Pictured Left to Right: Starr Wilson, TCT Instructor; Dennis Grover, TCT Instructional Director; Casey Woods; Wyatt Gerth, TCT Instructor; Tara Gotwalt, TCT Chief Instructional Officer.
Tri County Tech Instructor Named ACTE Region IV New Teacher of the Year
Bartlesville, OK — Tri County Tech Medicine and Biosciences Instructor Casey Woods has been named the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Region IV New Teacher of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing outstanding early-career educators across a multi-state region.
Woods first earned recognition at the state level before advancing to Region IV, where she was selected among the top educators representing multiple states. She will go on to represent Region IV at the national level, competing for National New Teacher of the Year in December. The award highlights teachers within their first five years who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, a strong commitment to student success, and meaningful contributions to career and technical education.
In the Medicine and Biosciences program, Woods prepares students for careers in healthcare through hands-on, real-world learning. Her approach connects classroom instruction to clear career pathways, helping students build the technical skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to succeed in the medical field.
"Teaching in the Medicine and Biosciences program is incredibly meaningful. Watching students grow in confidence and skill as they prepare for careers in healthcare is what makes this work so rewarding. I am grateful to be part of a team that is focused on helping students build a strong foundation for their future."
—Casey Woods | Medicine and Biosciences Instructor at Tri County Tech
Woods also partners closely with local healthcare providers to give students valuable clinical exposure, ensuring they graduate prepared to meet the demands of today's workforce.
"Casey represents the very best of Tri County Tech. Her passion for student success, commitment to high-quality instruction, and ability to connect learning to real-world careers make a lasting impact. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition."
—Dr. Tammie Strobel | Superintendent and CEO at Tri County Tech.
Based in Bartlesville, Tri County Tech serves students across Washington, Osage, and Nowata counties, preparing them for high-demand careers through hands-on, career-focused training.
To learn more about our high school programs at Tri County Tech, visit TriCountyTech.edu/highschool.
About Tri County Tech
We're one of Oklahoma's first CareerTech schools and have a steadfast spirit of innovation and improvement, driving economic development since 1967. Our devotion to each other, our students, and the life-changing learning we provide fuels our pursuit of excellence. We call this the "Tri County Way." We have locations in Bartlesville, Pawhuska, and Nowata, Oklahoma.
About Oklahoma CareerTech
Oklahoma CareerTech is often used as a model for programs across the United States and around the world. The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 63 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, and 20 Skills Center campuses, which include three juvenile facilities and 49 adult education and family literacy providers.