ACTE Announces Minnesota Agriculture Education Instructor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Eric Sawatzke, Agriculture Education Instructor, at West Central Area Schools in Barrett, MN as the 2026 ACTE Region III Carl Perkins Community Service Award. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) 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.
West Central Area Schools’ agricultural education program is flourishing under the leadership of Eric Sawatzke, who has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to student career readiness and community engagement in rural Minnesota. As an agricultural education instructor at West Central Area (WCA) Schools, which serves 360 students in grades 7–12, Sawatzke has made it his mission to prepare students for meaningful careers while also strengthening the fabric of the community he serves.
Located in a predominantly agriculturally driven region, WCA’s Agriculture Education program reflects the values and needs of its surrounding communities. Through Eric’s vision and leadership, the program emphasizes hands-on, real-life learning with a focus on service and community impact. His classroom environment is tailored to accommodate all learning styles, skill sets, and career interests, ensuring that every student graduates with a deep understanding of food, fiber, and fuel production, and the role each citizen plays in supporting their community.
Sawatzke’s commitment to innovation and partnership has resulted in the development of two major educational facilities: a $350,000+ greenhouse and a $371,000 mobile meat processing trailer. These projects were made possible through the support of more than 60 local and regional partners, and they have had a dual impact, providing advanced career training opportunities for students while also increasing the supply of fresh food donated to local food shelves.
Through successful grant writing and community outreach, Eric has also helped integrate agricultural education across the district, installing 11 hydroponic towers in classrooms ranging from elementary to high school, including a biology lab, the Family and Consumer Sciences Department, and even an English classroom.
Eric’s impact extends well beyond his district. He has worked closely with Minnesota legislators to establish a statewide Meat Processing Education grant, which has already distributed $550,000 in equipment to schools across the state. His collaboration with the Department of Agriculture’s Meat Inspection Division is helping schools safely launch their own meat processing programs. Most recently, Eric played a key role in securing funding for the creation of a comprehensive statewide meat processing curriculum, which will be made freely available to all agriculture instructors in Minnesota.
Eric Sawatzke’s passion for agriculture, education, and community building continues to inspire students and educators across the state. His work not only prepares students for the workforce but also instills a deep sense of civic responsibility and pride in their rural roots.
Sawatzke 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.
