ACTE Announces Kentucky Agriculture Teacher as National Award Finalist

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2018

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
jnagurka@acteonline.org, 703-683-9312

ACTE Announces Kentucky Agriculture Teacher as National Award Finalist

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Bethany Mattingly, Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky, as the 2018 ACTE Region II 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.

As a teacher, Bethany Mattingly focuses on standards and curriculum through certification in CASE: Plant Science, which was possible through a grant she received from the Kentucky Department of Education. Mattingly focused on professional development through emphasis on engaging lessons and real-life projects. As a result, Kentucky Skill Standard Assessment (KOSSA) scores have increased.

Since vertically aligning her classes, incorporating more engaging lessons, and establishing projects and activities that ask students to authentically experience a career, more of Mattingly’s students have achieved success.

Changes to Mattingly’s curriculum also led to higher student achievement outside the classroom, particularly through supervised agriculture experiences. Community partners have been key in establishing effective SAEs. Mattingly has actively sought partnerships within the community to provide students unique agriculture experiences. These genuine experiences improve students’ engagement, but would be impossible without strong community relationships.

Mattingly is one of 5 finalists for the 2019 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Banquet, a dinner and award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on Wednesday evening, November 28, during ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2018 in San Antonio, TX. The Awards Banquet is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, the US Army, 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.