Volusia County Schools announces CTE Teacher of the Year.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

On Thursday night, Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin honored Hayley Dougal, the director of Spruce Creek High School's Academy of Finance, as the Volusia County Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year. The award ceremony took place at the DeBary Golf & Country Club and was attended by Board Chair Jamie Haynes, Vice Chair Anita Burnette, Board Member Jessie Thompson, and the district's other eight finalists.

Volusia County Schools is celebrating CTE Month throughout February, recognizing the accomplishments of its CTE teachers and their contributions to readying students for careers and equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in the workforce.

In her address, Dr. Balgobin congratulated all of the district's CTE teachers for their hard work and dedication to their students, saying, "Congratulations to all of our CTE teachers for preparing our students to become better employees, bigger thinkers, and more responsible neighbors and colleagues, so that each of our students will have their own happy and productive tomorrow."

Volusia County Schools offers over 47 CTE programs in 10 high schools and 21 career academies in nine high schools, with more to come. Examples of CTE programs and academies include criminal justice, culinary arts, game simulation, agriculture, finance, construction, and early childhood education. The district also offers many CTE pathways across 14 middle schools.

Over 30,000 students in grades 6 through 12 are currently enrolled in CTE programs in Volusia County Schools, giving them access to industry certifications, readiness for in-demand careers, and viable employment opportunities.