Hawaii Association for Career and Technical Education Unifies with National ACTE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2016

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
703-683-9312, jnagurka@acteonline.org

Hawaii Association for Career and Technical Education Unifies with National ACTE

Alexandria, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is pleased to congratulate the Hawaii Association for Career and Technical Education (HI ACTE) on its decision to re-affiliate and formally unify with the national association. Spearheaded by the leadership of HI ACTE President Warren Kawano and Executive Director Ron Umehira, and with the support of Hawaii CTE Director Bernadette Howard, the state-based association is now officially affiliated with the national body. The move will benefit career and technical education (CTE) professionals and students throughout the state.

As a result of the unification, HI ACTE members can now simultaneously join both their state and national professional membership associations. In doing so, HI ACTE has secured access for its members to the national association’s extensive professional development resources, public policy advocacy and leadership opportunities. The partnership will strengthen ACTE’s ability to connect with CTE stakeholders in Hawaii, and give HI ACTE members a louder voice in national policy discussions.

“ACTE’s Board of Directors and I are thrilled to have Hawaii ACTE join our community of CTE professionals and students,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “Working together, we are excited to help build a bridge to the middle class for millions of students across the country, including thousands in Hawaii, by making rigorous and comprehensive CTE more readily available.”

HI ACTE’s decision comes after a successful series of moves to reinvigorate their state association after it was disaffiliated in July 2015. The revival of the Association is largely a result of the hard work and dedication of Kawano and Umehira, who both graduated from ACTE’s fellowship program in 2015 and 2012, respectively.

“Hawaii ACTE is excited to unify, build new relationships, and support all of Hawaii’s CTE educators and students in the year ahead,” concluded Kawano.

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About ACTE: The Association for Career and Technical Education 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, guidance counselors 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.

Las Vegas to Host 2016 National Association for Career and Technical Education Conference

MEDIA ADVISORY
October 6, 2016

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
(703) 683-9312; jnagurka@acteonline.org

Las Vegas to Host 2016 National Association for Career and Technical Education Conference
The largest gathering of CTE professionals will take place from Nov. 30 – Dec. 3

WHAT:
The Association for Career and Technical Education® (ACTE®) has announced that CareerTech VISION 2016 will take place in Las Vegas. The Association’s annual conference provides professional development to thousands of CTE professionals through 300+ CTE sessions that cover the complete spectrum of secondary and postsecondary CTE, classroom tools, public policy/regulatory updates, and more. The CareerTech Expo and Career Pavilion also provide the opportunity to network with business and industry representatives.

This year, Debbi Fields, the founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies, will provide the opening keynote address and Dr. Rick Rigsby, President & CEO of Rick Rigsby Communications will provide the closing keynote. Our VISION Talk speakers include: Kimberly McWaters, Chairman & CEO of Universal Technical Institute; Leah Jewell, Managing Director of Career Development & Employability for Pearson Education; Kim Scott, Company Manager at The Beatles LOVE™, Cirque du Soleil; and Ahmad Shawwal, a national education reform leader and student at the University of Virginia.

An awards banquet will take place on Wednesday where ACTE national award winners will be announced, and Saturday will mark the premiere of an all-new STEM is CTE Symposium, bringing together education and business leaders to address access to STEM-related career paths.

WHEN:
Wednesday, Nov. 30 – Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016

WHERE:
Westgate Hotel and the Las Vegas Convention Center
3000-3150 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109

WHO:
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, guidance counselors 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.

RSVP:      
Members of the media who have questions or would like to attend should contact Jarrod Nagurka at jnagurka@acteonline.org.

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Chicago Area Media Tour Dates Announced for Career and Technical Education Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2016

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
jnagurka@acteonline.org; (703) 683-9312

 

Chicago Area Media Tour Dates Announced for Career and Technical Education Programs
National, Illinois ACTEs to host media tour throughout the Chicago metro area Oct. 12-14

Alexandria, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has announced a joint media tour in the Chicago metropolitan area with the Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education (IACTE). The two associations will visit six career and technical education (CTE) programs between Wednesday, Oct. 12 and Friday, Oct. 14.

