FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Missouri Teacher as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Emily Daniel, Culinary Arts Instructor at Nevada Regional Technical Center, as the 2025 ACTE Region III 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.
Emily Daniel is a distinguished Culinary Arts Instructor and FCCLA Advisor at Nevada Regional Technical Center, where her passion for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) truly shines. Currently serving as the President of the Missouri Family and Consumer Sciences (MoEFCS) and the Chair of the Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education (MOACTE) Awards Committee. Emily is recognized for her exemplary leadership and commitment to the field. Emily’s journey into education began in her hometown of Greenfield, Missouri, where she grew up on a family farm as a third-generation beef cattle producer. Her early involvement in FCCLA at the local, regional, and state levels during high school ignited her enthusiasm for FCS. She continued to foster this passion at Missouri State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science while being an active FCCLA member.
Currently completing a Master’s in Career and Technical Education at Pitt State University, Emily has further distinguished herself by completing all ProStart summer institutes and earning her Certified Secondary Foodservice Educator Certificate. Her dedication and excellence in education have not gone unnoticed; she has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Nevada R5 Teacher of the Year in 2022, the MoEFCS New Teacher of the Year in 2023, the MOACTE New Teacher of the Year Award in 2024, and the Region III New Teacher of the Year Award in 2024. Emily’s commitment to education is deeply rooted in her family background. Growing up with career-long educators, mom and stepfather. She was immersed in the farm lifestyle and witnessed firsthand the impact of positive influences from teachers. This background naturally led her to pursue a career in education, where she now makes a significant difference in her students’ lives. Emily exemplifies the dedication, passion, and leadership that define excellence in education, and her contributions to the field of Family and Consumer Sciences continue to inspire and shape the future of her students.
Daniel 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.
