ACTE Announces Tennessee
EPP Supervisor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Ulla Carr, EPP Supervisor at Knox County Schools (KCS), in Knoxville, TN as the 2026 ACTE Region II 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.
Ulla Carr, the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Supervisor at Knox County Schools in Tennessee, is recognized for her leadership in preparing the next generation of Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers. She is currently leading her sixth cohort of CTE educators toward licensure and classroom success through a comprehensive program that combines coursework, coaching, and mentoring. Serving 17 school districts, the KCS EPP is projected to celebrate its 100th graduate next school year.
Carr’s impact extends beyond her district. She serves on the State Board of Education’s Licensure Review Committee and previously contributed to the TDoE’s Educator Preparation Working Group from 2021–2023. She has also played an active role in professional organizations, including her service on the Tennessee ACTE (TNACTE) board, where she was president from 2021–2023. In these roles, she has helped influence teacher education policy and professional standards across the state.
Before becoming EPP Supervisor, Carr was a CTE Specialist for Knox County Schools, responsible for the professional development of nearly 200 CTE instructors and supporting new teachers as they entered the classroom. She also served as a CTE Literacy Common Core Coach for the Tennessee Department of Education, working across East Tennessee to strengthen instructional practices. Earlier in her career, she taught Business and German at West High School in Knoxville for ten years, where she held positions as Lead Teacher, Department Chair, Lead Mentor, and Professional Development Specialist for the district’s CTE Department.
Carr holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Tennessee, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA, as well as a master’s degree in business education from Friedrich-Schiller-University in Jena, Germany. Her certifications include a PreK–12 Educational Administration License and a Tennessee Professional Teacher License in Business Education and German.
Through her leadership, innovation, and dedication, Carr has made a lasting impact on teacher preparation in Tennessee. By building strong support systems, mentoring, and professional development, she continues to strengthen the field of CTE and inspire excellence in classrooms across the state.
Carr 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.
