2007-2008 AACTE Awards

Each year the Association recognizes deserving professionals, programs, and community members at the Professional Development Conference (PDC). All of us at AACTE congratulate the 2007-2008 award winners for their leadership and contributions to the Alaska CTE community. The following awards were presented at the annual awards luncheon on November 16, 2007.

New CTE Teacher of the Year (1-3 Years) - Dan Trotter, district-wide welding teacher for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.

This award emphasizes the difference a teacher makes in students’ lives. Dan’s peers complimented him for his ability to fill his students with a desire to learn and his commitment to his students. The strongest testimony came from a former student, now successfully employed as a welder. The student stated that Mr. Trotter was the most influential teacher he had, who taught him good values to take into the work force or college and a passion to do as well as you can every time. During his first year of teaching welding, Dan was able to certify students as well as have students compete in the SkillsUSA Welding. He has already shown his professionalism by becoming a member of ACTE. This award was sponsored by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

CTE Teacher of the Year - Trish Zugg, the Cisco instructor at the Mat-Su Career & Technical High School.

This award is for a teacher who does outstanding work for CTE both at the local and state levels. As a CISCO teacher, the standards are high, and she holds the students to that high standard. The curriculum is a combination of on-line instruction and in-class labs, and Trish does an outstanding job with the coordination. Students say the class is tough but interesting and very applicable to today’s work force. She is a Certified Cisco Network Administrator.

Trish has also been a leader for CTSOs (Career & Student Leadership Organization) such as BPA (Business Professionals of America) and SkillsUSA, coordinating state competitive events. She was selected as a Region V ACTE leadership fellow and has been involved in organizing CTE leadership training at the state conferences for the past two years. With this award, she becomes eligible for the Region V ACTE Teacher of the Year Award. Trish has also played an important role by serving on the district’s curriculum council and helping with the IT design and other aspects of the new high school. This award was sponsored by AACTE.

Industrial/Technology Teacher of the Year - Dave Brown of Wrangell High School.

Dave is known for his marine fabrication classes in which students build aluminum boats. He has been with the Wrangell School District for 26 years. He teaches with the proper blend of discipline, humor, and a safety first attitude; and students there are very responsive to his style. His principal says Dave’s classroom is truly a “Statue of Liberty” model in which all students can learn due to his solid teaching techniques. He has a professional relationship with his students, but also helps them with Tech Prep and post-secondary decisions for which parents are appreciative. One of his peers complimented him for stressing excellent work ethics and high quality and workmanship with his students. This award was sponsored by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

Health Services Teacher of the Year - Barbara Fuller of Anchorage.

Barbara is the Health Occupations instructor at King Career Center. She is a strong teacher who has maintained the rigorous curriculum and added to it with her own expertise and made it fun. She used her connections in the health field to build the advisory committee and to provide opportunities for advanced students to have on-the-job training opportunities. She is in the start up process for HOSA (Health Occupations Student Association) club. HOSA will allow students to participate in specialized field trips, job shadows, and health certification programs. Prior to coming to the KCC, she worked in a middle school and worked to eliminate bullying in the school and was known for focusing on lifelong learning, healthy life skills and career building. Barbara Fuller is a member of the Alaska Health Education Consortium. This award was sponsored by Alaska Center for Rural Health – Alaska’s AHEC.

Business/IT Teacher of the Year - Leha Uehling from the Anchorage School District.

She is described as a student-driven teacher, always involved in some sort of extra-curricular activity for students, and a true professional. She has worked with a business partner to adopt a School to Career Program in financial management which includes a credit union branch at Chugiak High School. This has provided students with authentic learning opportunities which tie directly to the work place. Leha was also instrumental in planning the school-wide “Every 15 Minutes” program which is a simulation that educates students about the risks of drinking and driving. This award was sponsored by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year - Cheryl Hembree of Anchorage.

