ACTE Announces Georgia Aerospace Science Instructor as National Award Finalist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 14, 2023

Contact: Dominique Frascoia 

dfrascoia@acteonline.org 

 

ACTE Announces Georgia Aerospace Science Instructor as National Award Finalist

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Clifton Williams, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Lakeside High School in Lilburn, Georgia, as the 2023 ACTE Region II New Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) 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. 

SMSgt Clifton Williams is currently the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) for the Lakeside Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program. He is responsible for the instruction and mentorship of 153 cadets assigned to his program. He has been assigned to this position since October 2018. Due to instruction shortfalls, he has been the sole instructor in a 3-instructor position since 2020. Before assuming this position, he served 26 active-duty years in the United States Air Force. His first career field was as an electronic technician for 10 years followed by a career as a recruiter for 16 years. He completed his BS in Workforce Education and Development at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He is currently, working on his Master Distance Education & E-Learning through University of Maryland Global Campus. He is married to Commander Racquel Williams (USHPS). He has two children, Malcolm(25) and Olivia(6). His favorite quote is “As a teacher, students do care how much you know, until they know how much you care” 

Williams is one of five finalists for the 2024 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on November 29, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage. 

### 

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.