FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2021
Contact: Megan Kmiotek
ACTE Announces Missouri Director of Franklin Technology Center as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Dave Rockers, Director of Franklin Technology Center at Joplin Schools, Joplin, Missouri, as the 2021 ACTE Region III Administrator of the Year. This award recognizes administrative CTE professionals at the school, district, county, state, or federal level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and effective CTE programs.
Dave Rockers served the past 17 years as Director at Franklin Technology Center in Joplin, MO. He also served six years as CCTEC Director and Associate Dean of Technical Education at Crowder College from 1998 to 2004. He was a Marketing Education/Cooperative Education instructor during his 13 years as an instructor in Oklahoma, Kansas, and at Franklin Technology Center in the early 90’s before becoming a Career and Technical School Administrator. He holds an associate degree in Mid-Management and Marketing from Northeastern Oklahoma A & M Community College, bachelor of science in Education from Emporia State University, and a master of science degree in Vocational Education/Secondary School Administration from Pittsburg State University.
During his career in administration, Rockers has overseen several construction projects beginning with a skid pad safety course for the Crowder College Truck Driving program, to serving on the design team for a complete rebuild of Joplin High School and Franklin Technology Center following the devastating tornado in May 2011.
Rockers is one of five finalists for the 2022 national title. The national winner will be announced at the virtual ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The virtual event will take place on November 30, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. ET. The Virtual 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.
