ACTE Announces Illinois Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor as National Award Finalist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2021
Contact: Megan Kmiotek
ACTE Announces Illinois Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Jeff Maierhofer, Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor at Seneca High School in Seneca, Illinois, as the recipient of the 2021 ACTE Region III Carl Perkins Community Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who have used career and technical education (CTE) to make a significant impact on their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service.
Jeff Maierhofer attended the University of Illinois, graduating in 1989 with a double major in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Economics and then started teaching at Seneca High School in the fall of 1989. The SHS Ag Ed Department and The Seneca FFA have been recognized on the state and national level, including 18 consecutive Illinois FFA Outstanding Chapter recognitions.
In addition to his teaching duties, Maierhofer has represented agricultural education in leadership capacities across the country. He served on the Illinois FFA Board of Directors, was elected as the 2004-2005 National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) National President, spent two terms on the National Council for Agricultural Education, was a consultant to the National FFA Board of Directors, and served as the National Vice President of the Ag Ed Division of the Association of Career and Technical Educators (ACTE) from 2010-2012. Maierhofer is also on the Board of Directors of the Seneca Historical Guild where he was the lead author for “The Story of Seneca, Illinois,” and helped create the Seneca Area Heritage Museum.
Maierhofer is one of four finalists for the 2022 national title. The national winner will be announced at the virtual ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The virtual event will take place on November 30, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. ET. The Virtual Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox 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.