FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Alabama Career Coach at Pell City School System as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Shelley Kaler, Career Coach at Pell City School System in Pell City, AL as the 2025 ACTE Region II Counseling and Career Development Professional. 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.
Shelley Kaler discovered her passion for education over two decades ago while working as a student assistant at Jacksonville State University. During her time in the Office of the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, she developed a deep commitment to serving students. This passion grew as she transitioned to the Office of Admissions, where she spent over ten years recruiting students across Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi.
In 2016, Shelley’s dedication to student success led her to a new role as a career counselor. She became the Career Coach for Pell City High School, as well as the Alabama School for the Blind and the Alabama School for the Deaf. Today, she focuses exclusively on Pell City Schools, ensuring that students have access to valuable opportunities like field trips, campus tours, guest speakers from business and industry, mentorships, and networking events. Among her most significant contributions are organizing mock interviews for all juniors and seniors, coordinating military performance labs, and hosting job fairs.
In her role, Shelley has recently partnered with Enhabit Hospice to develop a volunteer program for her HOSA students. Recognizing that many of her students need encouragement to step outside of their comfort zone when encountering new opportunities, she has also become a volunteer with Enhabit Hospice. Throughout the week, Shelley and her students work on various administrative tasks, such as making patient check-in calls. On weekends, Shelley has the opportunity to visit patients in rehab facilities, providing care and comfort. This experience has allowed her HOSA students to flourish in many areas, helping them build critical skills for their future careers in healthcare.
Shelley’s students affectionately refer to her as the “School Mom,” a title she holds dear. Beyond her professional role, she is a devoted member of Rushing Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Talladega County, Alabama. There, she serves on multiple committees, including the Usher Board, Kitchen Committee, Food Ministry Team, Pastoral Care Committee, and Public Relations Committee, and she also serves as the Church Custodian.
Shelley lives in Lincoln with her husband of eighteen years. She inspires her students with the motto, “Today I will do what others WON’T so that tomorrow I can do what others CAN’T,” and often shares one of her favorite quotes by Benjamin Franklin: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
Kaler is one of five finalists for the 2025 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 December 4, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, 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.
