ACTE Announces Utah CTE Director as National Award Finalist 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 25, 2023 

Contact: Dominique Frascoia 

dfrascoia@acteonline.org 

 

ACTE Announces Utah CTE Director as National Award Finalist

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 2023 ACTE Region V Administrator of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) administrators 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. 

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. 

Belnap 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.