FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Nevada Retired Director at Washoe County School District as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced LTC Scott Caldwell, Retired Director JROTC, at Washoe County School District as the 2025 ACTE Region V Teacher Educator of the Year. 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.
LTC Scott Caldwell has served as the Director of JROTC for the Washoe County School District since 2018. A retired Army officer with 30 years of distinguished service, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Aero Technology from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in international relations from Troy University. Before transitioning to his current role, his final military assignment was as the Professor of Military Science and Department Chair for the Senior ROTC Program at Florida Tech. He later spent six years as the Senior Army Instructor at Ft. Pierce Westwood High School in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
Caldwell’s military career is marked by extensive travel and diverse assignments across various fields. Beginning his service at 17 as an enlisted soldier in 1981, he held leadership, training, and staff positions in the Infantry, Air Defense, Aviation, and Civil Affairs branches. As a Blackhawk helicopter pilot with Joint Task Force Bravo in Honduras, he worked throughout Central America for more than a year. He also spent six years in Germany, collaborating with NATO and conducting civil-military training with partners including Russia, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Portugal, and over 30 other nations.
His combat experience includes tours in Operation Desert Shield/Storm (Saudi Arabia and Iraq, 1990-1991), Operation Iraqi Freedom (Baghdad, Iraq, 2003-2004), and Operation Enduring Freedom (Kabul, Afghanistan, 2007-2008). A graduate of the Latin American Staff College and the Joint & Combined Warfighting School, Caldwell’s military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), and Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among others. He also holds numerous skill badges, including the Ranger Tab, Aviator Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
Internationally recognized for his achievements, Caldwell has been awarded the Wisam Al-Tahrir (Kuwait Liberation Medal), La Monja Blanca (Order of the White Nun-Guatemala), La Estrella Militar (Order of the Military Star-Ecuador), and parachutist badges from Australia, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
Caldwell 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.