Members of the media, state legislators and local policymakers are invited to attend. The tours will provide firsthand insight into the innovative CTE programs in the Chicago area, information about pertinent state and federal CTE policy, and an opportunity to ask questions of representatives from both associations, school administrators, educators and students. Traveling to each stop on the tour will be: Cindy Stover, IACTE Executive Director and ACTE Region III Vice President; Alice Slager, IACTE 2nd Vice President; and Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager.

Event dates, times and locations are below. Please RSVP to Jarrod Nagurka at jnagurka@acteonline.org.

Full Schedule for Chicago Metro Area Media Tour

Wednesday, October 12

Maine Township HS East – Park Ridge
Time: 8:00AM
Address: 2601 Dempster St, Park Ridge, IL
Programming: Meeting with CTE Administrator and Superintendent. Tour of a variety of classes, including: computer integrated manufacturing, civil engineering, nursing and 3D animation.

Lyons Township HS North – La Grange
Time: 1:00PM
Address: 100 S Brainard Ave, La Grange, IL
Programming: Tour of a variety of classes, including: auto fabrication, computer programming and aviation.

Thursday, October 13

Rolling Meadows High School – Rolling Meadows
Time: 8:00AM
Address: 2901 W Central Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL
Programming: Tour of a variety of classes, including: manufacturing & engineering, culinary & hospitality, entrepreneurship, health sciences.

Harper College – Palatine
Time: 10:45AM
Address: 1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL
Programming: Tour and overview of variety of classes and programs, including a manufacturing course, along with dual credit and non-traditional programs.

Friday, October 14

Joliet Central HS – Joliet
Time: 7:20AM
Location: 201 E Jefferson St, Joliet, IL
Programming: Tour of a variety of classes, including: culinary arts, auto, engineering, 3D computer animation, photographic communications, health careers and computer repair.

Presence Saints Mary & Elizabeth Medical Center
Time: 1:00PM
Location: 2233 W Division St, Chicago, IL
Programming: Tour and overview of the health academy program.

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About ACTE: 
The Association for Career and Technical Education 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, guidance counselors 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.

National CTE Associations Urge the Senate to Reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2016

Media Contacts:
Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
703-683-9312; jnagurka@acteonline.org

Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
301-588-9630;kfitzgerald@careertech.org

National CTE Associations Urge the Senate to Reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Act

Alexandria, VA – Today, Advance CTE and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) urge the Senate to continue its efforts to complete its work to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins) this year.

The following statement can be jointly attributed to Kimberly Green, Advance CTE Executive Director, and LeAnn Wilson, ACTE Executive Director:

“We urge the Senate to continue working toward reauthorization of the Perkins Act in this Congress and encourage lawmakers to remain committed to renewing this important legislation in a bipartisan manner.

“There is broad recognition in both parties and in both chambers of Congress that Perkins, and the CTE programs it supports, is an effective tool that prepares our nation’s students for the 21st century economy. The demand for high-quality CTE is tremendous. And while the economy is still recovering, employers are still facing significant skills gaps.

“Now is not the time to put the brakes on completing work on this important legislation. CTE has enjoyed nearly a century of bipartisan federal support. This support and willingness to work together in Congress has been due, in no small part, to the shared understanding that a strong federal investment in our nation’s CTE system is critical to the nation’s competitiveness and economic future.

“We therefore urge the Senate to continue to build upon Perkins and CTE’s long bipartisan legacy so that it can work with the House to address the remaining concerns of the CTE community and ultimately enact legislation that advances high-quality CTE and is good for students, employers, and our nation’s economy and prosperity.”

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About ACTE:
The Association for Career and Technical Education 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, guidance counselors 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.

About Advance CTE:
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice on national policy to promote academic and technical excellence that ensures a career-ready workforce.

Virginia Beach Students Wins ACTE National Student Trophy Design Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2016

Media Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
703-683-9312; jnagurka@acteonline.org  

Virginia Beach Student Wins ACTE National Student Trophy Design Contest

Alexandria, VA – Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Virginia Beach student Matthew Gump as the national student trophy design winner in its inaugural student trophy design contest. Matthew is a senior at Landstown High School in the Governor’s STEM Academy. His technology instructor at Landstown is Jennifer Renne. The contest was sponsored by Stratasys, Ltd., a manufacturer of 3D printers and production systems.

