ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Carrie Hernandez, Federal Programs/Curriculum and Community Specialist at Hatch Valley Public Schools, in Hatch, NM, as the 2027 ACTE Region IV Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award Recipient. 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.
Carrie L. Hernandez has dedicated more than 25 years to advancing Career and Technical Education (CTE) through leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to expanding opportunities for students across New Mexico. A first-generation college graduate, Carrie has built a career grounded in perseverance, community engagement, and the belief that education can transform lives.
Carrie earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture Extension Education from New Mexico State University, along with a K–12 Educational Leadership certification. She began her professional journey at New Mexico State University, where she supported Cooperative Education and career readiness initiatives designed to help students successfully transition from the classroom to the workforce. Her early work in agriculture literacy, student mentorship, and community outreach laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to strengthening CTE programs and partnerships.
As a secondary educator at Las Cruces High School, Carrie transformed the agriculture program by expanding enrollment, creating industry-aligned pathways, and securing dual-credit and industry certification opportunities for students. Her leadership helped bridge the gap between education and workforce needs by building strong partnerships among schools, industry leaders, and community organizations. Through her innovative work, she also contributed to the development of New Mexico’s first statewide CTE course codes and instructional frameworks.
Carrie’s impact extended statewide during her service with the New Mexico Public Education Department, where she supported 23 school districts, including 22 tribal communities. In this role, she worked to ensure CTE programs met federal standards while honoring the cultural and regional needs of the communities they served. Her leadership helped establish New Mexico’s framework for industry-recognized certifications and strengthened the role and visibility of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) throughout the state.
After returning to Las Cruces Public Schools, Carrie helped redesign the district’s CTE programs and work-based learning system while co-developing a K–12 career feeder model that created stronger pathways for student success. Currently serving Hatch Valley Public Schools, she continues to advocate for equitable access to federal programs, dual-credit opportunities, and community resources that support rural students and families.
Throughout her career, Carrie has remained deeply committed to student-centered CTE and the philosophy of “Living to Serve.” She continues to honor the educators, mentors, and communities that shaped her journey while working to ensure every student has the opportunity to discover their purpose, pursue meaningful career pathways, and achieve success.
Hernandez is one of five finalists for the 2027 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 2, at 6:00 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.
