The 2026 40 Under 40s will be announced soon! Watch for more info and a registration link to our awards event May 28! Meantime, meet one of our 2025 40 Under 40s:
Stacey Schoonover, Career and Technical Education Consultant for CESA 6
What advice would you give to others looking to make a difference in their communities?
Don’t be afraid to get the answer “no”. No could lead to another door opening and one that you hadn’t planned for.
What’s a failure or setback you experienced that ended up being a stepping stone to something greater?
A setback that I hadn’t expected—but lead me to where I am now—was not getting a teaching position in a neighboring district that I applied for. Not getting that position allowed me to be available for an opportunity to transition out of the classroom and serve many districts with CESA 6.
Looking back, what personal experiences or milestones have had the greatest influence on your professional success?
Working in public education has taught me that being a teacher is more than just teaching the lesson plan. I learned how to build relationships within my school and community, understand and elevate the talents each child brought, and advocate for each student’s unique needs. In my teaching career, I also gained an appreciation for the skills and knowledge within the community can inspire in students.
What is one cause or issue that you’re especially passionate about, and why?
Youth in agriculture. Agricultural education is where my roots are planted. Engaging students in understanding where their impact on supplying the world with its needs and developing the processes that will shape our food and material production is my passion. I enjoy advocating for youth opportunities and programing that shape the experiences available for these youth.
What do you wish more people understood about your field or industry?
Student success is not always measured by academic success. Some of the most successful people I have worked with did not prioritize high grades, AP or CAPP classes, but made a wave of success in career and technical education courses, youth apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship. Academics are important, but a letter grade doesn’t always paint the whole picture.
