Three Moore Norman Technology Center employees were recently selected as members of the first Oklahoma Association of Career and Technical Education’s Fellowship Program. Selected are Director of Student Services Robyn Castleberry, Technical Careers Counselor Christa Simmons and Heating, Air, Ventilation & Refrigeration Instructor Steve Yadon.

According to the OkACTE.org the purpose is to establish a leadership development program for career and technical educators in OkACTE. It also aims to assist individuals to further develop their leadership skills in CTE and their involvement in professional associations. There are nine divisions from which CTE employees from across Oklahoma were selected into the program: administration; agricultural education; business, marketing & technology education; post-secondary adult career education; guidance; health careers education; new & related services; science, technology, engineering and mathematics and trade & industrial education.

The program’s design is to also provide an opportunity for CTE educators to discover and participate in the processes used by policy makers in the development and implementation of laws, regulations and other public policies at the local, state and federal levels. Ultimately, the fellowship program will help OkACTE identify, train and motivate professionals who can continue to position OkACTE as a leader in developing both OkACTE members and an educated, prepared, adaptable and competitive workforce.

Castleberry said, “I am excited to be selected as a member of the first OkACTE Fellowship Program. I hope to mentor those new to CareerTech and OkACTE and build a strong network of advocates for the CareerTech education system.”

Castleberry represents the administration division. She has worked in Oklahoma’s CareerTech system for 25 years, with four of them in public education as a marketing education teacher at Westmoore High School. Prior to her current role at MNTC, she worked as an instructional assistant, a youth apprenticeship coordinator, as a tech rep for Moore Public Schools, as the marketing outreach coordinator and also as the assistant director of information and enrollment.

Simmons represents the guidance division. She is in her 12th year working in CTE. Prior to MNTC she worked as an elementary school teacher with Oklahoma City and Mid-Del Public Schools. She also worked at Mid-Del Technology Center as a counselor.

“I feel honored to have been selected into the first OkACTE Fellowship Program. As the guidance division representative I hope to learn the leadership skills necessary to continue to grow professionally and gain a more in-depth understanding of OkACTE and the role it plays in the quality of education we provide,” Simmons said. “I anticipate the program will allow me to become a better counselor and advocate for my students and I am excited to meet and network with other professionals from around the state, including local government officials and community members.”

Yadon represents the trade & industrial education division and is in his sixth year with MNTC and 12th year teaching in CTE. He worked at Mid-America Technology Center prior to MNTC. 

"I feel honored to be selected for OkACTE's first Fellowship Program and I look forward to becoming a greater advocate for Career and Technical Education. The Fellowship Program will provide amazing networking and leadership opportunities, and give me an enhanced vision and knowledge about the organization, allowing me to empower others." 

To learn more about OkACTE visit okacte.org. For information about MNTC’s full-time programs or part-time classes, or its Business and Industry Services division visit call 405-801-5000.