New York State Association for Career and Technical Education (NYSACTE)
Who is NYSACTE?
New York State Association of Career and Technical Education, NYSACTE, is a statewide organization representing and supporting thousands of career and technical education professionals. NYSACTE represents eight different divisions of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in New York State. These devisions are comprised of Administrators of Career and Technical Education, Agricultural, Business, Family and Consumer Science, Health Occupations, Technology Education, Trade and Tech, and Work-Experience Coordinators. Members of NYSACTE understands that together, as Career and Technical Educators, (CTE) they offer cutting edge, rigorous and relevant career and technical education that prepares individuals for high-wage, high-scale, high-demand careers in established and emerging industries. Passionate educators who share a great pride in their profession understand that by working together they are able to address the needs of industries and assists in closing the skills gap as we rebuild the infrastructure of the United States.
NYSACTE is the advocate for Career and Technical Education, an integral part of the total education system in New York.
NYSACTE Mission
To provide leadership in developing a competitive workforce
To provide leadership and unification for Career and Technical Education professional associations
To provide the members of the Career and Technical Education community with professional development
To promote Career and Technical Education with students, student leadership organizations, the education community, and the public
To monitor and initiate legislative and policy activities that enhance and promote Career and Technical Education
2026 Award Winners
Teacher of the Year: Concetta Carocci
Concetta holds a master’s degree in business marketing education, multiple teaching certifications, and is currently pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership. She is a dedicated CTE educator who has taught a variety of business and family and consumer sciences courses, with a focus on cultivating future educators.
As CTE Department Leader at East Syracuse Minoa Central High School, she developed a comprehensive Early Childhood Education curriculum, secured college credit articulation for students, obtained grant funding to support teacher preparation programs, and founded a chapter of the National Technical Honor Society. Recognizing the critical need for qualified educators, she also established the Take a Look at Teaching Club to inspire students to pursue careers in education.
Demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth, Connie is an alumni participant of the NYSACTE Secondary Fellowship Program and remains actively engaged in advancing CTE initiatives.
We are honored to present Concetta Carocci with the Teacher of the Year award.
Postsecondary Professional of the Year: Dr. Cynthia Thomas
Beginning her career as a licensed cosmetologist and salon owner, Cynthia earned her master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from SUNY Oswego, where she now serves as an assistant professor and Work-Based Learning Program Coordinator in the Career and Technical Educator Preparation Department. With over 15 years of experience, Cynthia’s expertise spans culturally responsive curriculum development, instructional coaching, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and professional development.
She is the owner of Cynthia Thomas Education Consultants, earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in Instructional Design and Development from Syracuse University, and is pursuing her Ed.D. in Learning and Teaching in Social Contexts at the University at Buffalo. Cynthia has also presented at state and national conferences on workforce readiness, engaging families in middle school CTE, and advancing cultural responsiveness in postsecondary and workforce education.
We are honored to present Dr. Cynthia Thomas with the Postsecondary Professional of the Year Award.
Teacher Educator of the Year: Dr. Jan Held Woodworth
Jan holds a BS, MPS, and PhD in Agriculture and Agricultural Education from Cornell University. Following her doctoral studies, she taught dairy science at Morrisville State College and education at Syracuse University before joining SUNY Oswego, where she began as an adjunct professor.
Dr. Woodworth established and developed SUNY Oswego’s CTE Certificate Program, creating new opportunities for career and technical educators. As an Associate Professor, she currently serves as Graduate Coordinator for the Career Technical Educator Preparation (CTEP) department, having previously served as Undergraduate Coordinator and OCE Coordinator. Her leadership also includes chairing the CTEP Peer Review Committee and serving on the School of Education Peer Review Committee. She previously chaired the School of Education Faculty Council and currently leads the CTEP Advisory Committee, coordinating meetings and setting agendas.
Dr. Woodworth has also played a vital role in the grant-funded Train the Trainer Bootcamp. The program is currently launching its fifth cohort, with several more planned for the future. She remains passionate about advancing CTE teacher education and consistently seeks innovative approaches to evolve and strengthen the field.
We are honored to present Dr. Jan Held Woodworth with the Teacher Educator of the Year Award.
