ACTE Announces 2026 National Award Winners
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced its 2026 national winners in eight different award categories. Winners 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 and Carl Perkins Community Service Awards.
Teacher of the Year
Matthew Waynee – Los Angeles, CA
Postsecondary Professional of the Year
Sheri Deaton – Fayetteville, AR
Administrator of the Year
Donna Prudhomme – Beaumont, TX
New Teacher of the Year
Paden Hagler – Lovington, NM
Teacher Educator of the Year
Ulla Carr – Knoxville, TN
Counseling and Career Development Professional Award
Valerie Tibbs – Lawton, OK
Lifetime Achievement
June St. Clair Atkinson – Raleigh, NC
Carl Perkins Community Service Award
Eric Sawatzke – Barrett, MN
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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.
