ACTE Announces California CTE Animation & Video Production Teacher as the 2026 National Winner
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Matthew Waynee, CTE Animation & Video Production Teacher at Los Angeles Unified School District in Los Angeles, CA as the 2026 ACTE Teacher of the Year – National Winner. 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.
Matthew Waynee is a veteran educator and accomplished screenwriter with more than two decades of experience in both the entertainment industry and the classroom. Originally from Michigan, Waynee earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and later completed a master’s degree at the University of Southern California (USC). He now teaches at the USC Media Arts & Engineering Magnet in the Los Angeles Unified School District, where he helped design and launch the school’s CTE Video Production and Animation pathways from the ground up.
Waynee has become a driving force in expanding access to authentic, industry-connected learning for students pursuing Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) careers. He has secured nearly $3 million in grant funding and forged strong partnerships with leading entertainment companies, including DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Illumination Pictures, NBC/Universal, and Warner Bros. His CTE Animation pathway is one of only three programs in North America selected to participate in a year-long mentorship initiative with Nickelodeon Studios.
In addition to his work with students, Waynee plays an influential role in shaping AME education statewide. He served on the Education Advisory Team responsible for revising California’s CTE standards for all AME pathways—which was approved by the California Department of Education in November 2025. He also shares his expertise on national stages, presenting at conferences and events such as the ACTE CareerTech VISION Conference and San Diego Comic Con.
Most recently, in collaboration with the BRIC Foundation, Waynee authored the nation’s first U.S. Department of Labor and Division of Apprenticeship Standards–registered Animation, Game Design & VFX Apprenticeship Program. This groundbreaking initiative provides students with a direct, structured pathway from the classroom into high-demand creative industries, underscoring his commitment to preparing learners for meaningful, future-ready careers.
Waynee was one of five finalists for the 2026 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 9, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. 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.