Cheryl has been instrumental in developing a district curriculum and is viewed as a passionate leader and vibrant spokesperson for the profession. She is the ASD Facilitator for Mid Level FCS teachers. Cheryl is known for going beyond the required curriculum. An example is offering the American Red Cross Babysitting curriculum. Many of her students at Hanshew Middle School receive the national accredited ID card required to become a certified babysitter. She is an active member of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences as well as ACTE. This award was sponsored by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

Hospitality/Tourism Teacher of the Year - Kathy Vik of Anchorage.

Kathy has a very obvious passion for students in preparing them for the real world. She started the FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America) at Chugiak High School, Anchorage School District and is the FCCLA State Advisor. Kathy always has students involved in service-learning projects and school-business partnerships. She worked with others in her school on the school-wide “Every 15 Minutes” program. She is recognized by her industry partners, specifically by the Alaska Hospitality Alliance, not only for teaching culinary and food service training (ProStart), but also imparting a culture of learning and an attitude of responsibility in her students.

Kathy has been recognized as one of the top five teachers of Family & Consumer Sciences in the nation and has shared her expertise at in-service presentations at the local level and in articles published at the national level. She has been a presenter at national conferences and will be the Alaska representative in The Curriculum Showcase at the National ACTE Conference in Las Vegas in December 2007. This award was sponsored by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

CTE Administrator of the Year - Guy Okada, principal of the King Career Center.

As an experienced administrator Guy Okada came to KCC with an open mind and an eagerness to continue the positive programs at KCC as well as to improve and expand them. A seasoned professional Mr. Okada approaches everyday as a new opportunity to create innovative learning. He is supportive of the Tech Prep program with UAA and personally reviews and signs each student registration. He has worked with staff so that students can take the Accuplacer placement test to evaluate whether or not they are ready for post-secondary education.

He has set the tone for KCC where personal responsibility, innovation and professionalism are expected of students and staff. The staff appreciates his open door policy and his willingness to listen and provide feedback. His approach to teaching is providing the support to teachers and allowing them to get the job done. Guy works tirelessly on public relations for KCC programs and works daily to get the message out about the programs and student success. Under Guy’s administration, KCC is now open with after-school programs, adult evening programs and summer school classes. As soon as he became principal, he became a student of CTE and has attended the ACTE national conference the past two years. This award was sponsored by the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals.

Promising Practices Award - Brad Gillespie, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Employment Services Division, Regional Manager, State of Alaska.

One of the programs highlighted in the nomination for this award is the Youth Hiring Center (formerly One Stop Shop) and the career guide program established at the King Career Center in Anchorage. It provides for student employment counseling which is typically not available in traditional high schools and stands as a model for replication throughout Alaska. Another partnership exists with the Anchorage School District with the High Growth Job Training Initiative, working not only with the KCC but also with the other comprehensive high schools to develop transition skills to employment for all students. This award was sponsored by the Business Education Compact.

Leadership Award — Gary Gaard of Anchorage.

Gary is a retired Printing Technology teacher who currently works as a consultant in construction trades for the Career & Technology Office for ASD. He has demonstrated an ability to work with industry representatives and new and veteran teachers to develop a strong curriculum that prepares students for a successful career. The construction trades offerings at King Career Center have grown, and he is credited with being an instrumental part of the development. He is a champion for CTE and an exemplar for all teachers. He lives and breathes CTE. He is precise with his expectations, timely with deadlines, and prides himself on being a team player. He is described as a straight shooter who gets the job done. One of his strengths is understanding when to jump in and provide assistance, and he knows when to stand back and wait to be asked for his input. No matter the day, he is always upbeat, on task and working, really working with students and staff. The award was sponsored by the Tanana Valley, UAF.

Leadership Award — Bob Johnson and Mat-Su School Board

Former School Board member Bob Johnson and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School Board were honored for leadership in CTE. Their support of career and technical education programs in the district has been long-term and sustained not just for years but for decades. When other school districts were experiencing declining budgets and cutting career and technical programs, the MSBSB remained a strong supporter of career and technical education and not only maintained existing programs but promoted and implemented new programs. In the past ten years, they have directed fiscal, maintenance and human resources into designing, improving and upgrading career and technical programs in the district.

