Congratulations to Newburgh Health Science Educator Linda Romano, who was recognized last night as the 2018 National ACTE of the Year. The award, by the Association for Career and Technical Education, honors an educator who has demonstrated innovation in the classroom, a commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and their communities.
Romano was presented with the award — fittingly designed by a high school sophomore CTE student — at the ACTE's national conference in Nashville, Tenn.
In 2006, Romano started a nurse aide program at Newburgh Free Academy. Thanks to Romano’s unique blend of traditional, modern and outside-the-box teaching methods, the health science program has grown enrollment from 12 students to 214 students in the span of 11 years. The program growth led to the hiring of two additional faculty members and graduates have become key members of the local health care workforce and community. Romano splits her time between Newburgh and Elant Inc., a local nursing home where her students complete the necessary clinical requirements for CNA certification. While at the facility, Romano works side by side with her students to develop their classroom-taught skills and transform them into professional-grade caregivers.
Within the school community, Romano has chaired the school's Building Leadership Team, co-chaired the Health and Safety Team, organized numerous blood drives, conducted CPR/AED training for staff and students, and written curriculum for the nursing program. She mentors new teachers and participates in extensive professional development sharing her creative teaching style for project-based learning.
On weekends, Romano volunteers at the Newburgh Armory, a local community center, where she teaches math and reading skills through CTE concepts and is currently is developing a health science class that will incorporate literacy and numeracy concepts. She is developing an after school program that will support academics and CTE for middle school-age students.
She is an active member of numerous state and national professional organizations and has presented at numerous conferences. She has served on numerous State Education Department and Department of Health work groups, writing and mapping curriculum.
“This tireless work comes from Ms. Romano’s heart and without fanfare,” says Matteo Doddo, principal at Newburgh Free Academy. “She truly is dedicated to her students.”
Romano was one of five finalists for the national title.