The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has named Kelly A. Harmon, Director of Curriculum at Monmouth County Vocational School District, as the recipient of the 2026 ACTE Champion for CTE award. This honor recognizes education leaders, business and industry executives, public figures, and thought leaders who champion career and technical education (CTE) as an essential pathway for preparing a skilled, adaptable, and competitive workforce.
Harmon has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing career and technical education in New Jersey. Recognized as the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association Visionary Director of the Year and one of Global Forum for Education and Learning’s Top 100 Visionaries, Harmon has led groundbreaking initiatives in curriculum redesign, social justice education, and professional development.
A champion for expanding access to CTE, Harmon launched MCVSD’s Middle School CTE Summer Career Exploratory Programs, growing enrollment from 149 students in 2021 to 280 in 2025. By doubling participation, the programs significantly increased visibility of MCVSD’s offerings among local families, introducing more middle school students to career pathways and strengthening early connections to technical education. While the initiative generated revenue, its greater impact lies in expanding awareness and access to CTE opportunities.
Beyond her district, Harmon created the New Jersey Vocational Curriculum Consortium, a statewide network of CTE leaders that fosters collaboration and strengthens programming across districts. In addition, she organizes statewide summits for programs including cosmetology and dental assisting, creating professional networks and supporting curriculum alignment.
Harmon mentors future administrators through the NJEXCEL program and serves as a Middle States Team Review Leader, guiding schools through rigorous accreditation processes. She has published two influential articles in Educational Viewpoints: “Changing the Perception Gap to Close the Skills Gap” (Spring 2024) and “The Case for Middle School CTE in NJ” (Spring 2025). Currently pursuing her Doctor of Education at Kean University, her dissertation focuses on implementing successful CTE programs at the middle school level.
Through her career spanning classroom teaching, curriculum leadership, consulting, and accreditation, Harmon is transforming how educators and policymakers view vocational education. Her work reflects a steadfast commitment to equity, innovation, and preparing students for a future in which career and college readiness go hand in hand.
Harmon will be recognized alongside other national ACTE award winners at the Awards Gala on December 9. For more information on the Impact Awards and the Awards Gala, visit http://www.acteonline.org/awards.
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.