Career and technical education (CTE) students, teachers, and professionals deserve to have their achievements and contributions celebrated! Every year, NOCTI recognizes outstanding students and professionals who lend their expertise and energy to advancing CTE across the country. These exceptional individuals inspire us with their technical achievements, dedication to improving instruction with innovative solutions, and commitment to equipping America’s future workforce with the skills for success.
Annual awards include the C. Thomas Olivo Outstanding Service Award, the Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Award, the NCATC Innovative ATC Workforce Development Award, and the John C. Foster Excellence Award.
Honoring Data-Driven Excellence: C. Thomas Olivo Outstanding Service Award
This prestigious award was established in 1980 and is NOCTI’s highest honor. It recognizes test coordinators, administrators, state and national policymakers, or CTE association leaders who advocate for an equitable assessment system that uses technical assessment data to improve instruction.
Past recipients include Lori Bell of Pennsylvania. Bell is the Operations Manager at the Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators (PACTA). Her extensive experience includes delivering training programs for NOCTI testing, creating policies and procedures for CTE programs across the state, and ensuring consistency and proper execution of standardized testing protocols. Her leadership and dedication continue to contribute to the advancement of CTE in Pennsylvania. Take a look at additional past honorees here.
Award Criteria
Criteria for the award include credibility, expertise, dedication, leadership qualities, knowledge of NOCTI programs and services, and participation and contributions to professional associations.
Each year nominations are accepted from the CTE community and are reviewed by a committee representing NOCTI staff, the Board of Trustees, and the Consortium of States. The Olivo Award recipient is typically announced at the NOCTI Reception held in conjunction with the Annual ACTE Convention.
A nomination form is available on the NOCTI website during the application period.
Recognizing Outstanding Teaching: Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Award
Dr. Carl J. Schaefer was a lifelong champion of CTE and gained national recognition as a CTE educator and author. In 2013, NOCTI established this award as a tribute to his memory and dedication. The Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Award recognizes an outstanding teacher or CTE teacher candidate who is committed to educational excellence and dedicated to improving CTE.
The 2024 award recipients include Todd Kessler of Pennsylvania and Jared Ulrich of West Virginia. A full list of recipients can be found here.
Kessler is an Automotive Technology Instructor at York County School of Technology, where he leverages his extensive expertise to provide students with both practical skills and in-depth industry experience. He also collaborates with school administrators to secure equipment grants, ensuring his program remains equipped with the latest tools and technology for hands-on student training.
Ulrich is an Automotive Technology Instructor at John Marshall High School, where he is always looking for innovative ways to enhance the learning experience. Ulrich used NOCTI test scores to identify where students needed improvement and implemented a six-week “boot camp” to focus on these areas. This initiative resulted in a notable improvement, and students are now better prepared for their careers. Ulrich was honored in a local publication for his commitment.
Award Criteria
To qualify for this award, a candidate must be a CTE teacher or CTE teacher candidate. Criteria for the award include an application describing personal goals, work experience, awards/honors received, professional memberships, and leadership and community service activities. An award application is available on the NOCTI website during the application period.
Advancing Manufacturing Training: NCATC Innovative ATC Workforce Development Award
NOCTI/NBS is honored to sponsor the NCATC Innovative ATC Workforce Development Award. This award recognizes exceptional professionals and industry partners who have contributed to the education and training of today’s advanced technology and manufacturing workforce.
Past recipients of this award include Jeremy King, a design technology instructor at Wichita State University’s Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology and a master instructor for the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3). King’s innovative contributions include developing original 3D-printable instructional tools, pioneering virtual learning opportunities, and leading curriculum design for precision measurement and 3D printing certifications. King’s dedication and excellence have helped provide students with industry-recognized, comprehensive training that meets the ever-evolving demands of today’s workforce.
Award Criteria
NCATC Community and Technical College members, their partners, and NCATC Strategic Partner Alliance (SPA) members are eligible to submit nominations during the nomination period announced by NCATC each year. Nominations must describe how the nominee designed and implemented a significant innovation that led to technical workforce employment gains, upskilling, and/or national certification(s) recognized by business and industry. The award is targeted to game-changing ATC initiatives that go beyond the excellent work already occurring in the NCATC community.
Celebrating Exceptional Students: Dr. John C. Foster Excellence Award
NOCTI is thrilled to announce the launch of the Dr. John C. Foster Excellence Award. This new award celebrates CTE students who exemplify innovation, leadership, and commitment. CTE has the power to shape the future workforce, and NOCTI is proud to recognize exceptional students who go above and beyond in their programs.
This award honors the legacy of Dr. John C. Foster, a lifelong champion of CTE and former President/CEO of NOCTI/Nocti Business Solutions, who dedicated his career to supporting the mission of CTE and advancing its impact on students, communities, and industries. Nominations are open until April 1, 2025, and NOCTI will announce the winner in mid-April, 2025.
Award Criteria
Secondary or postsecondary students may be nominated by an educator, mentor, or employer. Students must demonstrate their technical skills, contributions to their communities or employers, and alignment with the values of CTE.
- A 300-word description of why the student deserves the award.
- An impact statement detailing the student’s contributions to an employer and/or community.
- A 3-minute video showcasing the student’s skills, accomplishments, and alignment with the award’s criteria.
- One letter of recommendation from an educator, mentor, employer, or community representative.
Additional award information is available in the Professional Network section of the NOCTI website.
Join NOCTI In Celebrating Outstanding Achievements
NOCTI invites you to join us in celebrating outstanding individuals in CTE. You can support this amazing community of students, teachers, and professionals by nominating exceptional individuals during the application period for awards and spreading the word about recipients’ achievements with your community and social networks.
For current award information, including nomination forms and past recipients, please visit the Professional Network section of NOCTI’s website.