ACTE Announces New Jersey Horticulture Teacher as National Award Finalist

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2020

Contact: Megan Kmiotek
mkmiotek@acteonline.org

ACTE Announces New Jersey Horticulture Teacher as National Award Finalist

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Kristina Guttadora, Horticulture Teacher at Monmouth County Career Center in Freehold, NJ, as the 2020 ACTE Region I 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.

Guttadora received her BS in Plant Science at Rutgers University, and Masters in Agricultural Education from NC State University. She served as a high school agricultural educator and FFA advisor in Freehold Township for ten years, while staying actively engaged in NAAE, attending regional conferences, and being selected for the Teacher Turn the Key and Outstanding Young Teacher award. From 2007-2010, she served as NJAAE President. In 2011, Guttadora shifted her career direction to serve as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Society, where she supervised the Farmers Against Hunger, Agricultural Leadership and Learning through Gardening programs. During her time in this position, Guttadora connected FFA chapters to volunteer opportunities with the organization. This career change enabled Guttadora to broaden her understanding of the industry and make professional connections throughout the entire state. She returned to teaching horticulture in 2017 at the Monmouth County Career Center, where she networks to strengthen career and technical education and provide greater employment to her students.

Guttadora is one of 5 finalists for the 2021 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 Thursday, December 3, during ACTE’s Virtual CareerTech VISION 2020. The Virtual Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, CareerSafe, 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.