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.
###
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.
