ACTE Announces Minnesota Professor
as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Jill Conlon, Professor at Minnesota State University – Mankato, in Mankato, MN as the 2026 ACTE Region III Teacher Educator of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle, secondary and post-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. Jill Conlon, a lifelong advocate for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Education and a true “teacher for the teachers,” has dedicated more than 30 years to preparing the next generation of educators. Recently retired as a full professor in the Department of Family Consumer Science at Minnesota State University – Mankato, Dr. Conlon led both undergraduate and graduate FCS Teacher Education programs and served as department chair. Her work has shaped the curriculum in Minnesota and beyond, while also inspiring and mentoring hundreds of future educators.
Dr. Conlon began her career teaching in the high school classroom in Owatonna, MN, before moving into higher education, where she taught a broad range of courses from Educational Methodology and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Development to Clothing Construction and Textiles. In Minnesota, FCS Education is a licensed 5–12 teaching field, with coursework ranging from Personal Finance, Culinary, Foods & Nutrition, Housing, Child Development, and Family Studies, to Clothing and Textiles—all designed to build career and college readiness skills.
A recognized leader in CTE, Dr. Conlon is celebrated for her innovation and commitment to addressing workforce challenges in education. She developed an online graduate certificate program that has licensed new FCS teachers at a time of critical shortages, created statewide FCS Education Frameworks, co-authored research on educator support, and founded the annual “FACS to the Max” conference to strengthen connections between education, industry, and communities.
Her impact extends beyond the classroom through professional service, advocacy, and the mentorship of emerging educators. Dr. Conlon holds a Ph.D. in FCS Education from Iowa State University, an M.S. in Home Economics and a B.S. in Home Economics Education from Mankato State University, and a B.S. in Clothing, Textiles, and Design from the University of Wisconsin–Stout.
Outside of her professional work, she enjoys Minnesota’s four seasons, sewing, cooking, spending time at the lake, cheering on sports, and being with her family—who she believes are life’s greatest asset.
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Conlon 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.
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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.
