Several employees from Moore Norman Technology Center were honored with top awards at the 2024 Oklahoma Summit conference in Tulsa earlier this month. 

MNTC Associate Superintendent Terri Helvey was awarded the Arch Alexander Award. This prestigious award recognizes a CareerTech educator who has made significant contributions in the area of program development for CareerTech education in the State of Oklahoma. Ms. Helvey’s 34 year career in education is marked by extraordinary dedication, leadership, and innovative thinking in the field of education. In the past four years alone, she has led the launch of several key programs at MNTC, including Basic Peace Officer Certification, Practical Nursing Select, and Aerospace and Aviation Maintenance Technology. Additionally, she spearheaded the Workforce and Economic Development (WED) Program Integration Model, streamlining traditional programs into innovative short-term courses to address the urgent needs of Oklahoma's workforce.

OkACTE’s STEM Teacher of the Year is MNTC Engineering Instructor Robert Johnson. The Teacher of the Year Award honors outstanding educators in career and technical education (CTE) who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact in their field. Student success drives every decision Mr. Johnson makes regarding curriculum, instruction, and classroom management, as he collaborates with advisory boards to ensure students are prepared for industry challenges. He prioritizes innovation by incorporating cutting-edge technology like 3D printing and AI into his lessons, making learning hands-on and relevant. With over 25 years of teaching experience and multiple awards, Mr. Johnson remains committed to leading by example, mentoring colleagues, and continuously improving his skills through ongoing professional development. The $10,000 award was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals.

MNTC Disability Coordinator Amy Watkins was recognized as the OkACTE New Professional of the Year for the Counseling and Career Development Division. In only three years, Ms. Watkins has made an impact for Disability Services at Moore Norman Technology Center, leveraging her experience working with the special education population. She consistently builds strong relationships with students, families, coworkers, and the special education teams at MNTC’s partner schools in Moore and Norman. Amy is also actively involved in CareerTech Student Organizations and represents MNTC in the broader career and technical education community.

The district’s Financial Aid Coordinator Audra Main was recognized as Administrator of the Year in the Counseling and Career Development Division. Ms. Main currently serves as the president for the Southwest Association of Financial Aid Administrators (SWAFSAA) and has used that platform to increase awareness nationwide about the need for change in how financial aid is administered in career and technical education. She has earned numerous credentials in the area of financial aid administration and continually trains, encourages, and provides opportunities for her team, state, and region to grow in the profession.

Instructional Designer Cindy Minor was recognized as Curriculum, Instructional, and Assessment member of the Year. Additionally, Gayla Brown, District Improvement Director earned an OkACTE Silver Key Award for 25 years of service within the system.

The statewide Oklahoma Summit conference is a joint event between the Oklahoma Department of CareerTech and OkACTE, the state chapter of the Association for Career and Technical Education. The event is held annually and draws over 1,000 career and technical education faculty, staff, and administrators. 

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About Moore Norman Technology Center

Established in 1972, Moore Norman Technology Center is committed to meeting the workforce demands of Cleveland County communities of Moore, Norman, and south Oklahoma City. With career and technical programs tailored for high schoolers and adults, MNTC equips students with the skills and certifications needed to fill high-demand workforce needs quickly and successfully in sectors like healthcare, aerospace, technology, construction/manufacturing, and public safety. Viewed as one of the nation's premiere career and technical educational institutions within Oklahoma's globally recognized Career Tech system, MNTC also offers customized workforce training to area companies allowing them to upskill their teams and achieve their business goals. Visit mntc.edu to learn more about classes and programs offered at Moore Norman Technology Center.