Category: Press Releases

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

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.  The Postsecondary Professional of the Year Award is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox 

Jennifer Kline, M.Ed., a dedicated leader in higher education and Career and Technical Education (CTE), has been named the National Postsecondary Professional of the Year. With over 26 years of experience in CTE, Jennifer’s career reflects a remarkable blend of expertise, innovation, and a commitment to student success. 

Recently appointed as the Associate Dean of Academics at Erie County Community College in Pennsylvania (Region I), Jennifer previously served as the Healthcare Program Manager for GateWay Community College in Phoenix, Arizona (Region V). Her diverse professional background includes roles as a flight paramedic, firefighter, workforce and business development manager, and a decade of service in higher education as both an educator and administrator. 

Jennifer is a passionate advocate for equitable access to high-quality education, inspired by her own journey as a first-generation college student. She is dedicated to identifying and removing barriers to education, creating alternative pathways to success, and minimizing student loan debt. Her leadership has also been instrumental in bridging gaps between education and employment, fostering opportunities for credentialing, and cultivating a culture of innovation, equity, diversity, and belonging for students, faculty, and staff. 

A committed lifelong learner, Jennifer is pursuing a doctoral degree in Workforce and Organizational Development, with an emphasis on Career and Technical Education. She has also completed the ACTE Next Level Fellowship program, focusing on college initiatives, advocacy, and funding opportunities, and is currently part of the ACTE National Leadership Fellowship’s Experienced Leader cohort. Her achievements have earned her the ACTEAZ and ACTE Region V Postsecondary Educator of the Year awards. 

Jennifer’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the CTE community have made a profound impact. This national recognition celebrates her exceptional career and her dedication to fostering student success, building equitable educational pathways, and advancing the future of Career and Technical Education. 

Kline was one of five finalists for the 2025 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 4, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2024. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, McGraw Hill 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 Business Teacher as 2025 National Winner 

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced  Nickolas Lebo, Business Teacher at Austin ISD in Austin, TX as the 2025 National ACTE Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education teachers at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities. The Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals.  

Nickolas Lebo, a dedicated educator and leader in Career and Technical Education (CTE), has been named the National Teacher of the Year for his exceptional contributions to Austin Independent School District (AISD) and the broader CTE community. 

A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in education in Sport Management, Nick has spent the last 14 years teaching and coaching in AISD. He currently serves as the CTE Department Chair, Business Teacher, and Head Golf Coach at Austin High School, where his leadership has significantly advanced CTE programming. 

Under Nick’s guidance, Austin High has launched innovative practicum courses in Entrepreneurship, Culinary Arts, Engineering, IT, and Education. He coordinates all internship programs and has established partnerships with over 100 local companies, ensuring students gain real-world experience that prepares them for post-graduation success. 

Nick’s commitment to professional growth is reflected in his pursuit of becoming AISD’s first CTE National Board-Certified Teacher through the district’s Leadership Pathways program. Outside the classroom, he inspires students through his sponsorship of Business Professionals of America, Rock the Street Wall Street, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

Believing that education is his calling, Nick strives to prepare students not only for their careers but also for meaningful lives at home and as future community leaders. His dedication to fostering student growth, leadership, and success exemplifies the CTE advantage. 

This prestigious national honor celebrates Nick’s outstanding achievements, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his students, colleagues, and the field of Career and Technical Education. His work continues to inspire and elevate the next generation of leaders. 

Lebo was one of five finalists for the 2025 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 4, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2024. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, McGraw Hill 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 of Career Technical & Agricultural Education as 2025 National Award Winner 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Rhonda Samples, Executive Director, Career Technical & Agricultural Education at Hall County Schools in Gainesville, GA as the 2025 ACTE National Administrator of the Year. 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.  

Rhonda Samples, a visionary leader and tireless advocate for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE), has been named the National Administrator of the Year. With over four decades of dedicated service to the Hall County School District and the broader CTE community, Rhonda’s work has profoundly impacted students, educators, and industry partners alike. 

As the former CEO of Lanier College Career Academy and the current Executive Director of CTAE for Hall County, Rhonda has championed career pathways, work-based learning opportunities, and student organizations that empower middle and high school students. Her collaborative efforts with the Georgia Department of Education, the Hall County Chamber of Commerce, local colleges, businesses, and community organizations have strengthened the bridge between education and the workforce, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future success. 

Rhonda’s career began as a Marketing Education teacher, and her dedication to professional growth has led her to earn an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and Marketing, a master’s degree in marketing education, and a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Gallup Outstanding National Marketing Education Educator Award, Georgia Work-Based Learning Administrator of the Year, and Georgia TIEGA Administrator of the Year. She has also received special honors such as the Community Service Award and the Pioneer in Education award for her lasting contributions. 

A sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator, Rhonda continually shares her expertise and best practices to inspire and elevate the education sector. Her passion, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence in CTAE have transformed countless lives and set a high standard for educational leadership. 

This national recognition celebrates Rhonda’s remarkable career, her outstanding achievements, and her lasting impact on the field of Career and Technical Education. Her legacy of innovation, advocacy, and empowerment continues to shape the future of education. 

Samples was one of five finalists for the 2025 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 4, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2024. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, McGraw Hill 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 Career Coach at Pell City School System as National Award Winner 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced  Shelley Kaler, Career Coach at Pell City School System in Pell City, AL as the 2025 National ACTE Counseling and Career Development Professional Award 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.  

Shelley Kaler, a dedicated educator with over two decades of service to students, has been named the national winner of the Counseling and Career Development Professional Award. Her journey in education began at Jacksonville State University, where she discovered her passion for helping students succeed while working as a student assistant in the Office of the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. Her commitment deepened during her tenure in the Office of Admissions, where she spent more than ten years recruiting students across the southeastern United States. 

In 2016, Shelley transitioned to a new role as a career counselor, becoming the Career Coach for Pell City High School, the Alabama School for the Blind, and the Alabama School for the Deaf. Today, she focuses exclusively on Pell City Schools, where she connects students with invaluable opportunities such as field trips, campus tours, guest speakers, mentorships, and networking events. Among her many initiatives are mock interviews for juniors and seniors, military performance labs, and job fairs—all designed to prepare students for success in their future careers. 

Shelley’s passion for healthcare career pathways led her to partner with Enhabit Hospice to create a volunteer program for her HOSA students. Her involvement goes beyond coordination—she volunteers alongside her students, assisting with administrative tasks during the week and visiting patients on weekends. This hands-on experience has been transformative for her students, helping them build critical skills and confidence as they prepare for healthcare careers. 

Known affectionately by her students as the “School Mom,” Shelley is a steadfast advocate for stepping outside one’s comfort zone to embrace new opportunities. Her dedication extends to her church, Rushing Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Talladega County, Alabama, where she serves on several committees and as the Church Custodian. 

Shelley resides in Lincoln with her husband of 18 years. She inspires her students with the motto, “Today I will do what others WON’T so that tomorrow I can do what others CAN’T,” and she often shares her favorite Benjamin Franklin quote: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” 

Through her tireless efforts, Shelley Kaler has made a lasting impact on countless students, empowering them to achieve their fullest potential and demonstrating the transformative power of Career and Technical Education. 

Kaler was one of five finalists for the 2025 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 4, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2024. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, McGraw Hill 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 Wyoming Industrial Technology Teacher as National Award Winner 

 ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced  Troy Reichert, Industrial Technology Teacher, Guernsey-Sunrise Public School, as the recipient of the 2025 National ACTE Carl Perkins Community Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who have used CTE to make a significant impact on their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service.  

Troy Reichert, a dedicated Industrial Technology teacher with 27 years of experience, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Carl Perkins Community Service Award. Teaching at Guernsey-Sunrise Public School, Troy exemplifies the values of leadership, service, and community engagement through his innovative approach to education and his unwavering commitment to helping others. 

Believing in the power of learning beyond the classroom, Troy established a summer skilled trades camp in Sunrise, Wyoming. This program brings boys and girls from across the nation to work on projects such as restoring the oldest YMCA building in the state. Additionally, his students are undertaking a full remodel of the VFW Post 4471 building in Guernsey, enhancing their hands-on skills while making a meaningful impact on the community. 

Troy’s dedication to his students and his community has earned him numerous accolades, including the Wyoming VFW Teacher of the Year (ranked 4th nationally), Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Teacher Excellence national winner, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Excellence in Character Education Award. These honors underscore his exceptional ability to combine teaching with community service, inspiring his students to use their skills to make a difference. 

Through his efforts, Troy Reichert not only enriches the lives of his students but also strengthens the community, embodying the spirit of the Carl Perkins Community Service Award. His work serves as a powerful example of how Career and Technical Education can foster both personal growth and civic responsibility. 

Reichert was one of four finalists for the 2025 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 4, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2024. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, McGraw Hill 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 Teacher as National Award Winner 

 ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Wyatt Gerth, Creative Marketing Communications Instructor at Tri County Tech as the 2025 National ACTE New Teacher of the Year. 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.  