This year the Mat-Su Career & Technical High School, a career pathway technical high school, opened its doors to students. This center is a direct reflection of the support of the school board. School board member, Bob Johnson’s, contribution toward this building is especially noted in this effort. As the CIP list for the district was being reviewed he made a motion to move the Career and Technical Center from the bottom of the list to near the top. The motion was approved and the school was placed on the bond package to the voters the next fall.

The School Board support does not stop at decision making and budget allocations. Individually, many of the school board members (including Bob Johnson) are also members of program area career and technical advisory boards and attend those meetings. They also attend student celebrations and work with and listen to business and industry partners. This award was sponsored by AACTE.

Leadership Award—Dr. Sally Spieker, Community & Technical College, UAA.

When Sally was a Family & Consumer Sciences teacher, she was known for her dedication and enthusiasm and involvement in FHA/HERO, a student leadership organization. After a successful teaching career, Sally worked for the State Department of Education in CTE. When she first came to the University, she built the Tech Prep program at UAA, and now is a professor for CTE and teaches graduate level courses and works with CTE student teachers. Her leadership and determination have led to the renewal of the Masters’ Degree in CTE at UAA. Her efforts throughout her career have been to make CTE sustainable in the State of Alaska. She is a contributing member of many CTE councils and committees and always has the students’ best interest in mind. This award was sponsored by AACTE.

Community Contribution - Dick Cattanach of Associated General Contractors.

Dick exceeds the criteria for excellence with his work with the Anchorage Construction Trades Academy. His work has impacted many Anchorage School District students as they have been able to get additional training that would not have been possible without his work to make the connections and build the relationships needed between ASD and the employers. There will be a legacy from his involvement with the public schools as the youth become part of the construction and energy-related industries. Due to the success of the Anchorage program and Dick’s continuing efforts, state-wide academies will now be established.

Dick is also known for his TV public support for construction trades and workforce development. News articles of Mr. Cattanach supporting CTE frequent local newspapers and Alaskan trade magazines. Dick has been an effective state leader in CTE for more than a decade. He testifies at important public meetings in support of career education and sits on several influential work force boards. This award was sponsored by the Community & Technical College UAA.

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Nomination Process

Submit the name(s) of the person, team, or program, the award nominated for, and three letters of recommendation to Kathy Andrews by the deadline.

Selection Process

A committee will select award winners using the criteria listed below. Selection will be completed in time for the persons submitting nominations to be notified, and arrangements can be made to have the winners in attendance at the awards ceremony. It is not mandatory that winners attend the awards luncheon.

Award Categories for individuals are:

Outstanding CTE Teacher of the Year

This nominee needs to meet the criteria for ACTE Region V Teacher of the Year.

• Candidates are currently employed as full-time classroom/laboratory teachers in a career and technical education program other than at the baccalaureate level.
• Contributions and achievements on which the nomination is based should have been made within the past ten years.
• The nominee should have been involved in some capacity for ACTE at the regional and/or national level.
• The nominee must have been a member of ACTE and AACTE for at least the past five consecutive years.

If these preliminary criteria are met, the nominee will be evaluated on the same criteria as the other Teacher of the Year nominees. They are:

Outstanding New (1-3 years) CTE Teacher of the Year

Industrial/Technology Teacher of the Year

Business/Information Technology Teacher of the Year

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year

Health Services Teacher of the Year

Hospitality/Tourism Teacher of the Year

_____ (8) Positive impact on students

_____ (3) Connections—teacher’s effort strengthens students’ connections to the work place

_____ (3) Recognized by peers as representing excellence in the career and technical classroom

_____ (2) CTSOs are an integral part of the program

_____ (2) AACTE member

_____ (2) Public recognition—teacher contributes to building a positive view of career and technical education

CTE Administrator of the Year

_____ (8) Vision—understands the goals and mission of Career and Technical Education

_____ (6) Connections—builds CTE connections between students and their next steps

(employment or post-secondary education)

