ALBANY, N.Y. Dec. 11, 2017 — New York State United Teachers today congratulated Newburgh health science teacher Linda Romano, who was formally recognized by the Board of Regents for being named the national Teacher of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education.
“Linda Romano has demonstrated innovation in the classroom and a commitment to her students. She is dedicated to the improvement of career and technical education in her school and across the state,” said NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. “We congratulate Linda and thank Chancellor Rosa and the Board of Regents for publicly recognizing her.”
Romano was presented the national ACTE award last week in Tennessee. She was honored for starting a nurse aide program at Newburgh Free Academy that has grown from 12 students in 2006 to 214 students today. Graduates have become key members of the local health care workforce. In fact, Romano splits her time between her Newburgh classroom and Elant Inc., a local nursing home where she works side by side with students so they can develop their classroom-taught skills and become professional caregivers.
Romano has also chaired the school’s Building Leadership Team, co-chaired the Health and Safety Team, organized blood drives and conducted CPR/AED training for students and staff. She also mentors new teachers and participates extensively in professional development.
New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.