ACTE Announces Oklahoma Instructor as National Award Finalist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2019

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

ACTE Announces Oklahoma Instructor as National Award Finalist

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Sandra Patocka, Clinical Medical Assisting Instructor at Autry Technology Center in Enid, Oklahoma, as the recipient of the 2019 ACTE Region IV Carl Perkins Community Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who have used career and technical education (CTE) to make a significant impact in their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service.

Patocka is a product of the Career Tech System. She graduated from Autry Technology Center’s Practical Nursing Program in 2007. She has served in the health care field working with the geriatric community, Opportunities Inc. Head Start, a nationwide respiratory company, and pediatric company. Teaching and patient advocacy are lifelong passions of Patocka’s; in 2007 she began teaching at Autry Technology Center as the Medical Assisting Instructor.  Patocka has a bachelor’s degree in CTE from Oklahoma State University and is seeking a master’s degree. She is active in the community and loves seeing students become their best selves.

Patocka 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.

###

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.