FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2023
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
ACTE Announces Minnesota Agriculture Education Instructor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Paul Aarsvold, Agriculture Education Instructor at Plainview Elgin Millville High School in Plainview, Minnesota, as the 2023 ACTE Region III Carl Perkins Community Service Award. 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.
Paul Aarsvold is a high school agriculture education instructor at Plainview-Elgin-Millville (PEM). Paul strongly believes that in order for all students to learn about agricultural education within his community, the focus of the Plainview-Elgin-Millville (PEM) Agricultural Education program has become K-12 centered. PEM has two agricultural education teachers (Paul Aarsvold and Steve Hinrichs) that have developed an exciting learning atmosphere which has increased the interest of the 446 students to the point where over 50% of the student population enrolls in our courses. Paul strongly believes in three things in his teaching; Challenge the students to apply their knowledge in a hands-on setting, Make the classroom a positive and exciting place to learn for all ages of students that are involved in the curriculum, K-12 and to make sure to involve the community in the classroom and the agricultural education program.
Aarsvold is one of five finalists for the 2024 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 November 29, 2023, 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.