Three Newton County Schools educators have earned prestigious statewide recognition from the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education (GACTE), bringing statewide recognition to Newton County Schools' Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs.
The awards were presented during GACTE's 79th Annual Summer Conference, held June 9–11 in Columbus, Georgia. More than 1,300 CTAE educators and leaders from across the state attended the conference, where outstanding professionals were recognized for excellence in teaching, leadership and service to career education.
Representing both Alcovy High School and Newton College & Career Academy (NCCA), the three honorees were recognized for their outstanding contributions to CTAE and their commitment to preparing students for success in college, careers and the workforce.
Ms. Jennifer Peters, Agriculture Education instructor at Alcovy High School, was named GACTE New Teacher of the Year – Agriculture Education.
The New Teacher of the Year Award recognizes educators in the early stages of their careers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to student success while implementing innovative and effective career and technical education programs. Eligible educators must have no more than five years of teaching experience and are selected based on their contributions to student achievement, innovation in CTAE and leadership within the career education community.
"Jennifer has embraced career and technical education with enthusiasm, creativity and a student-centered approach," said Dr. Tim Schmitt, Director of CTAE and Workforce Innovation for Newton County Schools. "To be recognized as a GACTE Award recipient so early in her career speaks to both her talent as an educator and her commitment to helping students develop the skills and confidence they'll carry into future careers."
Ms. Linsey Shockley, assistant principal at Newton College & Career Academy, was named GACTE Administrator of the Year through the Georgia Business Education Association Division.
The Administrator of the Year Award recognizes career and technical education leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership in supporting teacher and student success while advancing innovative, unique and effective CTAE programs. Recipients are selected based on their contributions to student success, innovation and leadership within the broader CTAE community.
"Linsey exemplifies the kind of servant leadership that helps career education thrive," said Chad Walker, principal of Newton College & Career Academy. "She is deeply committed to supporting our teachers, strengthening partnerships with business and industry, and ensuring every student has opportunities to succeed. This recognition reflects the positive impact she makes each day on our school community."
Ms. Debra Lary, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at Newton College & Career Academy and Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator for Newton County Schools, received the GACTE Lifetime Achievement Award for the Work-Based Learning/Youth Apprenticeship Division.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors career and technical education professionals who have demonstrated long-term leadership, introduced innovative career and technical education practices, and made significant, lasting contributions to the profession throughout their careers.
Throughout her distinguished career, Lary has served as President of the Georgia Work-Based Learning Board, Northeast Georgia Region Work-Based Learning Chair and Co-Chair, GACTE Secretary, Northeast Region Work-Based Learning Coordinator of the Year, and as a Georgia Work-Based Learning Top Gun recipient. Her leadership has helped expand work-based learning opportunities, strengthen business and industry partnerships, and create meaningful career experiences for students across Georgia.
"Debra's influence extends far beyond Newton County," said Dr. Tim Schmitt, Director of CTAE and Workforce Innovation for Newton County Schools. "For decades, she has been a leader, mentor and advocate for work-based learning across our state. Her dedication has opened doors for countless students while helping shape the future of career education in Georgia. This Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting recognition of an extraordinary career."
Award recipients are nominated by their professional peers and selected through a competitive review process conducted by GACTE division and state awards committees. The awards recognize educators who demonstrate excellence in career and technical education through innovation, leadership and a commitment to student success.
"Having three educators recognized by their peers at the state level is an extraordinary accomplishment," Schmitt said. "These awards reflect not only the dedication of Jennifer, Linsey and Debra, but also the strength of the CTAE programs offered throughout Newton County Schools. Career and technical education changes lives by connecting classroom learning with real-world opportunities, and these three professionals embody that mission every day."