FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Illinois FCS Teacher and FCCLA Adviser as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Regina Birch, FCS Teacher and FCCLA Adviser, Alton High School CUSD 11, as the 2025 ACTE Region III Carl Perkins Community Service Award. 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.
Regina Birch’s journey in education began at Dongola High School, where her passion for family and consumer sciences was nurtured through 4-H and FHA. Inspired by her love for sewing and cooking, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics with teacher certification from Eastern Illinois University, graduating in 1989. She later returned to Eastern for an endorsement in Special Education and furthered her expertise with a master’s degree in educational leadership from McKendree University in 2010.
Over her distinguished 33-year career, Regina taught in seven different school districts across central Illinois before finding her true home at Alton High School in 2011. As a dedicated Redbird, she revitalized the school’s FCCLA chapter, producing four state officers, numerous STAR event participants, and securing two national awards. Regina’s leadership extended beyond the classroom; she served as the FCCLA adviser, head of the FCS Department, and treasurer for IFACSTA. She was also a respected workshop presenter for IACTE, IFACSTA, and Illinois FCCLA.
Regina’s excellence in teaching has been recognized with multiple honors, including the IFACSTA Teacher of the Year Award, the Illinois ACTE Lifetime Achievement Award, the FCCLA Teacher Mentor Award, and the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel Award for 2021-22. After a remarkable career, she retired in May 2024, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of family and consumer sciences education.
Birch is one of four 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.
