ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced
Robyn O’Bryan, Counselor at Marion ISD, in Marion, TX as the 2027 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.
Robyn O’Bryan, M.Ed., LAT, has dedicated 37 years to education as a counselor, educator, coach, and advocate for student success. As a veteran high school counselor and College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) advisor at Marion High School in Marion, Texas, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to expanding student access to high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand career opportunities through Career and Technical Education (CTE).
Since 2012, Robyn has led the alignment and development of 16 CTE programs of study for a campus serving approximately 530 students. She has worked diligently to ensure programs meet rigorous state academic standards while integrating industry-recognized certifications that prepare students for both college and career success.
Through strategic partnerships with local businesses, economic development councils, and postsecondary institutions, including Texas State Technical College and Palo Alto College—Robyn has helped create valuable opportunities for students to participate in internships, job shadowing, dual-credit programs, and workforce training. These partnerships have expanded student access to career pathways in health science, information technology, welding, agricultural mechanics, digital media, and other high-demand industries.
Robyn also played a key role in advocating for a $78.8 million bond initiative that funded the construction of a state-of-the-art CTE facility featuring a culinary center, robotics arena, and advanced manufacturing labs. Her leadership and vision have contributed to significant student achievement and credential attainment, helping increase industry certification completion from just four IT certifications in 2017 to a projected 130 certifications by May 2026.
In addition to her program leadership, Robyn has supported district compliance and continuous improvement efforts by assisting with Methods of Administration (MOA) site visits in 2016 and 2023. Her dedication to ensuring equitable access and high-quality educational opportunities has strengthened both student outcomes and district programs.
Earlier in her career, Robyn served as a middle school counselor and spent many years as a teacher, coach, and licensed athletic trainer in multiple Texas school districts. She earned a Master of Education degree from Tarleton State University and a School Counseling Certification from Texas A&M University–San Antonio. She is certified as a School Counselor by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and is also a Licensed Athletic Trainer in Texas.
An active member of the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) and the Texas School Counselor Association, Robyn was named Marion ISD Teacher of the Year and remains deeply committed to professional service, community outreach, and student advocacy. Through her leadership, innovation, and dedication to student success, she continues to make a lasting impact on career and technical education in Texas and beyond.
O’Bryan is one of five finalists for the 2027 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 2, at 6:00 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.
