The 2019 Exemplary CTE Teacher award was given out to one of our very own teachers, Mr. Barber. He received the award on Friday, February 15 due to his ability to work well with students, his good reputation in the community, creation of a dynamic support group, skill in technical/safe aspects of the workplace, and his development of an engaging and interesting curriculum.

In regards to the award, Mr. Barber stated, “I was excited to win this award! I have been teaching at West for 10 years now and I am glad that others recognize all of the hard work that I am doing. I am also excited for the opportunities that are involved with this award. I look forward to many more years of teaching and learning.”

Due to winning this award, Mr. Barber was invited to participate in the ILCTE Innovative Curriculum Resources Project’s 2019 Exemplary CTE Teacher Program. The ILCTE Project is implemented by the Illinois State Board of Education to provide professional development and innovative curriculum resources to Illinois CTE teachers.

This event took place on the evening of Friday, February 15 and the morning of Saturday, February 16. It included a dinner and a night of lodging for Mr. Barber and a guest.

Mr. Barber stated, “The event was awesome! We learned about Project Based Learning in the CTE classroom, High School Innovators Program, and how to teach “Teachers”. I will also be presenting at future conferences to help other CTE teachers.”

This was an amazing opportunity for Mr. Barber, and he hopes that he and others get more opportunities like this.

Mr. Barber stated, “The event was awesome! We learned about Project Based Learning in the CTE classroom, High School Innovators Program, and how to teach “Teachers”. I will also be presenting at future conferences to help other CTE teachers.”

This was an amazing opportunity for Mr. Barber, and he hopes that he and others get more opportunities like this.