ACTE Announces Oklahoma Biomedical Sciences Instructor as National Award Finalist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2022
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
ACTE Announces Oklahoma Biomedical Sciences Instructor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Leslie Powell, Biomedical Sciences Instructor at Kiamichi Technology Center in Durant, Oklahoma, as the 2022 ACTE Region IV Teacher of the Year. 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.
Leslie Powell is a twenty-six-year veteran teacher who was hired seven years ago to begin a Biomedical Sciences Program at the Kiamichi Tech campus in Durant, Oklahoma. In that time her Biomed program has grown from eight total students to near capacity. Leslie is an active leader on her campus and in her district where she is the chairperson on the Professional Development Committee and advisor for the HOSA student organizations. Her leadership extends to the state level where Leslie holds the position of Oklahoma STEM Southeast Vice President and sits on the Conferences Committee. Her awards include being named her school district’s Teacher of the year twice, Oklahoma STEM Teacher of the year, and Oklahoma ACTE Teacher of the year.
Leslie is passionate about teaching and helping her students succeed at becoming life-long learners and critical thinkers. Like all good educators, Leslie leads by example and considers herself a student of the sciences. She continually works to stay updated with the most current industry information determined to improve her program’s curriculum and equipment. It is through this effort she wrote and received a $150,000 Oklahoma Lottery Grant for two 3-D Anatomage tables to teach anatomy and pathology for her district.
Leslie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and biology and a Master’s degree in secondary science education. She holds industry certifications for all four biomedical science courses. Leslie is the parent of two adult children, Dylan and Mackenzie, and grandmother of Kooper who the love and foundation of her personal life are.
Powell 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.
###
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.