Meet the Candidates


Dr. Amanda Cummings
Mid-America Technology Center
NRS DIVISION
Mary Dushane
FCS DIVISION
Commerce High School

Dr. Amanda Cummings
New & Related Services (NRS) Division - Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Section
Mid America Technology Center
OkACTE/ACTE Membership: 6 years
My philosophy for OkACTE centers on strong advocacy, collaboration, and ensuring that CareerTech education serves the diverse needs of Oklahoma’s students and communities. I believe OkACTE must remain a powerful voice at the state level, including advocating for policies, resources, and partnerships that strengthen programs and expand opportunities for learners. If elected president-elect, I will work to ensure that the perspectives of rural, micropolitan, and metropolitan communities are represented in our conversations and decision-making. This representation includes recognizing the unique roles of BIS/WED, post-secondary, K–12, Skills Centers, and AEFL in providing pathways for students at every stage of workforce development. Our advocacy must reflect these differences while uniting us around a shared mission. I am also committed to supporting professional growth and encouraging innovative practices that help students see clear pathways from education to meaningful careers. By working together, OkACTE can continue to elevate CareerTech across Oklahoma.
Divisional Involvement:
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25-26 CIA President
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25-26 NRS Vice-President
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23-24 STEM New Teacher of the Year
OkACTE Involvement:
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24-25 OkACTE Fellow
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24-25 OkACTE Comprehensive Professionals Council
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Presenter at 2022 Oklahoma Summit Conference
ACTE Involvement:
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Presenter, 2024 ACTE Vision
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23-24 Inclusion, Access, Equity, and Diversity (IAED) Mentorship Program, Mentee

Mary Dushane
Family Consumer Sciences (FCS) Division
Commerce High School
OkACTE/ACTE Membership: 7 years
"To lead OkACTE toward a future where the 'CareerTech System' is not seen as two separate entities—comprehensive schools and technology centers—but as a single, seamless pipeline. As a Family and Consumer Sciences educator, I believe that a student’s journey toward career success begins with the foundational skills learned in their local high school and is amplified by the specialized excellence of our Tech Centers."
My goal - Launch the "OkACTE Bridge Mentors" program. I would put this in action by pairing veteran comprehensive teachers with Tech Center instructors for a formal mentorship exchange. This will allow Tech Center instructors to understand the classroom management and graduation requirements of a high school, while comprehensive teachers gain insight into the high-level industry certifications offered at the centers.
Divisional Involvement:
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OATFCS Secretary
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OACTFCS President Elect
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OACTFCS President
OkACTE Involvement:
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OkACTE Fellow, 2022 - 2023