_____ (3) Recognized by teachers and staff as representing excellence in promoting CTE

______(3) Longevity of service—accomplishments have been sustained over time

Award categories for individuals or programs are

Community Contribution Award (The recipient(s) may or may not be professional educators)

_____ (7) Impact—their contribution made a difference to career and technical education

_____ (7) Connections—their effort strengthens the school’s connection to the workplace

_____ (4) Effort—especially as outside their professional duties

_____ (2) Longevity—their contribution has been sustained over time

Leadership Award (The recipient(s) may or may not be professional educators)

_____ (8) Professional contribution—their efforts have improved our profession

_____ (6) Vision—nominee provides leadership to our profession

_____ (4) Effort—dedicated energy towards improvement of career and technical education

_____ (2) Longevity of service—accomplishments have been sustained over time

Promising Practices Award (The recipient(s) may or may not be professional educators)

_____ (7) Partnership—ties to academics, community, other training providers or post-secondary have been established.

_____ (7) Promising practices—program development represents a best practice, established through research and consultation.

_____ (2) Vision—program has ties to current and future economic and labor market needs

_____ (2) Longevity—plans have been made for growth and sustainability beyond start up process

_____ (2) Professionalism—efforts of all individuals involved have contributed to positive peer and public recognition

Questions? Contact Kathy Andrews, Awards Chair, at 907-746-9281 or kathlynn.andrews@matsuk12.us.

If you are a member of AACTE and would like to represent your area of the state on the Awards Review Committee, please contact Kathy Andrews.

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2006-2007 AACTE Award Winners

All of us at AACTE congratulate the 2006-2007 award winners for their leadership and contributions to the Alaska CTE community. The following awards were presented at the annual awards luncheon on October 13, 2006 (many thanks to the student photographers from King Career Center for taking the pictures!):

New CTE Teacher of the Year - Chef Jack Nurmi, King Career Center, Anchorage

In his short tenure as a chef instructor, Jack Nurmi demonstrates daily his passion for his craft and his "magical" ability to impart those skills to students. His patience, people skills, community contacts and vast experience have culminated in taking KCC's culinary program to a new level. He is a true leader as well as a team player. He brings new energy to the culinary program and promotes a healthy love of competition amongst his students by developing a CTSO and participating in Skills USA competitions. His commitment to the culinary program, his students, and improving his skills as an educator make King Career Center's Chef Jack Nurmi a natural choice for New Career & Technical Education Teacher of the Year.

Business/Information Technology Teacher of the Year - R. C. Fisher , Hiland Mountain Correctional Center, Eagle River

Roland "R. C." Fisher is one of those perpetually upbeat people who really and truly loves his job. He has a great passion for what he does, and he believes his students can achieve great things. His mission is to do what he can to help them reach their goals. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his students are catching it and making the most of their opportunities. They are leaving his program with skills and national industry certifications, empowered with marketable skills and the confidence to use them. As one student writes, "I just wanted to let you know that all your encouragement and teaching have not gone to waste, and I am doing great! I still have the same job I got with my MOS Master Certification. I am married now and have my first child on the way. I wanted you to know that people like you in the Department of Corrections really do make a difference, and I am the proof. Please encourage the others with this information---if a 3-time felon can get out and live the life I now have, then surely everyone there can do it. Microsoft really does make a difference! God Bless you R. C." Congratulations to our Business/Information Technology Teacher of the Year from Hiland Mountain Correctional Center, Roland "R. C." Fisher.

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year - Tressa Whitten, Romig Middle School, Anchorage

Tressa Whitten is described as still energetic and enthusiastic about teaching as she enters her 24th year in education. Her lessons and activities prepare her students for real life situations. She is adept at designing unique instructional techniques and teaches "across the curriculum," incorporating reading, math, English, and science into many of her lessons. Her excellent people skills, diligence, creativity, conscientiousness and excellent leadership skills make Romig Middle School's Tressa Whitten the Family and Consumer Science Teacher of the Year.

