ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Melissa Busbin, Teacher at Tift County High School in Tifton, GA as the 2027 ACTE Region II Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) teachers 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.
Dr. Melissa Busbin, a distinguished Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Tift County High School, has dedicated her career to expanding access to emerging technologies and ensuring that students in rural communities have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to succeed in the digital age.
A first-generation CTE student who began her own journey as an FFA and Work-Based Learning student in rural Georgia, Dr. Busbin brings a unique perspective to her work in education. With 17 years of classroom experience, a Ph.D. in Career and Technical Education from Auburn University, and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University, she combines her experiences as an educator, researcher, and parent of CTE graduates to advocate for meaningful opportunities for students.
Throughout her career, Dr. Busbin has been a catalyst for growth in high-demand Computer Science and Information Technology pathways. Her leadership in AI education was recently recognized with the CYBER.ORG Educator Award. She also serves as a Computer Science Virtual Specialist for the Georgia Department of Education, providing professional learning and implementation support to educators across the state. Her commitment to expanding technology access and addressing rural technology equity has also included work with the Georgia Chamber.
At Tift County High School, Dr. Busbin focuses on creating innovative learning experiences that connect students with real-world opportunities. As an FBLA adviser, she mentors students as they compete at the national level and co-manages Diablo’s, a student-led enterprise that helps students develop essential employability skills. Her students also participate in community projects that address real-world needs, including developing switch-adapted toys for children with disabilities and creating a K–5 Mobile Computer Science Lab. Through these experiences, students apply their classroom knowledge to authentic challenges while developing skills and connections that support future internships and careers.
Dr. Busbin’s work is driven by a commitment to ensuring that geography never determines opportunity. Through innovative, equitable, and industry-aligned CTE programs, she continues to empower students to become ethical, highly skilled contributors to the workforce while helping educators prepare learners for an ever-changing technological future.
Busbin is one of five finalists for the 2027 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 2, at 6:00 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.