Career and Technical Education
The Association for Career and Technical Education named the winners of three national awards in career and technical education at the association’s annual convention in New Orleans. The awards were co-sponsored by McDonald’s Corp.
Coleen Cly Keffeler, school-to-careers coordinator, Sturgis Brown High School, Sturgis, S.D., received the national ACTE Teacher of the Year award for her innovative curriculum for teaching career education. She created hands-on classes for family and consumer sciences, and has helped students with career placement and performance.
Robert J. Kemmery Jr., principal, Eastern Technical High School, Baltimore, was named the ACTE Outstanding Career and Technical Educator for his skill as an administrator in career and technical education. He developed a method for combining career and academic education in his school that has become a national model.
Billie Sue Burris, computer information-systems teacher and department chair, Quapaw Technical Institute, Hot Springs, Ark., was honored as ACTE’s Outstanding New Career and Technical Teacher for her effective teaching and for implementing state-of-the-art technology training for students.
Sarah E. Raikes, family and consumer sciences teacher, Washington County High School, Springfield, Ky., was named the ACTE Outstanding Teacher in Community Service for developing programs that promote community service and participation.
NSBA Federal Relations Network
The National School Boards Association’s Federal Relations Network recently honored four members of Congress at the network’s annual conference in Washington last week. Three senators and one representative will receive special-recognition awards for their commitment to public education.
Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., and Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, were recognized for supporting full funding of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, received the award for sponsoring financial equity for rural schools.
Rep. Judy Biggert, R- Ill., was honored for her efforts to provide for the protection of school districts in the Terrorism Risk Protection Act.
Other Honors and Awards
Ray Salazar was presented with the 2001 Teacher of the Year award by Hispanic Magazine and Nordstrom Inc. at a dinner last month in Seattle. He is a teacher of business and vocational studies at Casa Grande Union High School in Casa Grande, Ariz. He was recognized for his outstanding teaching skills, innovative curriculum, and ability to motivate students. He was selected by a panel of Hispanic leaders from 70 applicants. Mr. Salazar and his wife received an expenses-paid trip to Washington to meet with officials from the U.S. Department of Education to discuss issues affecting students today.
Barbara Byrd-Bennett, the chief executive officer of the Cleveland school district, was named the 2002 Black Professional of the Year by the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation for her career achievements and personal integrity. She will be honored Feb. 23 at the association’s annual awards gala in Cleveland.
