I am Sheri Smith, a Business Educator, FBLA Adviser, Perkins V Committee Member and CTE Department Chair for Mountain Home High School Career Academies. 

   My involvement in Career and Technical Education has been most of my life. Being raised on a farm and attending a rural school where I served on the local chapter leadership team within my CTSOs (FFA, FBLA and FHA “currently FCCLA”) and participating in competitive events at the district and state levels. My passion for CTE is evident within my classroom and my involvement within our community and state. 

   Earning a Bachelor of Science, Business Management degree from AR State University and continuing my education at University of Central Arkansas earning two Master Degrees, Master of Art in Teaching (MAT) and School Counseling, one could say I am a lifelong learner. Aside from my degrees, I have continued my education with hours from Center for Financial Training and I am a National Board Certified Teacher.

   As an active member of ACTE, I have attended the AR CTE Leadership Conference for the past 10 years as well as attended two National ACTE Leadership Conferences and two Regional IV ACTE Leadership Conferences. In addition, I served 1 ½ years on the AR ACTE Board as a business representative. 

   Finishing my seventh year serving on the Arkansas Business Education Association board, I have served in the following positions: District VI Membership Representative, SBEA Membership Representative, President-Elect, President and currently Past President. My leadership on this board has allowed me to promote professional membership, organize summer leadership conferences, evaluate bylaws, serve as committee chair for the ABEA Awards Committee and ABEA Board Nominating Committee. In addition, I have served five year on the ASU-MH Hospitality Board.

   If you were to ask my CTE colleagues to describe my involvement with CTE they would say “forward thinking, organized, problem solver, efficient, knowledgeable about CTE”. If you were to choose me, Sheri Smith, as your next Arkansas CTE President-Elect, I pledge to use my passion for CTE to advocate for you and our students who are impacted by CTE to help prepare them to be workplace ready. I pledge to hear your voice and continue to move CTE in a positive direction through communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking as we prepare for a more virtual blended learning environment. 

   When you cast your vote for the 2020-21 AR ACTE President-Elect, remember Sheri Smith wants to hear your voice and advocate for you and your students as we continue moving CTE in a positive direction.