Health Sciences Teacher of the Year - Nancy Cavanaugh, Sitka High School

Nancy Cavanaugh exemplifies the impact one person can make in transforming the lives of those who come in contact with her at school, on a committee, or in the community. By applying her incredible depth of knowledge and boundless energy to strengthen the Health Sciences program in her high school, Nancy has been responsible for adding a Certified Nurse Assistant Program and an Emergency Trauma Technician program to the school offerings. She has worked with a local adult volunteer to establish a local CTSO of Youth First Responders comprised of certified student ETTs or EMTs who volunteer their time to be on call at local events. She has worked with the University to develop a formal Tech Prep agreement that addresses the whole Health Sciences program. In both the CNA and ETT classes, 100% of the students passing her class have passed the national certifications. This is excellence in Career and Technical Education. Congratulations to Nancy Cavanaugh from Sitka High School, Health Sciences Teacher of the Year.

Hospitality/Tourism Teacher of the Year - Rebecca Jesse, East High School, Anchorage

Rebecca Jesse is an incredibly devoted teacher who strives to give every lesson her best. She collaborates with science teachers to bridge not only the content areas, but the concepts leading to lessons where chemistry and biology are integrated into the food science curriculum. She is one of those teachers who continually reaches beyond her standard role to bring positive work experiences to her students. Through her work with numerous chefs and other professionals in the community, mentoring opportunities and real world experiences are available for her students. Her energy, vision, passion and professionalism are winning combinations as her program continues to grow and develop. Her willingness to take risks and try new things has resulted in incredible opportunities and results. Her efforts serve to strengthen the credibility of our high school program and help students to see all of the exciting opportunities that await them with a career in hospitality. Congratulations to East High School's Rebecca Jesse, Hospitality/Tourism Teacher of the Year.

Career & Technical Education Administrator of the Year - Rick Rios, Anchorage School District

Rick Rios is consistently described as a passionate individual whose passion is infused with the enthusiasm, zeal, and energy of a dedicated teacher. He sees opportunities where others might see problems and focuses on ways to make things happen for the welfare of students and the community. He has been instrumental in bringing parties together to work collaboratively to move Career & Technical Education ahead and become an increasingly important part of Anchorage School District's mission to prepare productive and engaged citizens. Congratulations to Rick Rios, CTE Administrator of the Year.

Leadership Award - UAA Community and Technical College (accepted by Bonnie Nygard, Associate Dean)

UAA's Community and Technical College has been dedicated to aligning the school curriculum with Alaska's workforce needs, representing a major step forward for Alaskans. The model used for this project was visionary and can be replicated across systems. This planning effort brought all key players to the table and resulted in a usable outcome that can be utilized in driving positive change that will benefit everyone and ultimately the students and the community. The accomplishments of this group will have a multi-year impact on the school, the local community, the state, and career & technical education in general, as planning will focus on the whole rather than parts. Congratulations to UAA's Community and Technical College on this bold step to better serve students through this robust, highly visible and what promises to be highly successful new approach.

Promising Practices Award - Bill Corbett, Service High School, Anchorage

Bill Corbett is described as a true visionary who has taken his school beyond conventional computing practices. Due to his forward thinking and considerable talents, technology that truly enhances the educational experience has been implemented. Students, staff, and families of his school reap tremendous benefits from his efforts. He is an outstanding team player and takes the challenges involved with technology and computers as opportunities to create a positive experience for everyone involved. He provides vision, training, and guidance to make his school one of the most technologically advanced in the nation. Congratulations to Bill Corbett, Service High School's Technology Coordinator, whose educational practices are not only promising, they are a reality.

Community Contribution Award - Palmer Rotary Club (accepted by Jake Libbey, President)

The Palmer Rotary Club has been dedicated to helping students make the connection between the educational decisions they make and their future in the world of work. Not only does this organization purchase the materials for this program, they take time from their busy schedules to make the classroom presentations. They have entered the middle school environment like ambassadors from the future. The spirit of community and leadership that the Palmer Rotary Club brings to the schools makes them truly deserving of the Community Contributions Award.

