FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2024
Contact: Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Texas Business Teacher as 2025 National Winner
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Nickolas Lebo, Business Teacher at Austin ISD in Austin, TX as the 2025 National ACTE Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education 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. The Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals.
Nickolas Lebo, a dedicated educator and leader in Career and Technical Education (CTE), has been named the National Teacher of the Year for his exceptional contributions to Austin Independent School District (AISD) and the broader CTE community.
A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in education in Sport Management, Nick has spent the last 14 years teaching and coaching in AISD. He currently serves as the CTE Department Chair, Business Teacher, and Head Golf Coach at Austin High School, where his leadership has significantly advanced CTE programming.
Under Nick’s guidance, Austin High has launched innovative practicum courses in Entrepreneurship, Culinary Arts, Engineering, IT, and Education. He coordinates all internship programs and has established partnerships with over 100 local companies, ensuring students gain real-world experience that prepares them for post-graduation success.
Nick’s commitment to professional growth is reflected in his pursuit of becoming AISD’s first CTE National Board-Certified Teacher through the district’s Leadership Pathways program. Outside the classroom, he inspires students through his sponsorship of Business Professionals of America, Rock the Street Wall Street, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Believing that education is his calling, Nick strives to prepare students not only for their careers but also for meaningful lives at home and as future community leaders. His dedication to fostering student growth, leadership, and success exemplifies the CTE advantage.
This prestigious national honor celebrates Nick’s outstanding achievements, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his students, colleagues, and the field of Career and Technical Education. His work continues to inspire and elevate the next generation of leaders.
Lebo was one of five finalists for the 2025 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 4, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2024. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, McGraw Hill 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.
