ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, Dec. 19, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Mindy Lyle, Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Acorn High School in Mena, Arkansas, as the 2024 National ACTE New Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes new CTE teachers who have made significant contributions toward innovative and unique career and technical education programs and shown a professional commitment early in their careers. The New Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox.
Mindy Lyle is a Family Consumer Science teacher at Ouachita River School District, Acorn Campus. She is a wife, mom to six amazing children, and a Mimi to two. Mindy came to CTE through a nontraditional pathway, hit the ground running, and is in her sixth year of teaching. She received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood from Arkansas Tech University and a Masters in 7-12 Education from University of Arkansas Monticello. She is certified in Family Consumer Science, Business Technology, and Career Development.
Daily, Mindy teaches seven classes: Family & Consumer Science, Food Safety & Nutrition, Food Production, Child Development, Family CSI, Career Development, and Life & Fitness Nutrition. She is the FCCLA adviser, and the concession stand coordinator. She is a member of several professional CTE and Education organizations and President Elect of the Arkansas Association for Family & Consumer Science Teachers. Two years ago, she secured a grant in the amount of $65,480 for a new Culinary Arts program of study. Mindy is passionate about CTE education and committed to helping her students discover their own passion whether it’s in FACS or any other CTE pathway.
Her FCCLA chapter is extremely active, and they are heavily involved in community service. In her five years as an FCCLA adviser, she has had two state officers (including the Arkansas State President), seven regional officers, a national officer candidate, and numerous regional, state, and national Star Event qualifiers. Mindy’s dedication to CTE education and FCCLA is what helps her grow her program and chapter. She leads by example and students want to be involved in the excitement in her classes!
“Congratulations to the New Teacher of the Year award winners and finalists—what an amazing accomplishment to be honored so early in your teaching career,” said Maureen Brennan, Director of Marketing for G-W Publisher, sponsor of the ACTE Excellence Awards. “We share your passion for Career and Technical Education and are fortunate to work alongside amazing educators like each of you. Together, we build careers.”
Lyle was one of five finalists for the 2024 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on Nov. 29, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2023. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, CareerSafe, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, and Stratasys.
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.
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