ACTE Announces Arkansas Teacher
as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Christina Loyd, Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Nemo Vista High School, in Center Ridge, AR as the 2026 ACTE Region IV Teacher Educator of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle, secondary and post-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.
Christina Loyd, a Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teacher, UACCM instructor, and FCCLA advisor from Center Ridge, Arkansas, has dedicated more than 20 years to inspiring students and advancing career and technical education (CTE). With certifications in early childhood education, middle childhood education across multiple subjects, and Family and Consumer Sciences for grades 7–12, along with a master’s degree in gifted education, Loyd brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the classroom.
An avid advocate for both FCS and CTE, Loyd is deeply committed to equipping students with the essential life and career skills needed for long-term success. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom through her involvement with the Arkansas Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (AATFCS), Arkansas ACTE, NATFCS, and the National FCCLA Consultant Team. She has also been recognized with numerous honors, including the ArACTE Carl Perkins Teacher of the Year, ArACTE Teacher of the Year, ArACTE Educator of the Year, FCCLA Master Advisor, FCCLA Educated Advisor, 2025 Top 5 FCCLA in the Nation, and PBS Invention Fellow. Most recently, she was honored as the Region IV Teacher Educator of the Year at the Region IV conference.
Loyd’s impact also reaches her peers through professional development presentations at both the state and national levels, where she shares her knowledge and experience to strengthen the field of education. She recently began coursework with the Arkansas Leadership Academy to become a Lead Teacher in the state, and she has been named an ACTE National Experienced FCS Fellow.
Loyd 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.
###
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.
