishing under the leadership of Eric Sawatzke, who has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to student career readiness and community engagement in rural Minnesota. As an agricultural education instructor at West Central Area (WCA) Schools, which serves 360 students in grades 7–12, Sawatzke has made it his mission to prepare students for meaningful careers while also strengthening the fabric of the community he serves. 

Located in a predominantly agriculturally driven region, WCA’s Agriculture Education program reflects the values and needs of its surrounding communities. Through Eric’s vision and leadership, the program emphasizes hands-on, real-life learning with a focus on service and community impact. His classroom environment is tailored to accommodate all learning styles, skill sets, and career interests, ensuring that every student graduates with a deep understanding of food, fiber, and fuel production, and the role each citizen plays in supporting their community. 

Sawatzke’s commitment to innovation and partnership has resulted in the development of two major educational facilities: a $350,000+ greenhouse and a $371,000 mobile meat processing trailer. These projects were made possible through the support of more than 60 local and regional partners, and they have had a dual impact, providing advanced career training opportunities for students while also increasing the supply of fresh food donated to local food shelves. 

Through successful grant writing and community outreach, Eric has also helped integrate agricultural education across the district, installing 11 hydroponic towers in classrooms ranging from elementary to high school, including a biology lab, the Family and Consumer Sciences Department, and even an English classroom. 

Eric’s impact extends well beyond his district. He has worked closely with Minnesota legislators to establish a statewide Meat Processing Education grant, which has already distributed $550,000 in equipment to schools across the state. His collaboration with the Department of Agriculture’s Meat Inspection Division is helping schools safely launch their own meat processing programs. Most recently, Eric played a key role in securing funding for the creation of a comprehensive statewide meat processing curriculum, which will be made freely available to all agriculture instructors in Minnesota. 

Eric Sawatzke’s passion for agriculture, education, and community building continues to inspire students and educators across the state. His work not only prepares students for the workforce but also instills a deep sense of civic responsibility and pride in their rural roots. 

Sawatzke 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, 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 Georgia Executive Director as  National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Tiffany Barney, Executive Director of the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy, at Cobb County School District in Marietta, GA as the 2026 ACTE Region II Carl Perkins Community Service Award. 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. 

Dr. Tiffany Barney currently serves as the Executive Director of the Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy at Osborne and the Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy at Allatoona, where she leads innovative initiatives designed to expand access to high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE). Prior to her appointment in Cobb County, she worked as a CTAE Program Specialist for the Georgia Department of Education, supporting healthcare science, law and public safety, and cosmetology. Her career in education also includes roles as a teacher, instructional coach, and adjunct professor, following an earlier career as an athletic trainer for high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. 

A dedicated advocate for student success, Dr. Barney has spearheaded programs that ensure alignment with industry standards while preparing students for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers. One of her most significant contributions was securing a $2 million partnership with Wellstar Healthcare to create a workforce pipeline for Cobb County students. She also led the development of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) pathways, giving students opportunities to earn credentials and college credit while still in high school—addressing both workforce shortages and student readiness for future careers. 

Her leadership has also extended to early curriculum development, where she worked with stakeholders to revise middle school exploratory courses and create vertical alignment into secondary pathways. This work encouraged stronger partnerships with business and industry across Georgia, ensuring students have seamless transitions and meaningful opportunities. 

In Cobb County, Dr. Barney’s vision brought the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA) to life at the height of the pandemic. Today, CITA serves as a national model for career academies, offering state-of-the-art facilities, dual-enrollment courses on campus, and fully funded Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) memberships and travel. The success of CITA has spurred the district to invest in two additional career academies, representing more than $34 million in new facilities and expanding access to transformative CTE experiences for students. 

Her accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as an ACTE Fellow, National Administrator of the Year for College and Career Academies, and selection for both the University of Georgia’s 40 Under 40 and Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40. In 2017, she completed her Ph.D. at the University of Georgia, and she currently holds seven degrees, with an eighth to be completed in December 2025. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Barney has remained passionate about opening doors for students. “Every initiative I lead is centered on ensuring students have equitable access to opportunities that prepare them for lifelong success,” she said. 

Barney 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, 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 West Virginia Assistant Superintendent as  National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Clinton Burch, Assistant Superintendent, at West Virginia Department of Education in Charleston, WV as the 2026 ACTE Region I Carl Perkins Community Service Award. 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. 

Clinton Burch, Assistant Superintendent at the West Virginia Department of Education, has dedicated his career to building strong, sustainable connections between education and the community. A native of Huntington, West Virginia, and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Burch brings a unique blend of service, leadership, and strategic vision to his role in public education. 

Throughout his career, Burch has been instrumental in forming statewide partnerships that enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for students. By working collaboratively with the Department of Commerce, the West Virginia Manufacturers Association, and local development authorities, he has helped align education with workforce needs, creating pathways that support student success and strengthen community involvement in schools. 

His commitment to innovation and community impact is reflected in several statewide initiatives. One of the most notable, Big Hearts Give Tiny Homes, engaged CTE students and educators in constructing and furnishing homes for families affected by natural disasters across the state. He also co-created the Simulated Workplace model, transforming traditional classrooms into professional environments where students experience real-world expectations. In addition, Burch is the architect of EPIC (Economic Projects Impacting Communities), a statewide initiative that empowers students to apply their technical skills toward solving local challenges. 

Burch’s leadership is driven by a core belief: when education is meaningfully connected to the needs of the community, students become empowered to create lasting, positive change. Through his vision and dedication, he continues to inspire students to exceed expectations, invest in their communities, and lead with purpose. 

Whether she’s guiding students through community service initiatives or supporting colleagues through mentorship, Heather Monks exemplifies the spirit of education that extends far beyond the classroom. Her legacy is defined by strong relationships, meaningful learning experiences, and a lifelong dedication to empowering others through service. 

Burch 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, 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.