Written and released by MBEA
Springfield, MO – The Missouri Business Education Association (MBEA) is proud to present Sarah Bird, CTE Division Chair and educator at North Central Missouri College (NCMC), with the 2026 MBEA Post-Secondary Professional of the Year Award. This award recognizes Bird’s 22 years of dedicated service to NCMC and her exceptional contributions to business education through innovation and leadership.
Bird is a pioneer in integrating generative AI into her curriculum, teaching students to use it responsibly for resume writing, cover letter editing, and document creation to ensure they are prepared for the modern workplace. Her innovative spirit extends to a unique partnership with the Carpenters International Training Center in Las Vegas, where she co-led the restructuring of the Microcomputer Applications course into a hybrid model that serves students across the United States and Canada.
Dr. Mitch Holder, Dean of Instruction at North Central Missouri College, said, “Sarah is very deserving of this recognition for the numerous ways she positively impacts the NCMC community. She is a highly effective teacher who also serves as a faculty advisor, faculty athletic representative, division chair, instructional technology leader, and most importantly, a trusted mentor and supporter for many students. In working with Sarah over the years, I can tell you that she’s always thinking through initiatives and decisions with a mindset of ‘what is best for our students’. She also regularly incorporates innovative instructional strategies leading to career and life preparedness for her students.”
Beyond the classroom, Bird serves as the Faculty Athletic Representative, acting as a liaison to support student-athletes. She has also taught the student-athlete section of College Seminar, supporting over 70 students in a single course, and continues to advise more than 30 students each semester on their degree planning. Her commitment to community impact is seen through initiatives like the NCMC “Shark Tank” business pitches, student business tours, and biannual “walkabouts” with local employers to ensure curriculum remains responsive to workforce needs.
MBEA is honored to recognize Sarah Bird for her contributions to student success and educational innovation.
About MBEA:
The Missouri Business Education Association (MBEA) is Missouri’s premier professional organization for business educators. MBEA supports professional development, advocacy, and excellence in business education across the state. Contact Leslie Crider, MBEA Liaison.