A Georgia dental assisting instructor and program chair has won a prestigious Outstanding Career and Technical Educator award for participation in SkillsUSA and career and technical education. The award will be presented to Ivey Bradley during the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference on June 21 in Atlanta, Ga.

One of SkillsUSA’s highest recognitions, the Outstanding Educator of the Year, is awarded to outstanding individuals who guide SkillsUSA members to become leaders in their chosen fields. Not awarded regularly, it is given only when the SkillsUSA Board of Directors wants to honor an exceptional educator for their service and dedication to career and technical education and SkillsUSA.

Bradley has dedicated six years to Albany Technical College (ATC). She is an innovative and enthusiastic instructor who brings not only her knowledge of dental assisting to her classroom, but her compassionate nature as well. She goes above and beyond for each student who passes through her program to ensure they have the skills to succeed in their career. Bradley has been involved with SkillsUSA since 2012 when she was a dental assisting student and she competed at the SkillsUSA Championships, where she received a bronze medal. She began her career in postsecondary education in 2017. She has had 19 students compete in dental assisting at the state championships. Five of them went on to compete at the national event, and two brought home medals.

Bradley was awarded the ATC Rick Perkin’s Instructor of the Year in 2022. She serves as the faculty council chair at ATC, chair of the Instructional Faculty Consortium Committee for dental assisting for the Technical College System of Georgia, and on various other committees. She also reviews multiple textbooks that are used nationwide in dental assisting programs. When asked about her decision to teach in technical education, Bradley said, “My experience as a technical college student profoundly impacted my life. I am passionate about helping others understand dental assisting using a hands-on approach. I believe in the power and positive impact of technical education. It is a great honor for me to be a part of a student’s betterment for themselves, their family and their community.”

“Bradley is a SkillsUSA champion with a true passion for helping youth develop the knowledge and skills that empower every student to achieve career success,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “Her passion and dedication to SkillsUSA and career and technical education are inspiring.”

Please contact Jane Short at [email protected] if you need more information or if you would like photos or contact information for the honoree.