ACTE Announces Mississippi Instructor/FFA Advisor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Clint Young, Instructor/FFA Advisor at Pontotoc County School District in Pontotoc, MS as the 2026 ACTE Region IV Teacher of the Year. 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.
Clint Young is a passionate and committed agriculture educator at Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technical Center in Pontotoc, Mississippi. He teaches a Diversified Agriculture curriculum that includes principles of agriculture, animal science, veterinary science, precision agriculture, and plant science. Clint’s hands-on, career-focused instruction equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a wide range of agricultural careers.
As an FFA advisor, Clint leads a highly active chapter that engages students on the local, state, and federation levels. Through this work, he inspires students to grow as leaders, develop confidence, and explore their future in agriculture. His commitment to student success is matched by his dedication to community involvement and fostering a strong agricultural foundation in the next generation.
Throughout his career, Clint has remained actively involved in Mississippi ACTE (MS ACTE) and the Mississippi Association of Agriculture Educators (MSAAE). He has contributed to the planning and facilitation of state conferences, professional development sessions, and regional and national events. His service as President of MSAAE was a meaningful opportunity for growth and statewide representation. This year, he was also named Mississippi’s Agriculture Teacher of the Year.
Outside of the classroom, Clint enjoys spending time with his wife, Libby, and their two children, Case and Raelyn. He’s an avid outdoorsman who finds joy in hunting, fishing, and embracing the natural world—values he brings into his teaching to help students connect with the importance of sustainability and stewardship in agriculture.
Young 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, 2025, 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.
