The ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program began in 2009 as an Opportunity Fund project initiated by the ACTE Board of Directors to:
      • Help establish a leadership development program for CTE educators in ACTE and assist individuals in further developing their leadership skills in CTE and their involvement in professional associations
      • Provide an opportunity for CTE educators to become familiar with and participate in the processes used by policymakers in the development and implementation of laws, regulations and other public policies at the local, state and federal levels
      • Identify, train and motivate a cadre of leaders who will continue to position ACTE as a leader in developing an educated, prepared, adaptable and competitive workforce

The ACTE Fellowship Program is an instrument to provide you with professional development, policy knowledge and leadership development.

 

Applications are now closed for the 2025 Fellowship Year. Applications will open for the 2026 Fellowship Year in the spring of 2025.

 

Two Cohort Types to Enhance the Experience
The National Leadership Fellowship Program is open to:

      • Experienced members (5+ years of CTE experience)
      • New professional members with 2-5 years CTE experience

This program will provide participants with the leadership, professional and policy skills they need to grow as a CTE and ACTE advocate!  Fellows will receive a $1,500 stipend in addition to complimentary registration to ACTE’s CareerTech VISION and National Policy Seminar.

ACTE would like to recognize Nebraska Extension 4-H for sponsoring the time and resources for a CliftonStrengths Assessment and one-on-one coaching session from a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach for each fellow. We appreciate their generosity and support of the ACTE Fellows Program!

Meet the 2024 Experienced Fellows

Dr. Regina Spruill, a committed educator, advocate, and community organizer, has spent 30 years supporting students, families, and communities through education, school partnerships, and community development. Dr. Spruill has held roles as a teacher, assistant principal, and Director of Education for a nationally recognized community-based organization, and currently as Instructional Specialist for Prince George’s County Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department. As a CTE administrator for the past 12 years, she has worked with school administrators, teachers, and colleagues across the district to establish and enhance programs that lead to industry credentials, licenses, and dual and articulated credit for students. Currently, Dr. Spruill’s lead project is to serve as the CTE department’s administrator liaised to Crossland High School – Center for Science, Technology and Advanced Trades (STAT) as the school transitions from a comprehensive neighborhood school to a wall-to-wall Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school hub
Dr. Spruill was the 2022 ACTE State of Maryland Teacher Educator of the Year, 2023 ACTE Region I Teacher Educator of the Year, and a 2023 ACTE National Teacher Educator of the Year National Finalist.

Dr. Faulk is a creative educational leader, researcher, and content producer. Dr. Faulk enjoys educating learners of all ages on how to master subjects in the realm of creativity, leadership, technology, branding, and innovation. In his time away from education, Dr. Faulk is a musician (carringtonfaulk.com), owner of MICAH3 (micah3.com), and husband & father to his wife and 4 kids.

“I am not a teacher, but an awakener” – Robert Frost

Dr. Jacob Lohse has been the instructional leader of South Technical High School for over a decade. Dr. Lohse received his degree to teach Industrial Arts from Southeast Missouri State University. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from St. Louis University and an ED.D. in Educational Leadership from Maryville University. As principal, Dr. Lohse’s mission is to empower students and staff to cultivate their respective industries and communities by facilitating a collaborative, professional, safe, and student-centered career and technical center.

A 16 year CTE advocate while teaching Family and Consumer Science, leading a Business and FaCS team and now an Assistant Director for College and Career Pathways. Working with all of DuPage Illinois’ CTE programs as well as the local area Technology Center. Continually looking for opportunities to assist CTE programs and lead teachers.

Jill supports the career and technical education programs of 13 Northeast Metro Intermediate member school districts north and east of St. Paul, Minnesota. As part of this work, she champions 20 CTE programs and over 900 high school students enrolled at the 916 Career and Technical Center (located at Century College) that provide students with the COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE of career exploration, industry certification and early college credit. Jill is passionate about fostering innovation and partnerships targeting students from underrepresented populations so that they too have access to gaining a competitive advantage that leads to post secondary success. Prior to her time with Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate Schools, Jill served as a health science magnet coordinator, developed and delivered a program aimed at increasing the numbers of students of color in high performance courses, and served in the classroom as a business educator, mostly in the Osseo School District.

Molly Bonnett has been the Career & College Coordinator at Forest Lake Area High School in Forest Lake, MN for 7 years. During this time, she has worked to change the view of Career & Technical Education both within the high school and throughout the community through the development of the school’s Career Launch Framework and Career Pathways Guide. Molly works closely with professionals across all career fields to provide students career exposure and experience opportunities.

