ACTE Announces Utah CTE Director as 2024 National Award Winner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2023
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
dfrascoia@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Utah CTE Director as 2024 National Award Winner
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Rod Belnap, CTE Director at Weber School District in Hooper, Utah, as the 2024 ACTE National Administrator of the Year. This award recognizes administrative CTE professionals at the school, district, county, state, or federal level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique, and effective career and technical education programs. The Administrator of the Year Award is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox.
Dr. Rod Belnap is the CTE Director in the Weber School District and is in his 28th year in education. He has a Bachelors Degree from Weber State University, his Masters degree from Utah State University, and his PhD from the University of Utah. He is a charismatic, energetic, passionate, visionary leader that loves education and cares about students. He taught Business/Marketing, English, and Driver Education in the secondary schools. He was also a head basketball coach and DECA advisor at Bonneville High School. He has been an assistant principal in both junior high and high school, the principal at Sand Ridge Jr. High and the principal at Fremont High School. Rod was the Human Resources Director for the district before his current role at CTE Director. Rod realizes the inherent opportunities for connection and relationships as well as application that exist in CTE and CTSOs in particular. CTE truly gives students a place to bloom and involvement in CTSOs gives added value. Student and employee recognition enhances student achievement and creates a rich moral and innovative learning culture. Educating students in employability skills is key to Dr. Belnap. Preparing students to be successful is of great importance whether it is through increased opportunities in Concurrent Enrollment, forging collaborative professional learning in PLCs, or developing both hard and soft skills that will ensure success in the future… these are the opportunities we have in education. He feels passionate about putting kids first and creating opportunities for all students to extend learning while supporting those who might not get it the first time. Rod is married to Gina and has 4 children. He loves his family, the mountains, the outdoors, fly fishing, concerts/music, and friends.
“Congratulations to the Administrator of the Year award winners and finalists! We thank you for being leaders in the powerful world of Career and Technical Education and we appreciate your commitment to preparing students for success, “said Maureen Brennan, Director of Marketing for G-W Publisher. “As a proud sponsor of the ACTE Excellence Awards, G-W Publisher is excited to honor you and recognize your outstanding achievements. Together, we build careers.”
Belnap was one of five finalists for the 2024 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on November 29, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2023. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, CareerSafe, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. 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.