Washington Association for Career and Technical Education
Teacher of the Year
Melissa Mayer
Pullman School District
The Washington ACTE Teacher of the Year Award recognizes the finest Career and Technical Education 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.
New Teacher of the Year
Jessica Elshire
Clover Park School District
The Washington ACTE New Teacher of the Year Award recognizes new CTE teachers who have made significant contributions to innovative and unique Career and Technical Education programs and demonstrated a strong professional commitment early in their careers.
Administrator of the Year
Laura Jones
Pasco School District
The Washington ACTE Administrator of the Year Award recognizes administrative CTE professionals at the school, district, county, or state level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions to innovative, unique, and effective Career and Technical Education programs.
Counseling and Career Development Professional Award
Debbie Smith
Battle Ground School District
The Washington ACTE Counseling and Career Development Professional Award recognizes school counselors and career development professionals who have demonstrated commitment to connecting students with opportunities for success, shown innovation in career exploration and development, and advocated for CTE as a viable option for all students.
Washington ACTE President’s Award
Jodi Jacobs, WA-ACTE President 2024-2025
Larry Galli
Father of Jodi Jacobs and retired CTE Director for the Everett School District
Staff Thank You
Tim Knue
WA-ACTE Executive Director, 2009-2025
Tess Alviso & Franciene Chrisman Executive Assistants
Champion for CTE Award
Tom Diehl
Klein Educational Systems
The Champion for CTE Award is given to individuals who have made a significant impact on the improvement and expansion of CTE programs
and/or on positively influencing policymakers and public opinion regarding CTE. These individuals have also repeatedly demonstrated their public
support for CTE and who exhibit an understanding of the components of modern, high-quality CTE.
Business-Education Partnership Award
Meg Lindsay
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
The Business-Education Partnership Award is given to partnerships that are designed to support high-quality CTE programs. These partnerships
make a measurable and significant impact on student achievement and on the development of the local community and economy.
Washington ACTE Membership Award
(recognizes the Washington ACTE section with the highest percentage increase in membership)
Health Science Career & Technical Educators (HSCTE)
is this year’s recipient with a 3% increase in membership.
Washington ACTE Achieve 100% Membership Award
(recognizes schools or districts that have 100% Washington ACTE membership participation from each and every member of their CTE staff)
The 2025 recipients:
Centralia High School
Clover Park School District
Fife School District
Goldendale School District
Lake Stevens School District
OSPI CTE Department
Rochester School District
Stanwood-Camano School District
West Sound Technical Skills Center