ACTE Announces Oregon Teacher as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Leah Ferguson, Teacher at The Dalles High School, in The Dalles, OR as the 2026 ACTE Region V New 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.
Leah Ferguson, a proud graduate of The Dalles Wahtonka High School (now The Dalles High School), has come full circle by returning to teach at the very school where she once walked the graduation stage. In June, she had the distinct honor of serving as commencement speaker, reflecting on her journey from student to educator and celebrating the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her.
Before entering education, Ferguson built a dynamic career spanning more than a decade in design and media, creating posters, logos, and presentations for tech companies, government agencies, and even Olympic Gold Medalists. Her professional experiences included traveling across the country to present to large audiences, co-hosting a podcast with more than 50,000 downloads, producing a mini-web series, and managing unique projects such as cataloging and selling a collection of 500 Barbies. Despite these accomplishments, she found herself searching for greater purpose and fulfillment.
That purpose emerged in education. Inspired by her mother’s work in schools and by opportunities to volunteer and substitute teach, Ferguson discovered a passion for high school education, particularly in Career and Technical Education (CTE). With encouragement from administrators, she recognized how her professional skills aligned with the needs of CTE programs. When a teaching position opened, she seized the opportunity and immediately knew she had found her calling.
Since then, Ferguson has poured her heart into building a thriving program that grows stronger each year. In addition to teaching, she continues contract work and leads multiple extracurricular activities, including ASB, Graphics Club, Yearbook, and TD Esports, which she helped establish. She also co-leads the Sources of Strength program, serves on the YouthThink Board, and actively seeks opportunities to connect students with their community. Her commitment ensures that students not only gain valuable skills but also develop meaningful relationships and experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.
Enthusiastic, driven, and deeply invested in her students, Leah Ferguson embodies the spirit of CTE by creating opportunities, building connections, and inspiring the next generation.
Ferguson 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.
