ACTE Announces Arizona Teacher as National Award Finalist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2018

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
jnagurka@acteonline.org, 703-683-9312

ACTE Announces Arizona Teacher as National Award Finalist

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Bernadette Russoniello, Teacher/Teacher on Special Assignment at the Maricopa Unified School District in Maricopa, Arizona, as the 2018 ACTE Region V Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical 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.

Bernadette Russoniello grew a struggling program from 11 DECA members and 18 marketing students to a thriving, project-based learning program involving more than 130 members and more than 100 classroom students. Students do not use a standards-based textbook; rather, they use the world of marketing itself. The program includes guest speakers, field trips and industry tours, local internships, student-based enterprise, and current marketing trends and practices to refine and develop students’ professional skills.

Her students are held to high standards of skills attainment, pursuing certifications as Certified Guest Service Professionals and in Google AdWords and Analytics. Russoniello’s program receives support from an advisory board of local business owners, city officials, corporate industry representatives and others who review and vet project initiatives for the school year.

Russoniello’s DECA chapter is one of the most active in the state. Her students have achieved prominent scholarships to state business programs, served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, and hold positions with top corporate firms in finance and hospitality.

Russoniello is one of 5 finalists for the 2019 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Banquet, a dinner and award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on Wednesday evening, November 28, during ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2018 in San Antonio, TX. The Awards Banquet is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, the US Army, CareerSafe, 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.