ACTE Announces Oklahoma Instructor – Firefighter/Basic EMT as National Award Finalist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2022
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
ACTE Announces Oklahoma Instructor – Firefighter/Basic EMT as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Nancy Howell, Instructor – Firefighter/Basic EMT at Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton, Oklahoma, as the 2022 ACTE Region IV Postsecondary Educator of the Year. 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.
Nancy Howell’s Emergency Medical Technician/Firefighter (EMT/FF) program at Great Plains Technology Center (GPTC) was the first in the state of Oklahoma and among the first in entire United States. Because of her adherence to the highest training standards. Nancy herself is also invaluable as a Subject Matter Expert for both Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education and Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training. As a curriculum developer, instructor, and evaluator for OSU Fire Service Training, her expertise and influence extend well beyond her classroom, ensuring firefighters and EMTs from volunteer, municipal, and industry departments from every corner of the state are highly qualified to save lives and property.
Nancy began teaching at GPTC in 1992, and since developing the full-time EMT/FF course in 2002, she has worked tirelessly to expand this program. Capitalizing on her strong leadership and community relationships, Nancy fostered a partnership with the Lawton Fire Department. This partnership has led to shared use of facilities and equipment and relocation of the LFD training division to the GPTC campus. Nancy is integral to GPTC’ s industry partnerships, coordinating and improving fire and EMT training for local manufacturing plants. In addition to her myriad responsibilities, Nancy teaches multiple train-the-trainer courses for instructors, ensuring the future success and sustainability of the EMS and Fire programs.
Nancy has earned multiple teaching awards. Most recently, she was named the 2021 Oklahoma Fire Service Instructor of the Year. Colleague and fellow firefighter Josh Brown, Training Chief for the Lawton Fire Department, says “Nancy has a has a drive that is virtually unparalleled in her field to deliver high quality training to not only her GPTC students but also to volunteer departments around the state of Oklahoma. Along with her ability to positively impact her students, she also continues to make her fellow instructors more proficient at their jobs thanks to her invaluable tutelage and guidance. Mrs. Howell exemplifies what it means to be a Fire Service and EMS Instructor.”
Howell 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.