Five CareerTech educators named to Power List
Five Oklahoma CareerTech educators were named to The Journal Record Top Leaders in Education 2025 Power List.
Representing CareerTech on the list are Aaron Collins, Metro Technology Centers superintendent/CEO; Brian Ruttman, Moore Norman Technology Center superintendent/CEO; Michelle Keylon, Francis Tuttle Technology Center superintendent/CEO; Nadine Hanefield, Great Plains Technology Center service careers instructor; and Melissa Evon, Elgin High School family and consumer sciences teacher.
The list honors ”professionals driving progress in a field that demands resilience, creativity and collaboration,” the newspaper said.
Read more on The Journal Record website.
CareerTech STEM instructors honored
Two Oklahoma STEM instructors received Siegfried Excellence in STEM Education awards, and several others received honorable mentions.
De’Ira Taylor, Tulsa Public Schools, won the middle school award, and Gary Knowles, Mustang Public Schools, won the high school award. Taylor teaches at the TPS Monroe Demonstration Academy. Knowles teaches at Mustang High School.
CareerTech teachers who received honorable mention awards were Leah Dollar, Stillwater Public Schools; Jacey Duncan, Oklahoma Union School; Andrew Darrow, Broken Arrow Public Schools; Ramona Rogers, Tulsa Public Schools; and Jessica Sprague, Sand Springs Public Awards.
The awards honor educators who lead with innovation and excellence by transforming classrooms into places where the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and leaders can thrive. They are presented by the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance.
Read more on the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance website.
More than 1,700 register for virtual health career expo
More than 1,700 people registered for Explore Healthcare: Oklahoma Virtual Career Expo last week.
The free Zoom session featured 10 hospitals and multiple health care professionals talking about health careers in Oklahoma. It was presented by Oklahoma CareerTech and the Oklahoma Hospital Association.
The webinar featured videos from participating hospitals and a chance for participants to ask questions of staff members at each hospital.
Watch the Explore Healthcare: Oklahoma Virtual Career Expo on the OHA YouTube channel.
Video Series visits Pontotoc Technology Center
Episode 14 of Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell’s “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech” focuses on Pontotoc Technology Center.
Nathan Dial, a graduate and now instructor in PTC’s automotive service technician program, talks about growing up with a passion for cars, running his own automotive business and teaching at his alma mater.
He also shares about engine building competitions and scholarship opportunities that help his students succeed.
Useful links
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State Agency Assistance at a Glance
National Research Center for Career and Technical Education
OK Career Guide Training Opportunities
The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination. -- Tommy Lasorda