Wyatt Gerth, known affectionately as “Mr. G” by his students, has been recognized as the National New Teacher of the Year for his outstanding contributions to Career and Technical Education (CTE). Beginning his teaching journey at Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in the fall of 2019, Wyatt embraced an opportunity to redefine the school’s Graphics Communication program after the retirement of its long-time instructor. 

Leveraging his innovative spirit and vision, Wyatt transformed the program into Creative Marketing Communications, an initiative that has become a cornerstone of Tri County Tech’s curriculum. His ability to blend tradition with innovation has not only enhanced student engagement but also equipped his learners with the skills necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving marketplace. 

Wyatt’s influence extends well beyond the classroom. He is an active and dedicated member of the local community, serving on multiple boards and committees. He shares his expertise in business and marketing by offering training to small businesses, educators, and tribal organizations, showcasing his commitment to uplifting others and fostering community growth. 

Although early in his teaching career, Wyatt’s dedication to continuous improvement and his passion for making a difference have already left an indelible mark. His students thrive under his guidance, and his work exemplifies the transformative power of CTE. 

This national recognition highlights Wyatt Gerth’s exceptional innovation, leadership, and dedication, celebrating his remarkable contributions to education and his unwavering commitment to preparing students for future success. 

Gerth was one of five finalists for the 2025 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 4, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2024. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, McGraw Hill 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 2025 National Award Finalists 

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced its 2025 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 4, 2024 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 

• Jared Diephouse – Traverse City, MI – Region I 

• Jason Van Nus – Valdosta, GA – Region II 

• Chris Edgar – Camdenton, MO – Region III 

• Nickolas Lebo – Austin, TX – Region IV 

• Dave Dein – Patterson, CA – Region V 

Postsecondary Professional of the Year Finalists 

• Kenneth Flowers – Benton Harbor, MI – Region I 

• Cheronie Blunt – Warner Robins, GA – Region II 

• Thomas Brown – North Mankato, MN – Region III 

• Jona Kay Squires – Wayne, OK – Region IV 

• Jennifer Kline – Phoenix, AZ – Region V 

Administrator of the Year Finalists 

• Lucas Schrauben – Holt, MI – Region I 

• Rhonda Samples – Gainesville, GA – Region II 

• Keith Olander – Staples, MN – Region III 

• Brittney Williams – Baton Rouge, LA – Region IV 

• Dave Gardner – Saint George, UT – Region V 

New Teacher of the Year Finalists 

• Brielle Haupt – Brighton, MI – Region I 

• Stephen Bergey – Woodstock, GA – Region II 

• Emily Daniel – Nevada, MO – Region III 

• Wyatt Gerth – Bartlesville, OK – Region IV 

• Sarah Hubel – Stromsburg, NE – Region V 

Teacher Educator of the Year Finalists 

• Roger Hill – Athens, GA – Region II 

• Krystle Gremaud – Warrensburg, MO – Region III 

• April Blackwell – Afton, OK – Region IV 

• Scott Caldwell – Washoe County, NV – Region V 

Counseling and Career Development Professional Finalists 

• Vanita Wilson – Flint, MI – Region I 

• Shelley Kaler – Pell City, AL – Region II 

• Paul Hayes – Cedar Rapids, IA – Region III 

• Brandi Williams – Port Lavaca, TX – Region IV 

• Greg Friedman – Merced, CA – Region V 

Lifetime Achievement Award Finalists 

• Brian Pyles – Lansing, MI – Region I 

• Cynthia Greene – Marietta, GA – Region II 

• Cindy Stover – Lincoln, IL – Region III 

• Mary Smith – Manila, AK – Region IV 

• Melissa Scott – Carson City, NV – Region V 

Carl D. Perkins Community Service Award Finalists 

• Shannon Roberts – Maysville, KY – Region II 

• Regina Birch – Alton, IL – Region III 

• Patricia Downing – Grants, NM – Region IV 

• Troy Reichart – Guernsey, WY – Region V 

Maryland Students Win ACTE National Student Trophy Design Contest 

Students of Centennial High School Win National Award 

Alexandria, VA – Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced the team of Ayush Ghosh and James Li from Centennial High School in Ellicott City, Maryland. as the national student trophy design winners in its ninth annual student trophy design contest. They are taught by Nancy Smith, an instructor at Centennial High School. The contest is sponsored by ACTE and Stratasys, Ltd., a manufacturer of 3D printers and production systems. 

