CTE educators recognized

A pair of educators from St. Joseph County was recognized for their respective roles in Career and Technical Education in Michigan.

The Michigan Association for Career and Technical Education honored Chad Spence and Adam Cloutier during a ceremony last week in Grand Rapids.

Spence was named 2025 “New Teacher of the Year.” Spence served as CTE Public Safety instructor for Centreville Public Schools and the St. Joseph County CTE Consortium.

Spence resigned in December to take over his elected position as sheriff.

Cloutier, vice president of academics for Glen Oaks Community College, was named 2025 “Post Secondary Professional of the Year.”

Spence, Cloutier and other winners were acknowledged for having gone above and beyond to champion Career and Technical Education across Michigan, event organizers said. Their contributions help prepare students for meaningful careers and strengthen the communities they serve.

The ceremony was held Jan. 28 as part of the Michigan Career Education conference.