FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Oklahoma Director of Instructional Services at Northeast Tech as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced April Blackwell, Director of Instructional Services at Northeast Tech as the 2025 ACTE Region IV Teacher Educator of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators 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.
April Blackwell has been an integral part of the Northeast Tech team since 2011, and since 2019, she has served as the Instructional Services Director. As the first person to hold this pivotal position, April has been instrumental in building the department from the ground up. Under her leadership, she has expanded her team to include four instructional coordinators, one for each campus, ensuring comprehensive support across the district.
Before stepping into her current role, April served as a business development consultant and technology trainer for Northeast Tech’s Business and Industry Services department. Prior to that, she was a visual communications instructor within the district. With over a decade of experience as a CTE business education instructor in both K-12 and technology center settings, April brings a deep understanding of all aspects of Career and Technical Education (CTE) to her work.
April is deeply committed to the Northeast Tech mission of “Preparing Individuals for Successful Careers,” a mission she has wholeheartedly adopted as her own. She maintains a mindset of continuous improvement and strives for excellence in all district initiatives. As an Instructional Services Director, April leads with grace, vision, confidence, and empathy. Her passion for lifelong learning and her servant’s heart drive her to empower her staff, instructors, and students, fostering a culture of continual growth and leadership development.
April models the teaching cycle daily—preparing, training, assessing, reflecting, and adjusting—demonstrating her commitment to helping others succeed and promoting the CTE advantage to everyone she encounters.
Blackwell is one of four 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, 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.
