ACTE Announces Oklahoma Counselor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Valerie Tibbs, S.C.O.R.E./Career Counselor at Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton, OK as the 2026 ACTE Region IV Counseling and Career Development Professional. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary 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.
Valerie Tibbs has been a driving force in student success at Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton, Oklahoma, where she has served as the S.C.O.R.E./Career Counselor since 2007. The S.C.O.R.E. (School of Career Opportunities and Real Education) program is a dropout recovery initiative designed to help students earn their high school diplomas and re-engage in a path toward long-term success.
With an unwavering commitment to student achievement, Valerie supports both S.C.O.R.E. and Career and Technical Education (CTE) learners, guiding them through program completion and preparing them for life beyond the classroom. She is known for her compassionate leadership, strong advocacy, and deep belief in each student’s potential. Central to her work is the ability to build meaningful, trusting relationships, empowering students who often face significant personal and academic challenges.
Valerie’s extensive experience in dropout recovery has given her unique insight into the needs of today’s CTE students. She approaches every learner with optimism and a clear vision of their potential, continually striving to connect them with opportunities that can transform their future.
An active member of ACTE and OkACTE since 2007, Valerie has received multiple honors for her impactful work. She was the recipient of the 2016 OkACTE Career Guidance Award, a nominee for the 2017 Region IV ACTE Career Guidance Award, and most recently, the 2024 OkACTE Counseling and Career Development Professional Award. She is now recognized nationally as the 2026 ACTE Region IV Counseling and Career Development Professional Award winner.
Valerie is a passionate supporter of initiatives that improve student outcomes and believes deeply in the power of CTE to open doors. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that all students—regardless of background have access to meaningful pathways that lead to brighter futures.
Tibbs is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, 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.
