FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries, 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 Chris Edgar, Teacher at Lake Career and Technical Center in Camdenton, MO as the 2025 ACTE Region III 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.
Chris Edgar has been a dedicated advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE) for nearly a decade, combining his extensive background in law enforcement with a passion for teaching the next generation of professionals. As an instructor at Lake Career and Technical Center (LCTC), Chris has developed and led innovative programs in law enforcement and crime scene investigations. His goal is to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for careers in criminal justice while fostering a positive perception of law enforcement in their communities.
Chris also serves as a dual credit professor in partnership with Missouri State University, enabling students to earn college credits while gaining practical skills and knowledge in areas such as crime scene investigation, law enforcement procedures, and the judicial system. His leadership extends to serving as Vice President of the board for Criminal Justice Instructors of Missouri, where he advocates for the advancement of CTE programs statewide.
Prior to his full-time role in education, Chris spent nearly two decades in law enforcement, beginning as a full-time police officer with the Camdenton Police Department. There, he served in various roles, including investigator, School Resource Officer, and member of the Major Case Squad and Sexual Assault Response Team. He continues to maintain a part-time commission with the Camdenton Police Department, where he assists with investigations and stays connected to the field.
In addition to his teaching and part-time law enforcement roles, Chris has served as Chief of Operations and Investigations at the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, overseeing investigations and managing law enforcement procedures. His experience in both law enforcement and education makes him uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
In August 2024, Chris Edgar was elected as Sheriff of Camden County and will take office on January 1, 2025. His commitment to both CTE and law enforcement continues to shape the future of his students and his community.
Edgar 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.
