ACTE Announces New Jersey Lead Instructor as National Award Finalist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2018
Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
jnagurka@acteonline.org, 703-683-9312
ACTE Announces New Jersey Lead Instructor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Dr. Anne Marie McNamara, Lead Instructor of the Teacher Education Academy at the Union County Vocational Technical School District in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, as the 2018 ACTE Region I Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical teachers at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Dr. Ann Marie McNamara has created a program of content-rich curriculum coupled with innovative and engaging instruction for UCTECH’s Teacher Education Academy. The six-semester course sequence places a significant emphasis on relevant, technical learning objectives, and on advancing writing and communication skills.
Dr. McNamara is constantly critiquing her own instruction while sharing the technical curriculum of education and training. She provides each student with regular one-on-one meetings and multiple opportunities for leadership in the classroom. Beginning freshman year, all students are responsible for reviewing peers’ homework, creating their own anticipatory sets and critiquing presentations in each class.
Dr. McNamara’s classroom is the envy of every visitor who enters. Each wall is covered with student work, inspirational quotes, a gallery wall and even a good vibes board. Dr. McNamara promotes a positive environment to all, a culture where learning and respect is the cornerstone of this academy.
Dr. McNamara is one of 5 finalists for the 2019 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Banquet, a dinner and award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on Wednesday evening, November 28, during ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2018 in San Antonio, TX. The Awards Banquet is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, the US Army, CareerSafe, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.