Since 1954, ACTE has awarded those who have made exemplary contributions in the field of career and technical education (CTE). This year, ACTE created a competition for students to design the 3D trophy to be used to award the national winners at the association’s annual VISION conference. The 2016 conference will be held in Las Vegas with roughly 4,000 educators, administrators and CTE industry stakeholders in attendance. Matthew’s submission was selected by ACTE’s Board of Directors, who received 75 entries from students all across the country. In addition to having his design used to create this year’s trophies, Matthew will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

In his application, Matthew outlined his new interests and goals in the fields of architecture and rendering. According to Matthew, “3D modeling and computer aided design (CAD) have given me a form of expression I could have never imagined… an opportunity to express myself and actually see those forms of expression become reality.” Calling himself “grateful” for the competition, Matthew said, “The ACTE trophy design contest has given me an opportunity to expand my skillset beyond everyday objects and into something abstract, something made purely from human thought…”

“CTE is critical to helping students develop the tools necessary to prepare them for the high-skill, high-wage, high-demand jobs of the 21st century,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “Matthew’s outstanding design is evidence that rigorous, robust and comprehensive CTE allows students to establish, advance and utilize their talents and interests in a variety of different ways. We are so proud of Matthew and his accomplishments, and congratulate him on his trophy design and involvement in CTE.”

“Stratasys Education believes in the power of learning by making,” said Gina Scala, Director of Global Education for Stratasys. “Students like Matthew continue to amaze us as they translate ideas into physical objects exercising the principles of design thinking along the way. We congratulate Matthew on winning the contest, we are excited for him and are proud that he is the future of additive manufacturing and innovation.”

Matthew, ACTE and Stratasys are available for interviews upon request. Matthew’s trophy design and headshot (courtesy Matthew Gump) can be found below.

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About ACTE:
The Association for Career and Technical Education 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, guidance counselors 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.

 

National, North Dakota Associations for Career and Technical Education Announce Statewide Town Hall Tour

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2016

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
jnagurka@acteonline.org; (703) 683-9312

National, North Dakota Associations for Career and Technical Education Announce Statewide Town Hall Tour

Alexandria, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has announced a joint statewide town hall tour with the North Dakota ACTE (NDACTE). The two associations will host 11 town hall meetings across North Dakota throughout the week of September 19th.

These meetings will highlight the importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) to growing North Dakota’s economy and workforce in the 21st century, and its implications at the local, state and nation levels. Speakers at each town halls will include: local CTE officials; Rick Ross, Executive Director of NDACTE; and Jarrod Nagurka, Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager for ACTE.

Event dates, times and locations are below. Please RSVP to Rick Ross at Rick.Ross@vcsu.edu, or by phone at (701) 490-0828.

Full Schedule for North Dakota Town Hall Tour

Monday, Sept. 19

Sheyenne High School – West Fargo
Time: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Address: 800 49th Ave E
Local CTE Official: Denise Jonas (Director)

SRCTC & NDSCS – Wahpeton
Time: 1:00PM – 3:30PM
Address: 2101 9th St N
Local CTE Officials: Dan Rood (SRCTC Director) Harvey Link (NDSCS VP of Academic Affairs)

Tuesday, Sept. 20

SRCTC – Oakes 
Time: 8:30AM – 10:30AM
Address: 924 S 7th St
Local CTE Official: Randal Brockman (Asst. Director)

SVACTC – Valley City
Time: 10:30AM – 12:30PM
Address: 801 Valley Ave SE
Local CTE Official: Jeff Bopp (Director)

Bismarck Career Academy – Bismarck
Time: 1:30PM – 4:00PM
Address: 1221 College Drive
Local CTE Official: Dale Hoerauf (Director)

Wednesday, Sept. 21

Dickinson High School – Dickinson
Time: 9:00AM – 11:30AM **Mountain Time**
Address: 979 13 Ave W
Local CTE Official: Wayne Olson (Director)

Williston State College – Williston
Time: 1:00PM – 3:00PM **Central Time**
Address: 1410 University Ave
Local CTE Official: Dr. John Miller (Acting President for Academic Affairs)

