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Pelzel Receives MnACTE Award


pelzel mnacte award11/21/14
Jackson Campus
The Minnesota Association for Career and Technical Education (MnACTE) is pleased to announce that Ms. Terri Pelzel, Information Technology faculty at Minnesota West Community & Technical College – Jackson Campus, has received the Minnesota ACTE Postsecondary Teacher Award for 2014.


Terri Pelzel was recently recognized at the annual CTE Works! Conference on November 13, 2014 in Plymouth, Minnesota sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Over 350 educators were present to honor Terri with this prestigious award.


Nominated by the Minnesota Association for Career and Technical Education (MnACTE), Terri was selected above other candidates from Minnesota because of her significant contributions toward innovative, unique and novel programs at the postsecondary level in career and technical education. Partnerships with local business/ community partners are also one of her strengths.

  • Terri teaches a variety of Computer Science and Technology courses offered to students in various disciplines at the college. Terri is known and respected for her continuous efforts in developing and integrating core academics for student success. She is also known for her willingness to try innovative delivery methods.

  • A strong passion of Terri’s is her involvement in the co-curricular organization, Business Professionals of America (BPA). Terri has helped shape the Minnesota College BPA by chairing the State Board and board member for many years. Her strong leadership development of students at the Jackson Chapter has produced a National Post-Secondary President, National Post-Secondary Vice-President, numerous State officers and countless National award winners. In addition, she was recognized as the 2012 Minnesota State Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year.

  • Recently, Terri became involved in Minnesota Business Educators, Inc. (MBEI) as a way to connect with area high school teachers. Through contacts at MBEI, Terri has reached out to local high schools and volunteers to speak at many school career days. In 2014, she initiated “Girls in Technology (GIT) Day” where 9th and 10th grade high school girls were invited to the Jackson Campus and encouraged to become involved in STEM activities.


MnACTE is the state professional association for the field of career and technical education and an affiliate of ACTE (Association of Career and Technical Education). Now in its 86th year, ACTE has a membership of more than 30,000 teachers, counselors, and administrators at the middle school, high school, and postsecondary levels.