ACTE Announces Oklahoma Counselor as National Award Winner 

ACTE Announces Oklahoma Counselor as National Award Winner 

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 Counseling and Career Development Professional – National Winner. This award recognizes school counselors and career development professionals who have demonstrated commitment to connecting students with opportunities for success, shown innovation in career exploration and development, and have advocated for CTE as a viable option for all students. The Counseling and Career Development Professional Award is sponsored by The U.S. Army.  

Valerie Tibbs has been a cornerstone of 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 with meaningful career and educational pathways. 

Throughout her career, Valerie has demonstrated unwavering dedication to both S.C.O.R.E. and Career and Technical Education (CTE) students. She guides learners through program completion while equipping them with the skills and confidence needed for success beyond the classroom. Known for her compassionate leadership and strong advocacy, Valerie excels at building trusting relationships that empower students, especially those facing significant personal and academic challenges, to reach their full potential. 

With extensive experience in dropout recovery, Valerie brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities CTE students encounter. She approaches each student with optimism, a clear vision of what they can achieve, and a commitment to connecting them with resources and experiences that can transform their futures. 

An engaged member of ACTE and OkACTE since 2007, Valerie has earned numerous accolades for her impactful work, including the 2016 OkACTE Career Guidance Award, a nomination for the 2017 Region IV ACTE Career Guidance Award, and the 2024 OkACTE Counseling and Career Development Professional Award. She is now celebrated nationally as the 2026 ACTE Region IV Counseling and Career Development Professional Award winner. 

Valerie remains passionate about initiatives that enhance student outcomes and firmly believes in the power of CTE to open doors. Her ongoing mission is to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to meaningful pathways that lead to brighter futures. 

Tibbs was one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 9, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, 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.