ACTE Announces Arkansas Family and Consumer Science Teacher as National Award Winner

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2023
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
dfrascoia@acteonline.org 

  

ACTE Announces Arkansas Family and Consumer Science Teacher as National Award Winner

 ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Mindy Lyle, Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Acorn High School in Mena, Arkansas as the 2024 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. 

Mindy Lyle is a Family Consumer Science teacher at Ouachita River School District, Acorn Campus. She is a wife, mom to six amazing children, and a Mimi. Mindy came to CTE through a nontraditional pathway, hit the ground running, and is in her sixth year of teaching. Daily, she teaches seven classes: Family & Consumer Science, Food Safety & Nutrition, Food Production, Child Development, Family CSI, Career Development, and Life & Fitness Nutrition. She is the FCCLA adviser, and the concession stand coordinator She is a member of several professional CTE and Education organizations and President Elect of the Arkansas Association for Family & Consumer Science Teachers. Last year, she secured a grant in the amount of $65,480 for a new Culinary Arts program of study. Mindy is passionate about CTE education and committed to helping her students discover their own passion whether it’s in FACS or any other CTE pathway. Her FCCLA chapter is extremely active, and they are heavily involved in community service. In her five years as an FCCLA adviser, she has had two state officers (including the Arkansas State President), six regional officers, a national officer candidate, and numerous regional, state, and national Star Event qualifiers. Mindy’s dedication to CTE education and FCCLA is what helps her grow her program and chapter. She leads by example and students want to be involved in the excitement in her classes! 

“Congratulations to the New Teacher of the Year award winners and finalists—what an amazing accomplishment to be honored so early in your teaching career,” said Maureen Brennan, Director of Marketing for G-W Publisher, sponsor of the ACTE Excellence Awards. “We share your passion for Career and Technical Education and are fortunate to work alongside amazing educators like each of you. Together, we build careers.” 

Lyle was one of five finalists for the 2024 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on November 29, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2023. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, CareerSafe, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. 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.