ACTE Announces Oklahoma Biomedical Sciences Teacher as National Award Finalist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2023
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
ACTE Announces Oklahoma Biomedical Sciences Teacher as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Karen Upton, Biomedical Sciences Teacher at Metro Technology Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as the 2023 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.
Since 2010, Karen Upton has been a CTE instructor at the Biomedical Sciences Academy and has been teaching since 1996. Her credentials include Early Childhood, Biology, Chemistry, and Principal Certifications, and her teaching experience spans the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and the college level. In addition to her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, she possesses a Master of Science in Developmental Behavioral Neuroscience and a second Master of Education in Leadership and Curriculum Supervision. She has worked in both public and private schools, owned a home-based preschool, and has published in a leading neuroscience journal. Her passion is education and advocating for students and teachers to have a quality education. She enjoys collaborating with others to develop creative strategies for removing obstacles to education and a productive lifestyle.
Upton is one of five finalists for the 2024 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 29, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, 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.