MNTC Nurse Aide Instructor Paige Shoup recently learned that she has been re-certified as a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT). She is one of 11 on MNTC's staff who hold the NBCT credential. 

Shoup holds a bachelor's of science degree and has been NBCT certified for five years in Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood. She has been a health careers program instructor for 13 years between Kiamichi Technology Center and MNTC and also worked as a school nurse for eight years prior to that. 

Shoup said,

As a NBCT, I have the opportunity to positively impact my school, district, and most importantly my students. As an educator and an RN, I am committed to life-long learning.

According to the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards website nbpts.org, there are many reasons to become board certified:

• Students learn more. Studies have found that the positive impact of having a Board-certified teacher is high for minority and low-income students.
• Teachers improve their practice. Board Certification allows teachers to hone their practice, showcase their talent in the classroom and demonstrate their dedication to their students and their profession.
• Demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Schools with National Board Certified Teachers are characterized by better teacher morale and retention and increased community involvement. 

Shoup said her personal mission is to provide the best educational experience for her students and to create a classroom environment that fosters active learning, acceptance and respect.

The Nurse Aide program is open to high school juniors and seniors as hours on their school schedule. They work toward a Long Term Care Health Aide (LTC) certification and the Home Health Aide Deeming (HHA) certification. To learn more visit here or call 405-801-5000.