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2005-2006 AACTE Awards

Business/Information Technology Teacher of the Year - Joann Pfisterer, Dimond High

Joann has been a business teacher at Anchorage 's Dimond High School for over 20 years-the last ten of them as department head. Her principal says she holds high expectations, articulates standards and correlates curriculum with work, has strong connections in the business community, and still has a zest for teaching and learning that translates into student success.

Career & Technical Education Administrator of the Year - Robert Doyle, Chief School Administrator for the Mat-Su Borough School District

Robert has been the Chief School Administrator for 4 years, but a part of the administrative team for 22 years. He believes in providing opportunities for students outside the normal education process, is a proponent of "small learning communities" and has been a direct advocate for the new career and technical center that will open in the 2007 school year in Mat-Su. His leadership has enabled Mat-Su to offer many programs whereby students gain national and state certifications. He has made sure that Mat-Su can implement, delivery, and maintain quality career and technology programs.

Industrial/Technology Teacher of the Year - John Egan, Palmer High

John is an automotive and electronics teacher at Palmer High School, where he also serves as CTE department head. This automotive program is NATEF certified. He promotes Skills USA as well as spending many hours keeping his training current, his programs up to date, and building, for students, the connection between high school, post secondary education, and employment.

Leadership Award - Dean Southam, Office of Career and Technology Education, Anchorage

Dean has been a member of the Anchorage educational community for over thirty years. For the past six of those years he has been a part time staff member of the Anchorage School District Office of Career and Technology Education. While working in this office he has become a leader of professional development conferences - both local and state; he has set up summer conclaves; he has made himself a Career and Technology Ed. Standards expert; he is a training facilitator and he willingly works on all tasks that will improve the career and technology profession for others. In addition to all that, Dean has designed and maintains the ASD Career Tech web site. He is truly a leader for all of us in Career and Technology Education and as some call him "a life saver."

Promising Practices Award - Jack Simpson, Mat-Su Welding Program

Jack teaches the Mat-Su District-wide welding program housed at Colony High School. He is also a member of the American Welding society, sponsors Skills USA, and is a trainer for welding through the state. The Mat-Su program is a SENSE Program, which is sponsored by AWS and prepares students for AWS Level 1 testing. With Jack's hard work, Palmer High School was the first in the state to gain NATEF certification.

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year - Diane Chapman, Service High

Diane is a teacher at Anchorage's Service High School, where she teaches Child Development/Parenting; Nutrition and Food Preparation; and ProStart, a national culinary arts program. Diane's principal describes her in his nomination letter as a faculty member that has a love for her subject areas that is surpassed only by her concern for her students. She provides her students with the confidence and vision that helps them forge a productive future for themselves. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Diane has worked as a writer and trainer for the Alaska Health Education standards. Before Diane started at Service High, she taught in Juneau.

Health Sciences Teacher of the Year - Bill Parker, Wasilla High

Bill is a health occupations and science teacher at Wasilla High School. Bill wears many hats in the Mat-Su District. He is a Wasilla High School teacher, a district wide teacher for an on-line medical terminology class and the unofficial curriculum specialist for health occupations. Bill also teaches an on-line medical technology class for the AK Tech Prep Consortium. He has been involved in health occupations program development in the state of Alaska for many years. Bill was one of the first to recognize the value of the national curriculum and to begin to teach to those standards embedded within it. The community and his peers recognize him as a very knowledgeable and caring instructor.

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2004-2005 AACTE Awards

Business/Information Technology Teacher of the Year

Steven Cook from Palmer High School was selected as the Business/Information Technology Teacher of the Year. This award was sponsored by Glencoe/McGraw Hill. Steve was recognized for his efforts in curriculum development, student-run enterprises, and Business Professionals of America (BPA).

He is currently the Alaska BPA advisor who organizes the student Performance-Based Assessment Conference and represents the State of Alaska on the national Classroom Advisory Educators Council (CEAC) for BPA. Steve was honored for his professionalism and impact on students, particularly in assisting students in reaching national certifications.