Thursday, Sept. 22

NWND Career Tech Center – Minot
Time: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Address: 1100 11th Ave SW
Local CTE Official: Pam Stroklund (Director)

Lake Area CTC & LRSC – Devils Lake
Time: 1:00PM – 3:30PM
Address: 205 16th St NW
Local CTE Official: Christa Brodina (Director)

Friday, Sept. 23  

North Valley CTC – Grafton
Time: 9:00AM – 11:00AM
Address: 1540 School Road
Local CTE Official: Mike Hanson (Director)

Grand Forks Red River HS – Grand Forks
Time: 1:00PM – 3:30PM
Address: 2211 17th Ave S
Local CTE Official: Eric Ripley (Director)

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AboutACTE: 
The Association for Career and Technical Education 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, guidance counselors 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.

National CTE Associations Applaud House Passage and Urge Senate to Reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2016

Media Contacts: 
Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
703-683-9312; jnagurka@acteonline.org

Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
301-588-9630; kfitzgerald@careertech.org

National CTE Associations Applaud House Passage and Urge Senate to Reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Act

Arlington, VA – Today, Advance CTE and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of H.R. 5587, the “Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.” This comprehensive legislation would reauthorize and make important updates to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins). The bill received wide bipartisan support and was overwhelmingly passed by the chamber in a 405-5 vote following unanimous approval by the House Education and the Workforce Committee earlier this summer.

The following statement can be jointly attributed to LeAnn Wilson, ACTE Executive Director, and Kimberly Green, Advance CTE Executive Director:

“The passage of H.R. 5587 is an important step toward reauthorizing the primary federal legislative investment in career and technical education (CTE). The bill would afford states and local secondary and postsecondary recipients the flexibility to build upon their existing efforts to deliver high-quality CTE programs while also promoting innovation and program alignment, all within a framework of streamlined administrative requirements and a more intentional focus on local needs. The legislation will ultimately help fuel the talent pipeline and prepare workers for the high-skill, high-wage, high-demand careers of the 21st century.

“While the bill represents a major step forward for CTE across the nation, we do have a remaining concern related to the bill’s proposed definition for a secondary CTE concentrator. As currently structured, the definition would result in inaccurate measurements of CTE’s impact and influence on student success. We look forward to working with congressional leaders to resolve this important concern as the process moves forward.

“Nevertheless, we applaud this bipartisan effort to reauthorize Perkins, which will help ensure that our nation’s 11 million CTE students are prepared for lifelong education and career success. With this strong showing of support from the House, we urge the Senate to build upon this momentum by reauthorizing Perkins before the end of the year.

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About ACTE:
The Association for Career and Technical Education 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, guidance counselors 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.

About Advance CTE
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice on national policy to promote academic and technical excellence that ensures a career-ready workforce. 

ACTE Announces National Award Finalists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2016

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
jnagurka@acteonline.org, 703-683-9312

ACTE Announces National Award Finalists  

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced the regional winners of seven different awards in ACTE’s five regions. The regional winners now move on as national finalists to be named as national winners for the: Administrator of the Year, Career Guidance Award, Carl Perkins Community Service Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, New Teacher of the Year, Postsecondary Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Year.

The national winners will be announced at the ACTE Awards Banquet, a dinner and award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on Wednesday evening, November 30, during ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Awards Banquet is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, the US Army, CareerSafe, Certiport, Stratasys, and International Baccalaureate. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit the webpage here.

National Finalists and Regional Winners:

Administrator of the Year

Dave Keaton—Houlton, ME
National Finalist and Region I Winner, Administrator of the Year
Director and Superintendent of the Region Two School of Applied Technology

Sherri Yarborough—Moore, SC
National Finalist and Region II Winner, Administrator of the Year
Director at R.D. Anderson Applied Technology Center

Samuel Cotton—Muncie, IN
National Finalist and Region III Winner, Administrator of the Year
Professor and Chairperson for the Department of Technology at Ball State University

Richard Lowe—Chickasha, OK
National Finalist and Region IV Winner, Administrator of the Year
Industrial Coordinator for Canadian Valley Technology Center

