FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2019
Contact: Megan Kmiotek
mkmiotek@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Florida Agriculture Teacher as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Kaitlin Van Heusen, Agriculture Teacher at North Florida Technical College in Starke, Florida, as the 2020 ACTE Region II New Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes new career and technical education (CTE) teachers who have made significant contributions toward innovative and unique CTE programs and shown a professional commitment early in their careers.
Kaitlin Van Heusen is a fifth year Agriculture Teacher, FFA Advisor, and CTE Mentor in Starke, FL at North Florida Technical College. Van Heusen is a member of Florida Association of Agriculture Educators, National Association of Agriculture Educators, Florida Association of Career and Technical Educators and the Association for Career and Technical Education. She serves on the FAAE Board. When asked about her philosophy of teaching it is simply, “I believe every student can and wants to learn. CTE is the tool that we use to find their interests and spark that passion to make lifelong learners in any field. It is the way we can create productive citizens through hands-on education and positive life experiences starting in high school.”
Van Heusen is one of five finalists for the 2021 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 Thursday, December 3, during ACTE’s Virtual CareerTech VISION 2020. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, CareerSafe, 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.
