In late February, the month observed as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, the Minnesota Association for Career and Technical Education (MnACTE) named Tom Dryburgh, advisor and community outreach coordinator at the Moorhead High School Career Academy, the 2025 Career Guidance Teacher of the Year.
This award recognizes school counselors and career development professionals who have demonstrated commitment to connecting students with opportunities for success, show innovation in career exploration and development and have advocated for CTE as a viable option for all students.
“To me, this award is about what a phenomenal job our district has done over the last few years to promote the CTE field,” said Dryburgh. “It also speaks to how we’re on the right path to continue to build our career and technical opportunities up for our students.”
MnACTE hailed Dryburgh’s leadership of Career Academy college fairs, career fairs, sophomore industry tours, junior and senior work experiences and the freshman work seminar course. Additionally, Dryburgh works to create partnerships with area businesses and organizations to further the hands-on opportunities available to MHS students.
One such partnership that launched this year—between the Career Academy, Minnesota State Community and Technical College and Sanford Health—offers Emergency Medical Response training that can lead to state certification.
“Our CTE offerings are constantly evolving,” added Dryburgh, “as we continually evaluate partnerships and courses to put together the best possible career and technical education for our students. The goal is to implement as many new pathways as possible without losing focus on the most important thing: our students.”
Dryburgh’s honor marks the second straight year that MnACTE has honored a staff member at the MHS Career Academy: in 2024, FACS teacher Johanna Heigaard received the organization’s New Teacher of the Year award.
Businesses and organizations in the Red River Valley interested in partnering with the MHS Career Academy for career and technical education opportunities can contact Dryburgh at 218-284-6544.