Carla is a Health Science teacher at Friendswood High School in Friendswood, Texas. In May 2023, she graduated from Lamar University with her master’s in educational administration. During her time as a health science teacher, she has received the following awards: Paul Harris Fellow from the Friendswood Rotary, Texas State HOSA Secondary Advisor and Texas Outstanding Health Science Teacher. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, where she has actively contributed to shaping Texas’ educational framework by participating in TEA Proclamation 2024, Texas Educator Certification Exam Framework Review committee (Health EC-12), serving as a Texas Educator Certification Exam developer, participating in the Texas Item Review Conference for Health EC-12 Advisory committee, and playing a role in the PACT Review committee (Health EC-12). Her goal is to be a CTE director as well as to be involved with CTE at the campus, state, or national level.

A one-time teen mother and high school dropout, Dr. Larina Warnock serves as the Career Learning Coordinator for Medford School District in Southern Oregon. She has been a CTE teacher for nearly a decade and a passionate advocate for equity in education for much longer than that. Her experiences and education lend themselves to policy work in CTE, social justice, and the ways that systems intersect to impact student outcomes.

Jennifer Kline, M. Ed., serves as the Healthcare Program Manager for GateWay Community College in Phoenix, AZ where she also is adjunct faculty for the Healthcare Professions in Education program. Additionally, she serves as an Adjunct Professor for Northern Arizona University where she teaches in the Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Education CTE programs. She has more than twenty-three years of combined healthcare and workforce development experience, including serving ten years in higher education. She is passionate about student success and seeks to identify and remove barriers that limit access to education; create alternative pathways in education to help students achieve their highest potential; bridge gaps to employment; and build a culture that fosters innovation, equity and diversity. Jennifer recently completed the Association of Career and Technical Education Next Level Fellowship program where she focused on college initiatives, advocacy, funding opportunities and policy initiatives in Career and Technical Education. She is also the proud recipient of the ACTEAZ Postsecondary Educator of the Year.

Mrs. Toinette Outland currently serves as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Instructional Supervisor in Newport News Public Schools. Mrs. Outland came to Newport News Public Schools in 2010 as the Program Administrator for the Heritage High School Engineering & Technology Magnet Program. Under her leadership and vision, the school received the state designation as a Governor’s STEM Academy in 2012 through her efforts of expanding career pathway opportunities, leading innovative professional development for teachers, and fostering challenging initiatives for students. In 2016, she was promoted to CTE Instructional Supervisor for grades 6-12 and during her leadership, the Newport News CTE programs have received numerous state and national awards for their creative efforts in preparing students for the emerging workforce. She has served as the 2020-21 Past President of VACTEA, 2018-2020 Virginia ACTE Vice President of Membership and has served several terms as the VACTEA Region II Representative.

Dr. Joseph S. Furse is an Assistant Professor of Technology & Engineering Education in the Department of Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. He is the program leader for the undergraduate Technology & Engineering Education program and also teaches and mentors graduate students in Career & Technical Education. He holds a BS in Technology and Engineering Education and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (specializing in Career & Technical Education) from Utah State University. Prior to becoming a faculty member at Utah State University, Joseph taught Technology Education at Desert Hills Middle School in St. George, Utah. His current research interests primarily involve the recruitment, preparation, and retention of the CTE teaching workforce.

Stephen has been teaching for more than 20 years including 5 years teaching middle school, 5 teaching high school, and 10 teaching university courses. He has taught courses including; Woodworking, small engines, video production, digital media, computer aided drafting, and robotics. Stephen loves teaching and helping students move through the path toward long term success.

Denise is a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) in career and technical education (CTE), licensed to teach Computer Science, Graphic Design, Web Design, Animation and Photography with more than 15 years of classroom experience enhanced with 20 plus years of experience in the digital multimedia design field. She is currently a project facilitator and Computer Science teacher at the Nevada Learning Academy (NVLA) at Clark County School District.

Michelle Dennis is a Colorado native, mother, former teacher, and current Family and Consumer Sciences Program Director with the Colorado Community College System, (since 2013). Teacher recruitment and retention, expanding work-based learning, innovating Family and Consumer Sciences, as well as elevating learner voice are aspects of my work that she is most passionate about. She am a proud Colorado State University graduate, (1991), who loves music, the outdoors, cooking, theatre and doing it all with my three adult children, and our dog, Ollie.

