2006 PTE Award Recipients

Business and Office Technology Program— North Idaho College

Instructors:  Dawna Andrea, JoAnn Nelson, Kathie
O'Brien, Sue Shibley, Marilyn Wudarcki

Division Chair:  Judy Parker

Administrative Assistants:  Sue Schuh, Kathy Butcher

Dr. Michael Burke, President, NIC

The department’s use of cutting edge technology combined with a range of delivery systems including open-entry, open-exit courses, online courses, and hybrid courses serves a diverse population. Up-to-date technology includes wireless hand-held computers, digital media software, and assessments that emulate certification exams.

The program has established a close relationship with local businesses.  As a result, student placement in the past two years has exceeded 87 percent.

View NIC Business & Office Technology Program Photos

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Veterinary Technology Program—
College of Southern Idaho

Instructors:  Dr. Jodi Rockett (Director of Veterinary Technology), Dr. John Boling

Veterinary Technician:  Clara Saxton

Support Services:  Merry Olson

Agricultural Sciences Chairperson:  Terry Patterson

Instructional Dean, CSI:  Dr. John Miller

This program is the only American Veterinary Medical Association accredited program in Idaho, and addresses the ever-increasing demand for veterinary paraprofessionals.

Over 90 percent of the programs’ students are involved in the Veterinary Technology Club.  The program has strong, active industry relationships and graduates can choose from 2-3 job openings each.

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Automotive Technology Program—
Cassia Regional Technical Center

Instructors:  Randy Daniel and Scott Street

Program Administrator:  Gaylen Smyer

Superintendent:  Dr. Mike Chesley

Assistant Superintendent:  Dr. Bob Pavlock

This program serving students from seven high schools in three districts is industry accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.   

Students participate in SkillsUSA training and activities.  From fundamental courses offered in the sophomore year, to extensive classroom instruction and use of training modules in the junior and senior year, students are supported by the community. Program completers have a positive placement of 80 percent.

View Cassia Regional Technical Auto Tech Photos

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Agricultural Science and Technology Program
—Kuna High School

Instructors:  Joe Blackstock, Shawn Dygert, Allison
Touchstone

       High School Principal:  Scott Hill

       Superintendent:  Jay Hummel

This runner-up program exemplifies student service to the community through the annual Canned Food Drive, the semi-annual planting of flowers in the community park, and the Ag Expo that reaches 4,000 first and second graders. Forty FFA students further extend themselves when they mentor 4th graders through agricultural literacy experiences.

Leadership opportunities and hands-on experiences with strong ties to mathematics, science, and language arts offer students value-added learning.  Tech Prep opportunities allow students to earn up to 19 college credits, translating to a savings of $3,000.

  View Kuna High School Agriculture Program Photos

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Teen Parent Center—
Pocatello School District 25

Instructors:  Deborah Combs, Andrea McDougall,
Christy Taylor, and Ronda Toston

       Principal:  Sheryl Brockett

Region V Professional-Technical Coordinator:  Linda
Marley

       Idaho Commerce and Labor:  Tiffany Golay

       Superintendent:  Dr. Carolyn Kennedy

This alternative high school for pregnant and parenting teens serves students—male and female students alike—from pregnancy through the completion of requirements for their high school diploma.

In addition to traditional course offerings, this group of students participates in parenting classes, childcare labs, and dual-credited English and career classes. Students are also offered on-site quality child care.

The school’s many partnerships that provide necessary services for teen parents include health care providers, Commerce and Labor, and Health and Welfare.  This school has made a significant impact on the lives of over 1,000 young families in the community.

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Idaho Correctional Institution Orofino Welding Program—
Lewis-Clark State College

Instructors:  Lonnie Gehring and Rich Hull

       Coordinator:  Dan Faller

       Workforce Training Director:  Linda Stricklin

       Dean of the College of Technology:  Dr. Rob
       Lohrmeyer

       LCSC President:  Dr. Dene Kay Thomas

This 30-hour course provides training to non-traditional students for a living wage position in an industry experiencing a shortage of skilled labor.  Teaching plans are designed for each student based on their skill level and the competencies required to pass a certifying exam.

The thirty sessions are taught by people from private industry who are excited by the development of potential employees.

View LCSC Corrections Welding Program Photos

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Dr. Marilyn Howard
State Superintendent of Public Instruction

This special recognition honors an individual who has supported and championed professional-technical education in Idaho.

Dr. Howard is a nationally respected educational expert with firm roots in Idaho. She hails from Mackay, Idaho, where she attended public schools and helped out on the family farm. She earned a bachelor’s and masters from the University of Idaho a Doctorate from Brigham Young University and completed postgraduate work at Idaho State University. She has experience teaching at all the educational levels and served 11 years as a school principal.

A recognized expert in reading, Dr. Howard's research and publications have focused on techniques to help all students read with ease and to understand what they read.

Among other professional activities, Dr. Howard has served as state coordinator and state president of the International Reading Association.  She has also led accreditation teams evaluating teacher education programs and is a director of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory.

In April 2000, Dr. Howard was named “Outstanding Educator of the Year” by the Idaho State University chapter of Kappa Delta Pi.  More recently, she was named “2005 Educational Administrator of the Year” by the National Association of Educational Office Professionals

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National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Education STARS of Education Award for Distinguished Service

Cindy Kuhn, Postsecondary Recipient
Kevin Tucker, Secondary Recipient

View Cindy and Kevin's Photo Album

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Filer High School—
Gold Award of Educational Achievement
High Schools That Work

Principal:  Leon Madsen

      HSTW Site Coordinator:  Judy Youngman

View Filer High School's Photo Album

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