ACTE Announces Alabama Retired Health Science Teacher as National Award Finalist

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2019

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

ACTE Announces Alabama Retired Health Science Teacher as National Award Finalist

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Cindy McConnell, retired Health Science Teacher at Etowah High School in Attalla, Alabama, as the recipient of the 2019 ACTE Region II Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes career and technical education (CTE) professionals for their leadership on behalf of ACTE, their innovations in CTE and their contributions to the field over an extended period of time. For the first time ever at the Awards Gala, ACTE will be inducting all five Lifetime Achievement national finalists into the new ACTE Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors the leadership of CTE professionals who have made enduring contributions to CTE throughout their career.

McConnell, a teacher for 26 years and an RN for 41 years, has influenced countless students by advising and preparing them for leadership, education and employment in their choice of health care careers. McConnell has actively participated in numerous community service activities in which she has taught her students the importance of service to others.

McConnell continues promoting and working to improve CTE throughout Alabama, Region II and nationally by sharing her expertise with others through workshops, presentations, lesson plans, activities and ideas. McConnell, with several other Alabama ACTE leaders, presented a session at a Region II professional development conference to promote funding efforts for CTE throughout eight states. Her own unyielding commitment to advocate for CTE has motivated and inspired others to develop relationships with parents, administrators, business and community leaders, healthcare professionals and legislators on the local, state and federal levels.

McConnell is a world-class teacher and leader. During her tenure as President of ALACTE, she faced many challenging issues. She effectively demonstrated her personal style of collaborative, team-driven leadership in bringing renewed energy and focus to CTE in Alabama. Through her passion for CTE she helped to secure a 50 million dollar bond issue for CTE in Alabama and partnered with other CTE professionals to organize successful policy seminars for CTE teachers, students, and administrators to learn about advocacy for CTE.

McConnell is one of five finalists for the 2020 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, a dinner and award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on Wednesday evening, December 4, during ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2019 in Anaheim, CA. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, 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.