DeLayne Havlovic – Omaha, NE
National Finalist and Region V Winner, Administrator of the Year
Curriculum Supervisor for Omaha Public Schools

 

Career Guidance Award

Tracy Hetrick—Englewood, OH
National Finalist and Region I Winner, Career Guidance Award
Guidance Counselor at Miami Valley Career Technology Center

Monica Crenshaw—Moultrie, GA
National Finalist and Region II Winner, Career Guidance Award
Counselor at Colquitt County High School

Shelli Sowles—White Bear Lake, MN
National Finalist and Region III Winner, Career Guidance Award
College and Career Readiness Specialist for Northeast Metro ISD 916

Amy Kuhns—Crowley, TX
National Finalist and Region IV Winner, Career Guidance Award
Special Education Coordinator for Crowley ISD

Tina Boone—Billings, MT
National Finalist and Region V Winner, Career Guidance Award
School Counseling Department Head

 

Carl Perkins Community Service Award

Leon Grant—Marietta, GA
National Finalist and Region II Winner, Carl Perkins Community Service Award
Pre-Engineering Instructor at Marietta City Schools

T.J. Brown—Springfield, MN
National Finalist and Region III Winner, Carl Perkins Community Service Award
Agricultural Teacher at Springfield Public Schools

Sue Gibson—Crossett, AR
National Finalist and Region IV Winner, Carl Perkins Community Service Award
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Crossett Middle School

John Rist—Viborg, SD
National Finalist and Region V Winner, Carl Perkins Community Service Award
Agricultural Education Instructor at Viborg-Hurley Schools

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sarah Hallman—Prattville, AL
National Finalist and Region II Winner, Lifetime Achievement Award
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Autauga County Technology Center

Peggy Wild—Indiana
National Finalist and Region III Winner, Lifetime Achievement Award
State Director for CTE for the Indiana Department of Education

Donna Metcalf—Wilburton, OK
National Finalist and Region IV Winner, Lifetime Achievement Award
Organizational and Instructional Coordinator for Kiamichi Technology Center

Beverly Rieck—Dell Rapids, SD
National Finalist and Region V Winner, Lifetime Achievement Award
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Dell Rapids Public Schools

 

New Teacher of the Year

Alison Reece—Houlton, ME
National Finalist and Region I Winner, New Teacher of the Year
Early Childhood Education Teacher at Region Two School of Applied Technology

Jacob Ball—Bardstown, KY
National Finalist and Region II Winner, New Teacher of the Year
Agriculture Teacher at Nelson County High School

Lindsey Brown—Mountain Lake, MN
National Finalist and Region III Winner, New Teacher of the Year
Agricultural Teacher at Mountain Lake High School

Justin Nisbett—Stillwater, OK
National Finalist and Region IV Winner, New Teacher of the Year
Precision Metal Fabrication Instructor at Meridian Technology Center

Chad Eichenlaub—St. Regis, MT
National Finalist and Region V Winner, New Teacher of the Year
Business Teacher for St. Regis School District

 

Postsecondary Teacher of the Year

Mark Edington—Marion, OH
National Finalist and Region I Winner, Postsecondary Teacher of the Year
Industrial Robotics Instructor for Tri Rivers Career Center

Kim Holdbrooks Townsel—Jacksonville, AL
National Finalist and Region II Winner, Postsecondary Teacher of the Year
Program Chair for CTE at Jacksonville State University

Edward Lazaros—Muncie, IN
National Finalist and Region III Winner, Postsecondary Teacher of the Year
Professor of Technology at Ball State University

Gay Simpson—Enid, OK
National Finalist and Region IV Winner, Postsecondary Teacher of the Year
Instructor for the Oklahoma Department of Career Tech Skills Centers

Carol Werhan—West Lafayette, IN
National Finalist and Region V Winner, Postsecondary Teacher of the Year
Associate Professor and Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Educator at Purdue University

 

Teacher of the Year

Brandon Soards—Rockland, ME
National Finalist and Region I Winner, Teacher of the Year
Design/Technology Instructor at Mid-Coast School of Technology

Sarah Raikes—Springfield, KY
National Finalist and Region II Winner, Teacher of the Year
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Washington County High School

Callon Siebenahler—St. Paul, MN
National Finalist and Region III Winner, Teacher of the Year
Business Education Teacher at South St. Paul Secondary School

Bart Taylor—College Station, TX
National Finalist and Region IV Winner, Teacher of the Year
Information Technology Teacher at A&M Consolidated High School

Wendy Frazier-Snyder—American Fork, UT
National Finalist and Region V Winner, Teacher of the Year
Digital Media Instructor at American Fork High School

 

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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, guidance counselors 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.

Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education Unifies with National ACTE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2016

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
703-683-9312, jnagurka@acteonline.org

Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education Unifies with National ACTE

Alexandria, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is pleased to congratulate the Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education (MO-ACTE) on its decision to formally unify with the national organization. Spearheaded by the leadership of MO-ACTE President Karen Mason and its Board of Directors, the state-based association is now officially affiliated with the national body. The move will benefit career and technical education (CTE) professionals and students throughout the state.

As a result of the unification, MO-ACTE members can now simultaneously join both their state and national professional membership associations. In doing so, MO-ACTE has secured access for its members to the national association’s extensive professional development resources, public policy advocacy and leadership opportunities. The partnership will strengthen ACTE’s ability to connect with CTE stakeholders in Missouri, and give MO-ACTE members a louder voice in the national dialogue on CTE.

“ACTE’s Board of Directors and I are excited to welcome Missouri ACTE to our national community,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “By linking Missouri’s efforts with those from dozens of other unified states and territories, we can all work together to ensure every student in Missouri and across the country is prepared for college and career success through robust and accessible CTE programs.”

MO-ACTE’s decision comes after a successful series of moves to bolster their state association, from increasing their membership to strengthening their committee structure and supporting their various divisions.

“It’s exciting to be a part of a group of educators so committed to student success that they would explore new ways to support our students, including unification with the national association,” said Mason. “This will certainly enhance the quality and professionalism of career and technical educators in Missouri for our students. Educators from all CTE fields in the state have definitely earned an ‘A+’ as we work to continue to move CTE forward in Missouri!”

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About ACTE: The Association for Career and Technical Education 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, guidance counselors 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.

National CTE Associations Urge Congress to Reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2016

Media Contacts:
Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
703-683-9312; jnagurka@acteonline.org

Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
301-588-9630; kfitzgerald@careertech.org

National CTE Associations Urge Congress to Reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Act
ACTE and Advance CTE urge Congress to act on Perkins reauthorization before the end of the 114th Congress

Alexandria, VA — Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and Advance CTE released a joint statement urging Congress to act on the reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins) in the final months of the 114th Congress. The two organizations stressed the importance of building on the bipartisan momentum established for Perkins reauthorization through H.R. 5587, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the 21st Century Act, which was unanimously reported out of the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce in July.

The following statement can be jointly attributed to LeAnn Wilson, ACTE Executive Director, and Kimberly Green, Advance CTE Executive Director:

“This week, as lawmakers returned to Congress, millions of students across the country stepped into CTE classrooms supported, at least in part, by Perkins funds. As Congress enters its home stretch, we urge lawmakers to make CTE a priority and complete their work to update and reauthorize this important legislation. In recent years, Congress was successful in passing the Every Student Succeeds Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Completing work on Perkins will provide states with a trio of recently updated federal education and workforce programs to support the current and emerging needs of the U.S. economy.

“Last updated in 2006 and due for reauthorization since 2013, Perkins provides funding essential to every state and Congressional district, supporting CTE programs that benefit over 11 million students every year. It is well documented that CTE programs increase students’ academic achievement, graduation rates and earning potential. In turn, CTE creates a return-on-investment critical to developing a strong talent pipeline to meet the workforce needs of the 21st century economy.

“In July, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce took a significant step forward by unanimously reporting a bill out of committee and it is important that Congress build on the existing momentum surrounding Perkins reauthorization before the end of this session. Acting now is a commitment to creating a bright and successful future for students and the American economy.”

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About ACTE:
The Association for Career and Technical Education 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, guidance counselors 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.

About Advance CTE:
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice on national policy to promote academic and technical excellence that ensures a career-ready workforce.