ACTE Announces Illinois Department Chair for Career and Technical Education as National Award Finalist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2022
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
ACTE Announces Illinois Department Chair for Career and Technical Education as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Lynne Benson, Career and Technical Education Department Supervisor at Vernon Hills High School in Vernon Hills, Illinois, as the 2022 ACTE Region III Administrator of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators 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.
Lynne Benson-Department Chair for Career and Technical Education at Vernon Hills High School. Lynne joined the VHHS administrative team in the 2016-17 school year. She leads a CTE department of 9 certified teachers along with the library media center and associated programs. Lynne is responsible for curriculum development, staff development, programming, Perkins/CTEI grant writing and management, leading the business partner Career Advisory Council, organizing the Career Expo and daily operations of her department while teaching four CTE classes. To assure a high quality and ever-improving CTE program, Lynne works with her colleagues across the area to share best practices and implement innovative ideas. She is involved in organizing the Lake County Girls in Stem workshop to develop interest in STEM within their feeder schools. During the February 2020 IACTE Conference, Lynne shared innovative work in developing female leaders in her district through the CTE lens. She is a consistent contributor and leader in equity work across the entire district while sharing her CTE focus. She strives to bring the very best practices to her department with the goal of always bringing what is best to students and offering them the highest quality experience in CTE classes.
Benson is one of five finalists for the 2023 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 30, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. The 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.