A woman from the Hudson Valley was recognized nationally as the Teacher of the Year.

On Thursday in Nashville, Tenn., Newburgh Health Science teacher Linda Romano was recognized 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.

In 2006, Romano started a nurse aide program at Newburgh Free Academy. In 11 years, thanks to Romano’s mix of traditional, modern and outside-the-box teaching methods the program has grown from 12 students to 214.

“This tireless work comes from Ms. Romano’s heart and without fanfare,” Newburgh Free Academy Principal Matteo Dodd said. “She truly is dedicated to her students.”

The nurse aide program is split between the classroom and Elant Inc., a local nursing home where students complete the necessary clinical requirements for CNA certification.

At the nursing home, Romano helps students implement and develop their classroom-taught skills with real-life patients.

Within the Newburgh school community, Romano oversees 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 wrote curriculum for the nursing program.

On weekends, Romano is a volunteer teacher at the Newburgh Armory, a local community center. She is also developing a health science class and an after-school program for middle school-age students.

Romano was one of five finalists for the national title.

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