ACTE Announces Michigan State Director as National Award Finalist 

October 8, 2024

In Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact: Marlen Zarcone  

mzarcone@acteonline.org 

ACTE Announces Michigan State Director as National Award Finalist 

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Dr. Brian Pyles, State Director at Michigan Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education in Lansing, Michigan, as the 2025 ACTE Region I Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators 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.  

Dr. Brian L. Pyles serves as the State Director for the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education (MDE-OCTE), where he provides visionary leadership for Michigan’s secondary and postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) programs. In this role, Dr. Pyles is dedicated to ensuring that all learners have access to equitable, high-quality, and rigorous academic instruction within the CTE system. 

Dr. Pyles collaborates closely with other MDE Office Directors, the MDE Leadership Team, and various state agencies to advance the key components of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan. At the national level, he is an active member of the CTE State Directors Association and Advance CTE, where he contributes valuable insights into policy implementation and the impact of national decisions on state-level education. 

With over 25 years of experience in the Michigan public school system, Dr. Pyles has held multiple roles, including Marketing Teacher, DECA Advisor, and Business Department Chair at Niles Senior High School, as well as Regional CTE Director in Shiawassee and Berrien Counties. His collaborative leadership was instrumental in developing the Berrien County Early Middle College and the Genesee County Career and Technical Education Early Middle College, both of which have expanded opportunities for students to pursue postsecondary education and career training. 

Dr. Pyles’ passion for CTE was ignited during his time as a student in the Agriscience Program at the Oakland Schools Technical Campus in Clarkston, Michigan. Throughout his career, he has remained a dedicated advocate for CTE, serving on various committees with the Michigan Department of Education and holding leadership positions, including President of the Michigan Association for Career and Technical Education (MiACTE) and the Michigan Marketing Educators. 

In addition to his leadership roles, Dr. Pyles has worked as an independent education consultant, developing web content for MiACTE and writing guidance for the Southern Regional Education Board on work-based learning and student career planning. 

Dr. Pyles holds a bachelor’s degree in business education from Eastern Michigan University and both an MA and Ph.D. in Education Leadership from Western Michigan University. His dissertation, “A Study of Career Preparation Activities Used in Michigan’s High Schools,” underscores his commitment to expanding CTE learning opportunities for all students. 

Pyles is one of five finalists for the 2025 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 4, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, 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. 

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