Since 1954, ACTE has awarded those who have made exemplary contributions in the field of career and technical education (CTE). The student trophy design contest is a competition for students to design the 3D trophy for the ACTE Excellence Awards. The winning trophy design will be 3D-printed by Stratasys and presented to the 10 national award winners at the 2024 ACTE Awards Gala in conjunction with ACTE’s CareerTech VISION. This year’s gala will be held December 4 at 7 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas. Ayush and James’s submission was selected by ACTE’s Board of Directors out of entries from students all across the country. In addition to having their design used to create this year’s trophies, Ayush and James will receive a $1,000 scholarship and Centennial High School will receive a free one-year lease of a 3D printer, courtesy of Stratasys, Ltd.  

Ayush and James, both seniors at Centennial High School, share a strong passion for STEM and aspire to pursue careers in the field. Their journey in STEM began in their freshman year of high school when they were determined to share their love of STEM with the community and founded the school’s first Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Club.  

Through their club, James and Ayush not only taught their peers the intricacies of Computer-Aided Design, they also organized outreach events with undergraduate students at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Eager to extend their impact to younger students, Ayush and James also launched an initiative at the local library to teach elementary and middle school students CAD and 3D printing. It proved to be a resounding success and taught students all around the county the fundamentals of CAD.  

Beyond their community engagement, both James and Ayush excel academically and in extracurricular pursuits. James, with a keen interest in computer engineering, has taken numerous advanced computer-oriented classes. Outside the classroom, some of his hobbies include building robots and running his 3D designing business which he started in elementary school. Ayush, on the other hand, is focused on becoming a mechanical engineer and hasenrolled in Project Lead the Way classes throughout high school. Some of his hobbies include playing soccer and eating with his friends. The opportunity to design a trophy for ACTE allowed them to further pursue their interest in STEM, without limitations on their creativity. Ayush and James have their eyes set on top engineering institutions where they hope to change the world positively while pursuing their passion for STEM. 

“The Student Trophy Design Contest has successfully helped promote CTE classrooms across the country for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers and more,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Curry. “Ayush and James’ outstanding achievements, and their passion for CTE, are further evidence of the critical role high-quality CTE plays in maintaining and growing America’s role in the global economy. We are so proud of Ayush and James and their accomplishments, and we are honored to have them as public ambassadors for all that today’s CTE has to offer.”  

Jesse Roitenberg, Stratasys Americas Director of Education shared his thoughts on the contest over the years, “Stratasys is pleased to partner with ACTE to create this contest for the students. It is clear that the educators are doing an outstanding job immersing the students in Additive Manufacturing and Computer Aided Drafting.  The trophy entries we have judged over the past nine years are phenomenally designed and could not be created by any other manufacturing process.” 

Ayush and James, ACTE and Stratasys are available for interviews upon request. Ayush and James’ trophy design and headshot (courtesy Ayush and James) are included. 

 

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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 Utah Director of Career & Technical Education as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Dave Gardner, Director of Career & Technical Education at Washington County School District in Saint George, UT as the 2025 ACTE Region V Administrator of the Year. This award recognizes administrative career and technical education (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.  

Dave Gardner, a seasoned CTE educator and leader, has significantly shaped Utah’s educational landscape. In the past seven years, Gardner has successfully collaborated with Utah Tech University in achieving the state’s highest combined year-over-year growth rate in the state’s higher education concurrent enrollment program. He also led one of the first districts to implement Utah’s K-12 Computer Science Initiative and built one of the state’s largest E-sports programs. For his efforts, he was awarded the State Office of Education’s 2017 Excellence in Action Award for career development innovation. 

In the fall of 2023, Gardner brought his greatest vision to life: the opening of Utah’s first comprehensive Career & Technical Education High School (CTHS). This groundbreaking institution represents years of research and development, inspired by a collaboration with Kirk Lewis High School in Pasadena, Texas. The school blends academic excellence with CTE, creating an innovative environment where students thrive. 

Utah State Superintendent Dr. Sydnee Dickson referred to CTHS as “the future of educational excellence and innovation.” Governor Cox, who recently toured the facility, was equally impressed, noting the high level of student engagement across pathways from construction to culinary arts. 

Designed to foster collaboration between academic and CTE faculty, CTHS has already shown positive results, including increased student attendance, improved GPAs, and reduced discipline issues. The school’s success has sparked discussions on replicating this model across the district. 

CTHS was built at half the cost of traditional high schools, making it not only a model of educational innovation but also financial efficiency. Students earn concurrent enrollment credits and industry-recognized credentials, connecting them directly to employment opportunities upon graduation. The school’s success has attracted strong support from local employers, who now contribute resources to enhance students’ career development. 

Dave Gardner’s lifelong commitment to CTE continues to pay dividends, as his influence inspires students, teachers, and future leaders in the field. 

Gardner 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.  

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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.