Moore Norman Technology Center Health Career Programs Director Wendy Perry and Outreach Coordinator Jennifer Tupper were among 24 professionals recently selected as participants of the 2021 National Leadership Fellowship Program through the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Their one-year commitment begins in January, with each of ACTE's five regions and a majority of its professional divisions represented. 

The Leadership Fellowship Program provides educators with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and involvement in professional organizations. The program identifies, trains and motivates a cadre of leaders who will continue to advance efforts which support an educated, prepared, adaptable and competitive workforce.

Perry represents the administration division and has worked at MNTC for 16 years and in K-12 education for 13 years. She has worked as a teacher, counselor and as assistant director prior to her current position. She said,

I am excited and humbled to be selected for such a prestigious leadership program. It is a great opportunity to connect with and learn from professionals who are committed to excellence in career and technical education. I look forward to gaining new insights that will further enrich the outstanding CTE programs in our district.  

Tupper was accepted into the cohort of new professionals, geared toward those with two-to-five years of CTE experience. She represents the Counseling & Career Development Division. For 15 years she worked as a teacher, gifted resource coordinator and as an instructional coach in K-12 with Norman Public Schools. She also worked as a literacy coordinator with The University of Oklahoma's K20 Center prior to coming to MNTC in 2017 as the Grants & Special Projects Coordinator.

Tupper said,

I am very honored and excited to be accepted into the New CTE Professionals Fellowship program in order to grow in my current capacity, as an advocate for CTE, to spread awareness of CTE and what our programs are all about and to expand my professional network. 

The ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program began in 2009 as an Opportunity Fund project initiated by the ACTE Board of Directors. The purpose of the ACTE Fellowship Program is to:

• Help establish a leadership development program for CTE educators in ACTE and assist individuals in further developing their leadership skills in CTE and their involvement in professional associations.
• Provide an opportunity for CTE educators to become familiar with and participate in the processes used by policymakers in the development and implementation of laws, regulations and other public policies at the local, state and federal levels.
• Identify, train and motivate a cadre of leaders who will continue to position ACTE as a leader in developing an educated, prepared, adaptable and competitive workforce.

To learn more about ACTE visit acte.org. For more information about MNTC browse our website mntc.edu or call 405-801-5000.