SILVER SPRING, MD — April 29, 2026 — Today, Advance CTE is announcing the recipients of its national awards for outstanding state leadership for Career Technical Education (CTE) at its annual Spring Meeting to Education Associate at the Delaware Department of Education, Dr. Michael Hill-Shaner, and the Nebraska Department of Education Assistant Administrator of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Sydney Kobza. Advance CTE, the nation’s longest-standing nonprofit supporting state CTE leaders, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing high-quality CTE policies, programs, and systems.
The State CTE Distinguished Leadership Award, awarded to Dr. Michael Hill-Shaner, recognizes current and former state CTE leaders with a distinguished record of service and a sustained commitment to advancing high-quality CTE at the state and national levels.
The State CTE Leadership Rising Star Award, awarded to Sydney Kobza, recognizes new CTE leaders—with no more than five years of service at the state level—who are actively engaged in advancing a vision for high-quality CTE within their state.
“Realizing the full potential of Career Technical Education to provide a path to success for every learner takes leaders who are willing to do the critical work of building connective systems that center learner opportunity, agency, and belonging,” shared Advance CTE Executive Director Kate Kreamer. “Dr. Michael Hill-Shaner and Sydney Kobza are exactly those leaders. Their work raises the standard for what a high-quality, learner-centered CTE system looks like in practice. Advance CTE is proud to recognize them both for the vision and persistence they bring to this work every day.”
Dr. Hill-Shaner has championed learner voice as a driver of CTE systems improvement, engaging learners as co-designers to shape CTE programs and policies. As a former student leader and product of Educators Rising, he brings a deeply personal commitment to elevating learner voice in education systems. Named one of Delaware’s 2025 Most Influential People in Education, he has built structured opportunities for learners to lead through initiatives in the Teacher Academy, Culinary & Hospitality programs, and Career and Technical Student Organizations.
“In Delaware, we set out to build a CTE system where learners are genuine leaders and partners,” stated Dr. Michael Hill-Shaner. “We have watched students conduct research, run statewide conferences, draft policy, and stand before legislators to shape their own future and the future of CTE. I am deeply honored by this recognition and grateful to be part of a community that is committed to giving learners a voice to build CTE experiences that reflect what our learners say they need.”
In her role at the Nebraska Department of Education, Sydney Kobza advances Nebraska’s CTE vision by guiding Perkins V implementation, supporting school districts and community colleges, and organizing professional development and research initiatives. She is dedicated to strengthening connections between education and industry to create meaningful pathways for learners.
“CTE opens doors to meaningful careers and strengthens communities, and I am passionate about making sure those doors are open for every learner,” stated Sydney Kobza. “In Nebraska, I am proud to be part of a team that has always been about putting learners first by bringing the right partners together, building the tools educators need, and making sure no learner falls through the cracks. I’m honored by this recognition and excited to keep advancing high-quality CTE for my state.”
In a full-circle moment for Nebraska CTE, State CTE Director Dr. Katie Graham, the recipient of the Rising Star Award in 2022, will stand on stage at this year’s Spring Meeting to present the same award to Kobza.
Advance CTE is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary, and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports state CTE leadership to advance high-quality CTE policies, programs, and pathways that ensure career and college success for each learner.
Media contact: Stacy Whitehouse [email protected]
