FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Michigan Teacher as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Brielle Haupt, Health Occupations CTE Teacher at Brighton Area High School in Brighton, MI, as the 2025 ACTE Region I New 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.
Brielle Haupt has been a dedicated Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Brighton High School for approximately four years, specializing in Health Occupations and Pre-Med Science. A 2012 graduate of Brighton High School, Brielle pursued her passion for healthcare by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Loyola University of Chicago in 2016. She began her career as an Emergency Room Nurse, and while working in this demanding role, she completed her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Michigan State University in 2020.
Brielle returned to Brighton High School in the fall of 2020, this time as an educator, and quickly discovered a deep passion for CTE and the unique opportunities it offers students. While teaching full-time, she continues to practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner at two urgent care facilities, ensuring she remains current with best practices in the medical field, which enriches her teaching and provides her students with real-world insights.
In her time at Brighton, Brielle has been instrumental in expanding the Medical Science programs to full capacity, reflecting her commitment to excellence in education. She has played a pivotal role in developing a state-of-the-art simulation lab, launching a HOSA chapter, and significantly increasing work-based learning opportunities for her students. During the 2023-2024 school year alone, Brielle coordinated clinical rotations for 65 students at approximately 45 different medical facilities throughout Livingston County, including primary care offices, dental practices, urgent care centers, veterinary hospitals, and outpatient surgical centers. On average, each student participated in 3-4 different rotations, providing them with exposure to a wide range of healthcare careers. Many of these students received job offers from the facilities where they completed their rotations.
Brielle is passionate about bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world medical practice. She believes that early exposure to CTE not only propels students forward in their chosen fields but also lays the foundation for successful and fulfilling careers. Her dedication to her students and her innovative approach to education make her a valued member of the Brighton High School faculty and a true advocate for the future of healthcare.
Haupt is one of five finalists for the 2025 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 December 4, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
###
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.
