GRTS INSTRUCTOR WINS STATEWIDE AWARD
Constitution-Tribune, August 31, 2010
CT Photo/Laura Schuler

Brandon Dennis, computer networking instructor at Grand River Technical School, was presented with the statewide MTTA Teacher of the Year Award at the summer Missouri Association of Career and Technical Education, and Missouri Trade and Technical Conference held in Springfield, July 26-29.

Dennis was nominated for the honor by GRTS instructors and fellow SkillsUSA advisors Vicky Duckworth and Lee Caughron. They report that, in just two years, Dennis has increased not only student numbers in the GRTS Networking program but also developed a new and challenging curriculum that complements the high school Computer Science Technology program.

Administrators from the GRTS say Dennis continues to accept entry-level adults who will be learning Networking, but he is also working closely with Computer Service Technology instructor Vicky Duckworth to make sure students who complete the two-year high school program are able to begin the adult program at a much higher level. These students will be completing the Microsoft Academy while entry-level students will complete certification in A-Plus and Network-Plus. Last year, Dennis' students had a 100 percent pass rate on those certifications.

"Brandon was also instrumental in earning the $10,000 Lowe's award for the GRTS SkillsUSA program, one of only 17 awarded in the nation," Duckworth wrote in her nomination letter.

CAPTION: Brandon Dennis, a computer networking teacher at the Grand River Technical School has been named the MTTA Teacher of the Year. Dennis is beginning his third year with the R-2 school district and is a Chillicothe High School graduate.

Back to Top