Career & Technical Education Administrator of the Year

Dwight Probasco, Principal of Wasilla High School, received the CTE Administrator of the Year Award. This award was sponsored by AACTE. Dwight was honored for the continued support offered to CTE programs at Wasilla.

The Career and Technical Student Organizations such as BPA and SkillsUSA have had decades of success. The CTE staff is well connected to industry. Programs such as the Mat-Su Construction Trades and the Certified Nursing Assistant had their beginnings there. Dwight was recognized for his understanding of the goals and mission of CTE and long-term commitment.

Community Contribution Award

Laurie Prax from Valdez was selected for the Community Contribution Award, sponsored by ACTE. Laurie operates the KVAK radio station in Valdez where high school students have created and produced weekly radio broadcasts for over ten years through the Communication Technologies class. Ms. Prax has also served as the Junior Achievement Coordinator for Valdez City Schools for many years.

She was recognized for her ability to highlight student achievement, her countless hours of working directly with children, and her willingness to develop the ties between local commerce and the schools.

Hospitality/Tourism Teacher of the Year

Sarah Parks, the Family & Consumer Sciences teacher at Houston High School, was selected as the Hospitality/Tourism Teacher of the Year. This award was sponsored by Glencoe/McGraw Hill. Sarah was honored for being the first in Alaska to develop a ProStart Program, which emphasizes culinary arts tied directly to the industry. There are now eight schools in Alaska who participate.

Sarah has been teaching for over 30 years, but she continues to seek innovative teaching techniques and programs to meet the needs of her students. Her students are receiving industry certifications in sanitation and customer service. She is recognized for leadership and excellence.

Industrial/Technology Teacher of the Year

Dan Sparkman, Radio and Television instructor at the King Career Center in Anchorage, is the Industrial/Technology Teacher of the Year. This award was sponsored by Glencoe/McGraw Hill. His students are well-prepared and valued as they transition to the industry; many of them intern at KTUU. Mr. Sparkman's students are held to high performance standards and are participants in Skills USA.

Dan was honored for his community ties, curriculum ties to industry, and willingness to help any learners. His integrative approach to teaching seamlessly blends academic and technical skills in a project-oriented curriculum. His energy and positive attitude were noted as the key to building the student and community collaboration.

Leadership Award

Dr. Karen Schmitt, Career Education Dean for the University of Alaska Southeast, was recognized with the AACTE Leadership Award. This award was sponsored by the Community and Technical College at UAA. Dr. Schmitt's efforts towards the revitalizing of the Career Education Department were noted. According to her peers, she has a management style that has taken care of business yet also increased the morale and camaraderie in the department.

Karen was honored for tireless energy, wisdom, professionalism and understanding of what it takes to be a team player. She has over 15 years of leadership in career education and directing research and outreach programs.

New CTE Teacher of the Year

Diane Maples from Valdez High School was selected as the New Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year. This award was sponsored by Glencoe/McGraw Hill. She is a business teacher, recognized for her standards-based approach to learning and providing for real life experiences for pupils. Students have received Alaska Food Handlers licenses and Alaska Host Certificates.

Ms. Maples sponsors a BPA (Business Professionals of America) chapter which has done well on the state and national level. Her mentorship of BPA students has helped grow students into leadership positions. Diane was recognized for her professionalism, work ethic, and enthusiasm-a trendsetter for career and technical education.

Promising Practices Award

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Welding Advisory Committee received the Promising Practices Award, which was sponsored by the Business Education Compact. The criteria for this award required strong partnerships, best practices, vision, longevity, and professionalism. The classroom teacher for the Welding Program is Jack Simpson.

The committee's membership represents post-secondary instructors and providers, union training programs, small business owners, state-wide employers, school district operations and maintenance, and American Welding Society (AWS) members. It is this partnership which has allowed the MSBSD to move to a newly remodeled facility, upgrade curriculum, renew the teaching site as a SENSE school, start adult training classes, and offer state-of-the art welding instruction to students on a district-wide basis.