FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Illinois Retired Teacher as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Cindy Stover, Past-Executive Director/Consultant for the Illinois Association for Career & Technical Education in Lincoln, IL as the 2025 ACTE Region III Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators 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.
Cindy has been a dedicated advocate and leader in Career and Technical Education (CTE) for more than thirty-five years, consistently working to provide high-quality services to the CTE community. Throughout her career, Cindy has been an active and influential member of both the Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education (IACTE) and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Her leadership roles have been numerous and impactful, including serving as Executive Director/Consultant for IACTE, a member of the ACTE Board of Directors, ACTE Region III President, ACTE Fellowship Program Coordinator, and Past President of IACTE.
Cindy is widely recognized for her commitment to continuous improvement, innovative thinking, and her ability to drive meaningful change. She is not only a leader but also a mentor, known for her collaborative nature and her dedication to coaching others to success. Many colleagues, including those who have served in leadership roles within IACTE, have benefited from her guidance and mentorship, witnessing firsthand how she shares her wealth of knowledge and experience to encourage and advance their careers.
Cindy’s contributions to CTE in Illinois are outstanding. She has been a key advocate, frequently meeting with legislators to secure funding and emphasize the critical role that CTE plays in both education and economic development. As an active scholar, Cindy has presented numerous workshops, led conference sessions, and participated in panels, consistently demonstrating her ability to articulate complex ideas and inspire a shared vision for the future of CTE.
Her career in education, spanning over three decades, has had a lasting impact on the CTE community. Cindy’s willingness to embrace innovation and change has led to the development of extraordinary programs that serve as models for others. Her distinguished career is a testament to her unparalleled contributions and her legacy of lifetime achievement in CTE. Cindy’s leadership, risk-taking, and ability to inspire others have left an indelible mark on the field, and her influence will continue to shape the future of CTE for years to come.
Stover 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, 2024, 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.
