For Teresa Howard, ACSA’s 2026 Career Technical Education Administrator of the Year, career preparation is a promise: to equip every student with the skills, guidance and opportunities needed to thrive in the workforce.

As director of Career Technical Education at Antelope Valley Union High School District, Howard oversees more than 100 teachers and programs serving 10,000 students, advancing a districtwide vision centered on workforce readiness and credential attainment. She actively champions female representation in underrepresented fields like public service and transportation, while pioneering emerging-technology pathways such as electric vehicles.

Since taking on her CTE leadership role in 2022, Howard has secured over $20 million in state and federal grants to expand regional programs and industry certifications. Her efforts include applying for a facilities grant for a new farm complex at Antelope Valley High School, which provides hands-on training in manufacturing and agricultural mechanics.

To ensure equitable access, Howard expanded dual enrollment with Antelope Valley College, broadened CTE offerings at the Virtual Academy for alternative learners and directed targeted funding to support English learners and special education students across all pathway sequences.

An ACSA member since 2017, Howard has served as a charter leader, mentor, and leadership coach. She began her education career as a teacher at Desert Sands Charter in 2008.

“At every level of her work, Teresa Howard demonstrates the qualities this award seeks to honor: innovation, integrity, equity and a focus on student success,” said Dr. Jennifer Slater-Sanchez, director of categorical and special programs for AVUHSD. “She has elevated CTE from a programmatic offering to a strategic driver of college and career readiness, ensuring students graduate not only with diplomas, but with purpose, preparation and possibility.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? The best advice I ever received is that leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge. In the world of CTE, my “charge” includes industry-expert teachers, students discovering their potential, and a team of dedicated staff and administrators who are fearless in pursuing great things for kids. My job isn’t to stand at the front of the room, but to clear obstacles, secure resources, and build the support systems that allow my team and our students to do their best work.

What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? Prioritize walking your campus: Spend the first 30 minutes of your day welcoming students onto campus and visit classrooms, not in your inbox. Seeing students doing the work grounds you in your “why” before the emails start flying.

Don’t burn bridges, build them: In education, our paths intersect in unexpected ways throughout our careers and your career will be defined by the quality of the relationships you build and maintain. I’ve learned that bringing your best, most service-oriented self to work every day isn’t just about professional courtesy; it’s about honoring the community we serve. When you view leadership as a service, you realize that every relationship is an investment in our students’ collective future.

Calendar your self-care: If it isn’t on the calendar, it doesn’t exist. If you don’t intentionally schedule your “thinking time” and “family time,” the day will consume them. Treat those blocks as sacred appointments. I also highly recommend prioritizing health, fitness, and (for me) a personal relationship with God; you can’t lead a complex organization if you aren’t in a great mental and physical space yourself.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? Outside of the office, I’m a total outdoor enthusiast. I’m happiest when I’m adventurous and active, whether that’s riding stand-up jet skis, boating, heading out on snowmobiling adventures, or hitting the trails in our off-road car. I love to travel and generally believe that life is best living every moment to its fullest. The “work hard, play hard” motto reigns true for me!

I’ve always preferred the “behind the scenes” work to the limelight. My focus has always been on the mechanics of our programs and our students’ success. I’m much happier being the architect of a program’s success than being the face of it, though I’m incredibly honored to represent our amazing team with this award.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your current position? Transitioning from a background as an English teacher and school administrator to the world of CTE, workforce development, and dual enrollment was a steep learning curve, but it’s been the most rewarding challenge of my career. I’ve shifted my focus from literary analysis to leading high performing teams, meeting labor market demands, and building a thriving local economy. My goal is to ensure that every program we build is a direct response to our community’s needs, preparing students to be truly college and career ready so they can step into high-demand roles right here at home.

How has ACSA supported you in your career? ACSA provided the professional ecosystem I needed to grow. Whether it was through serving on the charter board, through coaching (shout out to Susan Andreas-Bervel, my awesome coach), the professional development opportunities, or social events, ACSA broke down the silos of my district. It connected me with a network of peers who speak the same language, allowing us to share best practices and navigate the complex landscape of California education together. It also connected me with a statewide network of leaders who understand the unique complexities of California education. Through legislative advocacy and professional development, ACSA has given me the tools to not just manage my programs, but to advocate for them effectively at the highest levels, all while making great friends along the way.

The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “You Belong Here: Leadership for Every Student.” What does belonging look like for you, your staff, or your students? In CTE, belonging looks like representation and relevance. It’s the moment a student walks into a lab and sees someone who looks like them leading a multi-million dollar project. It’s the teacher who feels empowered to bring their industry expertise into the classroom.

Belonging means every student sees a clear, unobstructed path from the classroom to a high-wage, high-growth career, regardless of their ZIP code or background. When a student sees their future reflected in our programs, they know they belong. My goal for them is to live the famous adage: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”