ACTE Announces Michigan Career and College Readiness Coordinator as National Award Finalist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2022
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
ACTE Announces Michigan Career and College Readiness Coordinator as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Laura Saline, Career and College Readiness Coordinator at Livingston Educational Service Agency in Howell, Michigan, as the 2022 ACTE Region I Counseling and Career Development Professional. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) 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.
Laura Saline is a southeast Michigan native who always had the dream of working in education and empowering students to achieve their dreams. Laura attended Western Michigan University for her Bachelor of Arts in Education, and soon after graduation began an 8-year upper elementary teaching career in the South Redford School District. After the birth of her second child, Laura stayed home to raise her children and during that time ran two successful direct sales businesses. Additionally, she attended Eastern Michigan University to receive her Master of Arts in Counseling. She began her experience in counseling as a graduate assistant for the College of Education Clinical Suite on EMU’s campus. Laura began her counseling career at Whitmore Lake High School as a school counselor, and also opened a private counseling practice in Dexter, MI. Throughout her education career, Laura has had a passion for career development, and a belief that learning about the opportunities for one’s future creates hope and positivity. With her fifth-grade students, Laura ran a Mini-Society Program to teach students about economics and entrepreneurship. At Whitmore Lake High School, Laura was instrumental in promoting the Career Technical Education opportunities for students and assisted in doubling enrollment in CTE programs.
Currently, Laura is the Career and College Readiness Coordinator in Livingston County and is committed to working with all students K-12 in Livingston County, which includes five local districts and over 22,000 students. Not only is she a member of several local area chambers, but also active on school leadership teams. Laura is a member of two local district Post-Secondary Advisory Councils (PAC) to support career and college goals for their students including MI College Month Activities, FAFSA Completion and grant writing to support career exploration activities.
Laura’s partnerships with community and industry leaders, local districts, MI Works SE, Ann Arbor Spark, Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN) and post-secondary partners has increased work based learning opportunities for CTE students as well as enhanced advisory membership and participation. She leads several groups including Lead counselors, a Financial Readiness Action Team (FRAT) and Local Career and College Access Network (LCCAN) and counselor professional development county wide. She works with CTE teachers around the county and their students to increase connections with industry partners including company tours, job shadow and internship opportunities and connecting students with employers in an education and employer network. Laura presents to students in CTE programs on using LinkedIn, writing resumes, interview preparation, using Xello and other career exploration tools.
Saline is one of five finalists for the 2023 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 November 30, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox 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.