GPS CTE administrators recognized with awards

Gilbert Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education Analytics Coordinator Michelle Crary has been recognized as the 2025 CTE Administrator of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education of Arizona.

The award was presented during ACTEAZ’s Summer Conference last month, honoring Crary as an outstanding individual for making a difference in CTE across the state.

Career and technical education enables students to explore various areas of occupational interest and pursue an in-depth career focus while completing their high school diploma.

Gilbert Public Schools offers 21 CTE programs to more than 5,500 high school students in Gilbert and Mesa, with classes located on the district's five  comprehensive high school campuses.

Crary works to ensure that students are offered the best opportunities for dual enrollment, certifications and education within their school day by supporting CTE teachers.

As the district coordinator of CTE analytics, Crary facilitates curriculum workshops, implements industry certifications into programs, and conducts comprehensive data analytics. She transforms complex data into clear visualizations and breaks down large projects into manageable tasks for CTE teachers.

Crary also shares her expertise by presenting at state and national conferences and serves on prominent Arizona CTE committees.

The CTE Administrator of the Year Award recognizes her work in professional development with teachers and administrators on interpreting and evaluating assessment data, program data and performance measures.

“Michelle is an invaluable asset for all CTE teachers at Gilbert Public Schools," Ashley McLaren, business management teacher at Campo Verde High, said in a district release. "She makes our jobs  by compiling all of the important data that we need behind the scenes.

“She is able to quickly paint a clear picture of where our programs are and where we have potential for growth. We are truly thankful for her ability to help us improve our programs through the use of accurate data and opportunities to advance our programs with that information.”

Crary attributes her success to her more than 20 years of working in CTE-focused positions, including a high school teacher, adjunct faculty in higher education, staff development and assessment and accountability.

Crary also credits her mentors and peers for her recognition.

“I am genuinely humbled and honored to receive the Administrator of the Year award," Crary said in the release. "There are many deserving administrators in Arizona, many of whom have served as mentors to me over the years and helped me reach this point in my career.

“This award is a reflection of the amazing work our CTE teachers do every day in the classroom, preparing our students for careers and post-secondary education.”

Alongside Michelle Crary is Doug Daley, director of career and technical education for Gilbert Public Schools, who has been recognized by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce as Foundation Volunteer of the Year.

The prestigious award celebrates Daley’s contribution of time, leadership, and expertise to enhance community outreach through the Chamber Foundation.

GPS CTE students outperform state averages in graduation rates, which exceed 97%. Furthermore, more than 75% of GPS CTE students successfully transition into postsecondary education, advanced training, military service, or employment within six months of program completion.

 Those who want to learn more about the CTE pathways provided at Gilbert Public Schools can visit GilbertSchools.net/CTE.