Sen. Chris Widener was named the 2012 Ohio ACTE Public Servant of the Year.  He received his award Jan. 25 during the 32nd Annual Ohio ACTE Legislative Seminar. 

He is pictured here with Ohio ACTE President John Boggess, Superintendent at Miami Valley Career and Technology Center.

  Before coming to the Senate, Sen. Widener served three terms as the State Representative for the 84th House District. An architect by trade, Chris brings strong interpersonal skills, a dedicated work ethic and a keen attention to detail to his job as a legislator. He engages with witnesses in committee and his fellow senators about key issues. He spends hours researching important bills. And, he has a genuine passion for public service and a dedication to doing what is best for the people of the 10th District and the future success of the region.

Share your CTE month celebrations and activities on Ohio ACTE's Facebook page -

http://www.facebook.com/OhioACTE

For more information and CTE  month resources,click here.

So that members can interact electronically and Ohio ACTE can receive input and feedback on important issues related to career-technical and adult education, Ohio ACTE has launched its first Discussion Forum.

The first topic is leadership, says Christine Gardner, Ohio ACTE Executive Director.  “We are hoping to get input and an understanding of the kind of leadership programs that CT educators need,” Gardner said.  This feedback will help the Ohio ACTE Executive Board make decision regarding the kinds of leadership activities the association should pursue, she added.

Topics of discussion are unlimited and members are encouraged to suggest topics.  “They can be career-field related, issue related or any topic that generates interest and warrants discussion,” Gardner said.  To suggest a topic, email Gardner at Christine@ohioacte.org.

Access discussion forums by clicking here.

Ohio ACTE is hosting a student art contest.  Students are encouraged to submit artwork that represents their chosen career-technical field and education.  The deadline to submit artwork is February 29, 2012.  Original artwork could earn a prize of $100 (first place) or $50 (second place) as well as recognition at the 2012 All-Ohio Career, Technical and Adult Education Conference. 

Click here for guidelines and more information.

Do you know a career-technical or adult educator that has made significant contributions to CTE?  Or developed an innovative program?  Or is a great new CTE teacher or board member?

Please honor them by submitting a nomination for one of Ohio ACTE's Educator Awards.

Click here for more information.

The deadline to submit forms is March 1, 2012.

The following Ohio ACTE Educators have been name the Region 1 Award Winners in each of their categories.

Outstanding CTE Professional in Community Service - Tina Francis, Delaware Area Career Center/Buckeye Valley Middle School

Outstanding New Career and Technical Educator - Rose Hartschuh, Mohawk Local Schools

Outstanding Career and Technical Educator - Yvonne Kaszubowski, Warren County Career Center

Teacher of the Year - Paul Waldman, Millstream Career & Technology Center

The Ohio ACTE Assembly of Delegates voted to approve proposed changes at its July 27 meeting during the All-Ohio Conference. 

CLICK HERE FOR A DOCUMENT OF THE WITH A SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED CHANGES

The following career-technical educators were honored at the All-Ohio Conference during the Awards Luncheon:

Ambassador Award - Dr. James Pinchak, Ohio State University

Teacher of the Year Award – Paul Waldman, Millstream Career & Technology Center

Outstanding Career and Technical Educator – Yvonne Kaszubowski, Warren County Career Center

Outstanding New Career and Technical Teacher – Rose Hartschuh, Bellevue High School

Outstanding CTAE Professional in Community Service – Tina Francis, Delaware Area Career Center/ Buckeye Valley MS

Image Award – Richard Weis, Elano /Unison Industries, a subsidiary of GE

Outstanding Board Member Award – William Spahr, Greene County Career Center

Outstanding Board Member Award - Kathryn  Karpus, Lorain County JVS

Ohio Opthalmological Society has partnered with the Ohio Department of Health and Ohio ACTE to promote eye safety and to encourage students to use protective eyewear outside of the classroom.  24 programs from 20 Ohio Schools applied for the 2010-2011 Grant.  The Grant provided students with 5,451 pairs of protective eye wear, up from nearly 4,000 in 2009-2010.

The protective eyewear was distributed to Ohio high school and career center programs for free.  Along with the equipment, instructors received information to share with students to encourage them to protect their eyesight when partipating in activities outside the classroom.  Overall goal of the program is to encourage eye safety at all times, not just in school programs that eye protection is mandatory.