Laura Jones Named 2025 Washington ACTE Administrator of the Year

Pasco School District is proud to announce that Laura Jones, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director, has been named the 2025 Washington ACTE Administrator of the Year by the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (WA-ACTE).

This statewide award recognizes outstanding administrative leadership in advancing innovative and effective Career and Technical Education programs that ensure both teacher and student success.

Jones began her CTE career in 1996 as a marketing teacher and DECA advisor at Pasco High School, bringing with her real-world industry experience and a passion for preparing students for their futures. Through hands-on projects and community connections, she helped students develop leadership and employability skills that translated into meaningful career pathways.

Over the years, Jones has taken on numerous district leadership roles and continues to be a driving force behind CTE innovation in Pasco. In 2008, she was named the Washington State Teacher of the Year, which elevated her platform to advocate for CTE statewide.

As CTE Director, Jones is deeply committed to expanding student opportunities and removing barriers to success. She works closely with teachers, advisors, and business partners to ensure CTE programming meets student needs and prepares them for college and career. A recent example includes her collaboration with Washington State University Tri-Cities on the Teaching Bridge program, which allows students to gain paraeducator experience while completing coursework toward their teaching degree.

In 2024, she was also named Washington Family and Consumer Science Administrator of the Year, a testament to the high regard in which she is held by the educators she supports.

“This award reflects the incredible work of our CTE teachers, students, and community partners,” said Laura Jones. “CTE is about creating meaningful pathways to opportunity. I’m proud to work in a district that believes in real-world learning and invests in preparing students for whatever comes next.”

Jones envisions a future where every Pasco student graduates with a clear, viable plan for what comes next—supported by high-quality CTE experiences across the district’s growing network of high schools.

Pasco School District congratulates Laura Jones on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her ongoing leadership and passion for student success.