FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2020
Contact: Megan Kmiotek
mkmiotek@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Florida Agriculture Teacher as 2021 National Award Winner
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Kaitlin VanHeusen, Agriculture Teacher at North Florida Technical College in Starke, Florida, as the 2021 National ACTE New Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes new CTE teachers who have made significant contributions toward innovative and unique career and technical education programs and shown a professional commitment early in their careers. The New Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox.
Kaitlin Van Heusen is a fifth year Agriculture Teacher, FFA Advisor, and CTE Mentor in Starke, FL at North Florida Technical College. Van Heusen is a member of Florida Association of Agriculture Educators, National Association of Agriculture Educators, Florida Association of Career and Technical Educators and the Association for Career and Technical Education. She serves on the FAAE Board. When asked about her philosophy of teaching it is simply, “I believe every student can and wants to learn. CTE is the tool that we use to find their interests and spark that passion to make lifelong learners in any field. It is the way we can create productive citizens through hands-on education and positive life experiences starting in high school.”
“Thank you to the 2021 Excellence Award winners and finalists for sharing your talents and leadership with students across the nation. Goodheart-Willcox is excited to honor you and recognize your outstanding achievements. Your positive influence has made a difference in the lives of many,” said Todd Scheffers, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Goodheart-Willcox. “As a proud sponsor of the ACTE Excellence Awards, this partnership with ACTE reinforces our longstanding commitment to preparing students for success in college and the workplace. Together, we build careers.”
Van Heusen was one of five finalists for the 2021 national title. The national winner was announced at the ACTE Virtual Awards Gala, the first virtual award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on Thursday, December 3, during ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2020. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, CareerSafe, Goodheart-Willcox, eDynamic Learning 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.