Deaton Named Career and Technical Education Postsecondary Professional of the Year

Sheri Deaton, a teaching assistant professor of career and technical education, has been named the 2026 Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) National Postsecondary Professional of the Year. 

Deaton, who teaches in the College of Education and Health Professions Department of Curriculum and Instruction, is being recognized for her commitment to students, innovation in the classroom, and dedication to the improvement of career and technical education (CTE).

"Winning the ACTE Postsecondary Professional of the Year is an incredible honor," Deaton said. "This award affirms the value of showing up every day for students, creating pathways that change lives, and supporting educators who make those pathways possible. This recognition also reflects the collective effort of my colleagues, school partners, and the amazing mentor teachers I am privileged to work with every day."

Deaton joined the U of A faculty in 2016 and has since earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She's taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Introduction to Education, Assessment and Program Evaluation, Teaching Strategies, and specialized courses in apparel production and interior design for family and consumer sciences education students. 

Some of Deaton's responsibilities include supervising CTE students, advising the FCCLA chapter, and regularly presenting research and professional development opportunities to educators at the department, state and national levels. She is also the Director of the Bessie Moore Center for Economic Education.

"This award isn't just a milestone; it's a reminder of the responsibility and joy that comes with serving others through education," Deaton said. "The most rewarding part of my work is seeing teacher candidates evolve into impactful educators, and I'm inspired by the way they connect content to meaningful applications and help their students do the same."

Over the past decade, Deaton has used data from mentor feedback, student exit interviews, and national assessment results to refine course content and learning experiences for future educators. Using these resources, she created a course focused on the technical knowledge of apparel production and the pedagogical strategies for teaching students with diverse skill levels. 

Deaton said she strives to use current research to guide her practice as she mentors students in the CTE program. 

She attributes some of her success to her experiences within the College of Education and Health Professions. She said her colleagues' commitment to excellence and encouragement has given her the foundation for innovative curriculum development, meaningful student experiences and intentional efforts to recognize outstanding CTE students.

"I have been fortunate to work alongside an incredible team of colleagues, a dedicated program coordinator, and supportive leadership from our department head and dean," Deaton said. "Together, we have collaborated to refine and strengthen our career and technical education programs, ensuring they remain relevant and responsive to the needs of both students and the workforce."

Deaton is a national board-certified teacher with over 20 years of experience in middle school, high school and collegiate settings. Due to her extensive experience as an educator, Deaton's current students benefit from hands-on instruction and rigorous academic preparation. 

"To quote Katharine Graham, 'To love what you do and feel that it matters, how could anything be more fun?'" she said.

"I love what I do; I know that it matters, and I am so honored to have the opportunity to work with the career and technical education students at the University of Arkansas!"