ACTE Announces Arkansas Teaching Assistant Professor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Sheri Deaton, Teaching Assistant Professor at University of Arkansas, in Fayetteville, AR as the 2026 ACTE Region IV 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.
Sheri Deaton, Teaching Assistant Professor of Career and Technical Education at the University of Arkansas and Director of the Bessie Moore Center for Economic Education, has dedicated her career to preparing future educators and advancing career and technical education (CTE) programs. A National Board-Certified teacher with over 20 years of experience, Deaton has taught middle school, high school, and college-level courses, blending hands-on instruction with rigorous academic preparation.
Deaton began her career in the classroom with degrees in family and consumer sciences (BSE) and teaching (MAT), serving as a family and consumer sciences teacher at Glen Rose High School for three years and at White Hall High School for ten years. In 2016, she joined the University of Arkansas as an instructor and earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in 2021. Prior to her university role, she taught public school students for 13 years.
At the University of Arkansas, Deaton teaches a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Introduction to Education, Assessment and Program Evaluation, Teaching Strategies, Classroom Management, Career Development, and specialized courses in apparel production and interior design for Family and Consumer Sciences education majors. She supervises all CTE students, advises the FCCLA Chapter, and regularly presents research and professional development opportunities to educators at the department, state, and national levels.
Since joining the faculty, Deaton has revised the undergraduate CTE program to better bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring student teachers are well-prepared for success. Her dedication and innovative instruction earned her recognition as a 2021 National Finalist for Post-Secondary Teacher Educator of the Year.
Through her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to workforce development, Deaton continues to inspire the next generation of CTE educators and strengthen the impact of career and technical education nationwide.
Deaton 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.
