Third annual CTE Impact Awards
Arlington ISD’s career and technical education programs are all about impact – impacting students to achieve future success. That impact is real thanks to the incredible CTE junior high and high school teachers across the district. That’s why the CTE department recently hosted the third annual CTE Impact Awards to honor those CTE teachers for inspiring and equipping their students to succeed.
“Our CTE community bridges education and industry, equipping students with real-world skills through engaging, hands-on experiences,” said Susan Patterson, Arlington ISD director of career and technical education. “The CTE Impact Award night is to celebrate our incredible teachers – the heart of CTE. Their dedication, passion and hard work inspire and prepare our students for bright futures. Simply put, our teachers are amazing.”
One of those amazing teachers, Anai Arzola, was honored as the CTE Teacher of the Year. The culinary teacher at the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center is known for being able to do it all and for inspiring greatness in her students.
Other CTE Impact award winners included:
BREAKOUT Award (excellence and achievement for CTE teachers new to Arlington ISD)
- Darrell Brown – Ousley Junior High
- Cecilia Hernandez – Bowie High School
- Dre Hill – Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center
- James Japport – Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center
INNOVATOR Award (outstanding achievement for teachers who have implemented new ideas and approaches to make learning exciting, engaging and effective)
- Charles Ferrell – Lamar High School
- LaDean Houck – Lamar High School
- Dr. Tarnisha Green – Seguin High School
LIFESAVER Award (for efforts that go above and beyond the call of duty)
- Natalie Argo – Martin High School
- Tiffany Barlow – Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center
- Melissa Zahn – Sam Houston High School
CAREER AND TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS/CLUB SPONSOR OF THE YEAR: Megan Brundrett from the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center for her outstanding work with the districtwide FFA CTSO.
SYNERGY Award (new award to highlight the importance of bringing the CTE community together): Chris Grimaldo of Arlington High School for efforts that have united schools, businesses and community organizations to enhance career development.