12/4/2020 – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Kristina Guttadora, Horticulture Teacher at the Monmouth County Vocational School District’s Career Center in Freehold, NJ, as the 2020 ACTE Region I 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.
Kris Guttadora received her BS in Plant Science at Rutgers University, and Masters in Agricultural Education from NC State University. She served as a high school agricultural educator and FFA advisor in Freehold Township for ten years, while staying actively engaged in NAAE, attending regional conferences, and being selected for the Teacher Turn the Key and Outstanding Young Teacher award. From 2007-2010, she served as NJAAE President. In 2011, Kris Guttadora shifted her career direction to serve as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Society, where she supervised the Farmers Against Hunger, Agricultural Leadership and Learning through Gardening programs. During her time in this position, Kris Guttadora connected FFA chapters to volunteer opportunities with the organization. This career change enabled Kris Guttadora to broaden her understanding of the industry and make professional connections throughout the entire state. She returned to teaching horticulture in 2017 at the Monmouth County Career Center, where she networks to strengthen career and technical education and provide greater employment to her students.
