ACTE Announces Ohio Instructor as National Award Finalist

/in /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2018

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
jnagurka@acteonline.org, 703-683-9312

ACTE Announces Ohio Instructor as National Award Finalist

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Jeffery Bertke, Electrical Trades Instructor at Upper Valley Career Center in Piqua, Ohio, as the recipient of the 2018 ACTE Region I Carl Perkins Community Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who have used CTE to make a significant impact on their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service.

Jeff Bertke is an educator looking for ways to improve the community and involve his students in the process. Bertke and his students were instrumental in transforming a church into a community space. The space and related programming offer mentorship opportunities, a learning center and a school supply pantry.

Bertke wrote a Lowes/Skills USA grant to acquire supplies for the project, and he and his team rewired sections of the church designated for the learning center. They also painted, decorated and set up a dedicated wireless network. The community learning center is now a safe space for students to come after school to work on homework.

He also volunteers with the American Red Cross as well as with SkillsUSA, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Cub Scouts and is Sunday school superintendent at his church.

Bertke 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.

###

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.