Theresa Waller wins 2026 FLATE Distinguished Manufacturing Secondary Educator of the Year Award

Congratulations to Theresa Marie Waller, Program Planner and High School Electrical Instructor at Charlotte Technical College.  With over two decades of hands-on expertise in the electrical trade and a profound commitment to workforce development, Theresa stands as a leading voice for technical education in Southwest Florida. Currently serving as a lead instructor at Charlotte Technical College (CTC), she translates 20 years of field-hardened experience into a curriculum that empowers the next generation of the advanced manufacturing and construction workforce.  

Waller’s journey into the trades was more than a career choice; it was a life-altering transformation. After finding herself as a lost teenager without a clear trajectory, the manufacturing and building community provided the structure, discipline, and mentorship she needed to thrive. This personal history fuels Waller’s teaching philosophy today: she views the shop floor not just as a place to learn a craft, but as a crucible for building humble character, resilience, and professional pride. 

Theresa’s contributions to manufacturing and technical education have been recognized at the highest levels of her district and industry and are defined by a 20-year foundation in the electrical trade and an unwavering commitment to workforce development at the local and state levels,

• January 2026: Top Five Finalist for Teacher of the Year for Charlotte County Public Schools: Recognized as a premier educator within the district for her impact on student success and technical excellence.
• November 2025: Teacher of the Year, Charlotte Technical College: Awarded for her dedication to the CTC community and her ability to translate complex trade skills into career-ready competencies. 
• June 2025: CDBIA P.A.L.M. (Professionals Actively Leading and Mentoring) Award Winner, recognizing her exceptional efforts to bridge the gap between education and industry partners. The award highlights her role in the cooperative effort between the NAHB, FHBA, and Future Builders of America (FBA) to fund and support construction and manufacturing programs. 
• June 2025: Fierce Women in the Trade Award: Recognized in Charlotte County for her leadership and for breaking barriers for women in skilled industrial trades. 

Beyond her awards, Theresa is a Certified NCCER Instructor in Core and Electrical Level One, ensuring her curriculum meets rigorous national standards. She has been instrumental in integrating her students into the Future Builders of America (FBA) and the Home Builders Institute (HBI), providing them with direct pipelines to the professional workforce. Her leadership extends deep into the regional industry through her active membership with the Charlotte-Desoto Building Industry Association (CDBIA). Through this membership and her 20 years of field experience, Theresa serves as a vital link between Charlotte Technical College and the regional manufacturing and building associations, ensuring the next generation is both ""Fierce"" and technically proficient.

Looking toward the future, Waller’s vision for the Electricity Program at Charlotte Technical College is one of radical inclusivity and excellence. She is dedicated to bringing out the "best and brightest" in every student, regardless of their background or starting skill level. Guided by the belief that every student possesses a unique gift, Theresa makes it her personal mission to ensure those talents are recognized and polished. Her goal is to see the CTC program grow by leaps and bounds, continuing to serve as a premier pipeline that shapes the future of manufacturing and engineering technology in Florida and beyond.       

When asked why she thinks manufacturing education is important, Waller states:

Manufacturing education is the fundamental infrastructure of modern civilization. In other words, it is the study of how "things" are made—from the precision-machined components in medical devices to the structural steel that supports our cities. Without this specialized education, the world as we know it would lack the essential structures and products required to function. Manufacturing is not just about operating machinery; it is about mastering the intersection of technology, math, and physical craftsmanship to solve real-world problems.  However, the value of this curriculum extends far beyond technical proficiency. It instills a rigorous "shop floor" work ethic characterized by humility, resilience, and a professional outlook.

For Theresa Waller, this field was a life-altering turning point. Once a teenager drifting toward an uncertain future, she found that the manufacturing community offered the structure and mentorship she lacked. This career path replaced a sense of being lost with a sense of mastery and belonging.  Today, she utilizes her position at Charlotte Technical College to pay that mentorship forward. By translating complex industrial processes into accessible skills for her students, she demonstrates that manufacturing is a bridge to a stable, dignified future. Her journey from a struggling student to a leader in technical education proves that when we invest in manufacturing, we aren't just building products—we are building people. By shaping the next generation of technicians, she ensures that both her students and the industry continue to move forward with purpose.   

Congratulations again to Theresa for her support of manufacturing education and career awareness!  For more information on the FLATE Awards visit http://fl-ate.org/programs/flate-awards, or contact Ernie Friend, Executive Director of FLATE, at ernie.friend@flate.org.