Kay Harris, director for Career and Technical Education in Jefferson County Schools, has been named Alabama's Outstanding and Career Technical Educator for 2009. Ms. Harris has been a career/tech educator since her teaching profession began 18 years ago and she became an administrator in 2005. She is District V Vice President of the AACTA Board and a member of that organization since 1991.

Ms. Harris feels her major contribution in her career has been to help prepare today's students for the workforce, to have opportunities in higher education, and to assist them in gaining confidence in themselves for positive and successful interaction.

Superintendent Phil Hammonds wrote of her, "As director of the Jefferson County School District's Career and Technical Education Department, Ms. Harris leads what I believe can unequivocally be described as the state's most progressive and encompassing career/tech program. More than 16,000 students benefit daily from the many career/tech programs offered them. She provides positive and supportive leadership to teachers and staff to ensure our students receive the best possible learning opportunities."

Ms. Harris was also elected to membership in the Iota Lambda Sigma Fraternity, Epsilon Field Chapter, an honorary organization by invitation only which honors leadership and contributions to the field of career/technical education in Alabama.