Quentin Kelly, Sr. was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is a 10-year military veteran, serving six years in the Army and four years in the U.S. Airforce. He has served in various roles and assignments throughout his military career, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. He led teams of highly skilled professionals and maintained the highest standards of operational readiness. He has a Master’s in Public Administration from The University of Louisiana Monroe. His exceptional leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and technical competence have earned him the respect of his peers and superiors. He continues to pursue advanced training and education, further honing his skills and expertise. Quentin is a devoted family man who cherishes his role as a husband and father. With deep love and commitment to his family, he strives to create a nurturing and supportive environment for his loved ones. He enjoys cycling and coaching his kids’ YMCA youth sports team.

Brandi Bjorklund is the Work Experience Coordinator with STMA School District and has a B.S. in Health Science from UW- River Falls and a M.S. from MSU- Moorhead. She holds a Health Science, Work Based Learning and K-12 Administrator License. This is her 8 year in education. Brandi has a true passion for working with our youth and helping each student graduate from STMA prepared for their pathway of excellence regardless of their background. She is heavily involved in advisory groups and committees as well such as MNACTE and MNACTE- SNP.  She will be getting married this March to her wonderful fiancé. They have 1 son who is 8 years old. She loves to travel, read, and spend time with family.

Meet the 2024 New Professional Fellows

Josephine Wolfe is a passionate career and technical education professional with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. Currently, she serves as a professional baking instructor at the Center of Applied Technology North, her alma mater. Josephine’s journey in career and technical education began during her high school years, where she studied baking and pastry arts for four years as an active member of the career and technical student organization, SkillsUSA. Throughout her educational journey in high school and college, Josephine earned seven regional, state and national medals in Baking & Pastry Arts, and served as the SkillsUSA National College/Postsecondary President. She holds an associates degree in Baking and Pastry Arts, a bachelors degree in Baking and Pastry and Food Service Management, and a masters degree in Nonprofit Management, all from Johnson & Wales University.

Caitlin Morrison is from Star City, Arkansas and teaches at Rison High School. This is the only place she has ever taught and loves being a WILDCAT. Her first year teaching was cut short due to the pandemic and has been an adventure ever since. Her background includes owning a boutique named after her life moto, Carpe Diem. She uses her entrepreneurship in teaching CTE Business and enjoyed being a Novice Fellow last year.

Carolyn Brown-McIntosh lives in and works in Sapulpa, Ok at Central Tech. Early in her life she built engine panels for companies such as John Deere, Caterpillar, and Cummins Marine. She went back to school to be a medical assistant in 2001, and worked as a medical assistant for eight years. Carolyn currently teaches Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy to high school and adult students. She has a Master’s Degree (MS) from the University of Phoenix, and BA in Psychology from Langston University. Carolyn loves to cook, travel, and spend time with her grandsons. Her second love is education, and gives her great joy when her former students come by and tell her they are in a nursing program, or they have been accepted into a prestigious university.  Carolyn’s “motto” for her students is “The knowledge and skills you obtain from tech no one can ever take that away from you”.

Amelia’s passion for agriculture developed while playing in the grain alongside her grandfather at his grain elevator. In her role at Michigan Farm Bureau, she provides resources to county Farm Bureau volunteers to help execute student and consumer agricultural education programs. Amelia holds an Agriscience Education degree from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in Agricultural Extension and Education from Utah State University and is a Career and Technical Education Ph.D. Candidate at Utah State University.

Angela Landrum is currently a CTE educator in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences at Jenks Public Schools in Jenks, Oklahoma. She obtained her BBA from Cameron University, Master’s in Education from East Central University, and is currently working on her Doctorate in Human Development and Family Science from Oklahoma State University. As a former restaurateur, bringing applicable life skills taught through Career Technical Education is her passion.

Fellowship Coordinators

The Fellowship Coordinators are responsible for overseeing and implementing the ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program. Facilitates all Fellowship Program activities, maintains monthly contact with the Fellows, and coordinates mentorship and personally provides mentorship to the Fellows. The Fellowship Coordinators will also work with ACTE staff to set up meetings and conference calls for the Fellows, report to the ACTE Board of Directors on the status of the program, and attend NPS and the ACTE CareerTech VISION.

For the 2024 and 2025 program year, Dr. Doug Major and Dr. Dawn Lindsley were selected by the ACTE Executive Committee to serve as the Fellowship Coordinators. Dr. Doug Major is working with the Experienced Fellows, and Dr. Dawn Lindsley is working with the New Professional Fellows.

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Dr. Doug Major
ACTE Experienced Fellows Coordinator

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Dr. Dawn Lindsley
ACTE New Professionals Fellows Coordinator

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