Cindy Adams of Sulphur, an instructor of business and information technology at the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center in Ardmore, has been named the 2012 National Teacher of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education.
The award recognizes educators who have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and novel programs that are serving to improve and promote career and technical education.
Adams, a graduate of East Central University, was nominated by the SOTC and advanced to the state and regional competitions before winning the national award.
A graduate of Allen High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business education in 1994 and a master’s degree in secondary education in 2003, both from ECU.
She is a National Board Certified Teacher and a 17-year veteran of career and technical education. Adams is a former career and technical education student and has a proud family history of success credited to CTE training and involvement.
Adams teaches medical office administration at SOTC and is an adviser for both Business Professionals of America and National Technical Honor Society. Under her instruction over the last six years, students have earned more than 1,570 hours of college credit from Murray State College and Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology.
Adams was cited for demonstrating excellence in every aspect of a career and technical education program, including innovative strategies, technology, service learning and youth leadership. To ensure the success of all students, she incorporates unique hands-on projects to reinforce learning and simulate real-world scenarios that engage students in a fun classroom setting.
“I was absolutely surprised,” Adams said of the award. “I know first-hand what an impact career and technical education has made in my life and in the life of my family. I am simply trying to use my talents to encourage others and impact the lives of students as they prepare for careers and life-long success.
“I learned a long time ago that it only takes one person to make a difference in the life of another,” she added. “I pray that I have used every opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my students.”