FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Georgia Teacher as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Stephen Bergey, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Etowah High School, as the 2025 ACTE Region II New 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.
Dr. Stephen E. Bergey currently serves as the Senior Aerospace Science (Air Force Junior ROTC) Instructor at Etowah High School within the Cherokee County School District, Georgia. A five-year veteran of the profession, Steve brings innovative techniques to the classroom, which he developed during his 20-year career in the military and diplomatic service of the federal government. Additionally, he has teaching experience at both the United States Air Force Academy and Georgia State University.
As the head of the Junior ROTC program at his school, Dr. Bergey oversees more than 12 different clubs and sports each year. He also supervises the planning, organizing, and execution of over 2,000 service hours dedicated to the school and the surrounding community. His educational background includes a doctorate degree in international relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, as well as master’s degrees in business administration from Colorado State University, international affairs from The Fletcher School, and national security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Bergey 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.
