Sarah Bird, Career and Technical Education Division chair and educator at North Central Missouri College, has received the 2026 Missouri Business Education Association Post-Secondary Professional of the Year Award.

The award recognizes Bird’s 22 years of service to NCMC and her contributions to business education through leadership, innovation and student support.

Bird has incorporated generative artificial intelligence into her curriculum, teaching students how to use the technology responsibly for resume writing, cover letter editing and document creation. The instruction is intended to help students develop skills for the modern workplace.

She also co-led the restructuring of NCMC’s Microcomputer Applications course through a partnership with the Carpenters International Training Center in Las Vegas. The course was converted into a hybrid model serving students across the United States and Canada.

“Sarah is very deserving of this recognition for the numerous ways she positively impacts the NCMC community,” NCMC Dean of Instruction Mitch Holder said. “She is a highly effective teacher who also serves as a faculty adviser, faculty athletic representative, division chair, instructional technology leader and, most importantly, a trusted mentor and supporter for many students.”

Holder said Bird consistently evaluates initiatives and decisions based on what is best for students.

“She also regularly incorporates innovative instructional strategies leading to career and life preparedness for her students,” Holder said.

In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Bird serves as NCMC’s faculty athletic representative, acting as a liaison for student-athletes. She has taught a student-athlete section of College Seminar with more than 70 students and advises more than 30 students each semester on degree planning.

Bird also has helped lead NCMC “Shark Tank” business pitch activities, student business tours and twice-yearly “walkabouts” with local employers. The employer visits help the college evaluate whether its curriculum continues to reflect workforce needs.

The Missouri Business Education Association supports professional development, advocacy and excellence in business education throughout the state.