FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2022
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
ACTE Announces Maryland Teacher – Certified Nursing Assistant as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Debra Walker, Teacher – Certified Nursing Assistant at Princes George’s County Public Schools in Bladensburg, Maryland, as the 2022 ACTE Region I Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) teachers at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Debra Walker is a Certified Nursing Assistant teacher with Prince George’s County Public Schools. She has been teaching CNA in the County since 2015 but began serving students and families of PGCPS in 2005 as a nurse and outreach worker in the walk-in counseling center. Ms. Walker not only teaches traditional CNA courses during the school day, but she is also the sole CNA instructor in CTE Evening High School providing opportunities for students requiring a nontraditional setting to complete their Certified Nursing Assistant coursework and prepare for the CNA certification examination. Ms. Walker also serves as an adjunct professor with Prince George’s County Community College (PGCC) teaching CNA and other healthcare related courses. As a curriculum writer and as an industry expert on CNA laboratory facility equipment and educational specifications, Debra Walker helps to keep the CNA programs aligned with industry trends. Ms. Walker focuses on her students as individuals and differentiates her instructional support to meet their needs. She has developed a pipeline with her former students who have opened CNA businesses to create placement opportunities for current students preparing to enter the workforce. Debra Walker volunteers in her free time and is very active with End Time Harvest Ministries.
Walker is one of five finalists for the 2023 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on November 30, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
