ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced
Marty Tobey, Retired Assistant Director for Regional Services and Reporting in Archdale, NC, as the 2027 ACTE Region II 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.
With more than 32 years of experience in education, Marty Tobey has dedicated his career to strengthening Career and Technical Education and expanding opportunities for students to participate in high-quality programs that prepare them for college and careers. His career has included roles as a business and marketing teacher, community college instructor, instructional technology specialist, Director of Career and Technical Education, Director of High Schools, and statewide CTE leader with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).
Throughout his career, Marty has demonstrated commitment to educational leadership, continuous improvement, and using data and research to strengthen CTE programs. At NCDPI, he served as a CTE Regional Coordinator, Section Chief, and Assistant Director for CTE Regional Services and Reporting. In his role as Assistant Director, he provided leadership and support to regional services and reporting staff while focusing on educational leadership, data and analysis, Perkins funding and fiscal policy, and support for new and aspiring CTE administrators.
Marty has played a significant role in the development and implementation of statewide CTE initiatives in North Carolina. His work has included leading the research, development, and implementation of Career Pathways; developing and implementing CTE program evaluation instruments; and leading the development and implementation of the North Carolina CTE Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment. His work has helped educators and administrators evaluate programs, identify areas for improvement, strengthen partnerships, and better align CTE programs with postsecondary and workforce needs.
His contributions also include the development of statewide resources designed to support high-quality CTE programs and educators. Marty has published resources including High-Quality CTE Programs through Business Engagement and the NC Career Pathways Facilitator Guide. His research and professional interests have focused on effective Career Pathway implementation, CTE program evaluation and measurement, and identifying the characteristics of high-quality CTE programs.
Marty’s leadership and expertise have been recognized throughout his career. He has been named Teacher of the Year and Manager of the Year and earned National Board Certification in Early Adolescence to Young Adulthood: Career and Technical Education. He also holds a master’s degree in marketing education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, along with School Administration and Career and Technical Education Director’s licenses.
Although Marty retired from NCDPI in March 2024, his commitment to CTE continues. He has been involved with the North Carolina CTE Teacher of the Year leadership development and recognition program and continues to actively engage in North Carolina’s CTE leadership development initiatives, serving CTE teachers and support services educators across the state. In addition, he serves as an adjunct instructor in CTE Administration and Program Supervision at East Carolina University, where he helps prepare and develop the next generation of CTE leaders.
Through more than three decades of service, Marty has made a lasting impact on CTE educators, administrators, programs, and students. His work has helped shape systems and resources that support high-quality CTE and ensure that students have access to meaningful opportunities that prepare them for success beyond high school. His continued service reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing Career and Technical Education and helping all students become college and career ready.
Marty 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.
###
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.
