On Thursday, October 21, Upper Valley Career Center administrators, staff, and local business partners surprised Jeff Bertke and his students with the news that he was one of three recipients of a $100,000 prize from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools!

The award recognizes teaching excellence, and the money will be used for the UVCC electrical trades program. More than 700 applications for the program were received from 49 states, Harbor Freight said.
“I come to school every day with a smile on my face because I love what I do,” Bertke said after being surprised with the award. “We do amazing things and let’s keep shining that spotlight on us.”
Miami Valley Today reported on the story, which can be read here.
Jeff is the President of the Ohio ACTE Trade and Industrial Division, involved in SkillsUSA and has won numerous awards throughout his teaching career, including being named the Ohio ACTE 2018 Outstanding Teacher in Community Service. He graduated from the UVCC electrical trades program in 1999 and started teaching in 2010.
Congratulations Jeff and the entire UVCC community!