NOC honors teachers of the year

Northern Oklahoma College instructors Marriya Wright, Kathi Shamburg, and Brian Baird were named winners of the 2019 NISOD Excellence in Teaching Awards.

The award was voted on by NOC students.  Students were contacted by email and asked to reply to a survey.  Nearly 200 students responded to the following questions:

Which teacher at NOC has helped you learn better than any other?

What did that teacher do that really made a difference?

The winners will be recognized at a NISOD Conference in Austin, Texas, this summer.

“Many instructors received positive feedback about how they spent the extra time needed to ensure students were learning,” said Dr. Pam Stinson, NOC Vice-President for Academic Affairs.   “Marriya, Kathi, and Brian received the most comments with great reminders of how teachers can make such a difference with passion about what they teach and a commitment to helping each student succeed.”

NOC President Dr. Cheryl Evans praised the NOC instructors selected by the students.

“NOC is so blessed to have faculty members like these individuals who invest their lives in our students and go above and beyond to make the learning experience positive,” Dr. Evans  said.   “I’m very proud of our instructors.”

The following are comments from the student survey responses:

Marriya Wright received comments from students such as,

“Mrs. Wright goes above and beyond for her students. She makes us step out of our comfort zones, pushes us and most of all motivates us to be not only better students, but better future nurses.”

“She has been so willing to go above and beyond to help me this semester in learning & understanding & opportunities. She has made this semester so much fun & a great experience all around for me. You can just tell how much she loves what she does.”

“She cares about her students and their success. She makes all her students feel comfortable and values our futures. She’s always got a smile on her face and a positive attitude!”

Kathi Shamburg received comments from students such as,

“I have never been good with math.  Mrs. Shamburg teaches in a way that all students can understand and retain what she is teaching. If you do not get it she takes that extra time to cover the material again in class for everyone to see or if needed she will go over the items that you are struggling with after class has ended.”

“Mrs. Shamburg has made math so much fun. She has helped me understand math and I did not think that would ever be possible.”

“She was always patient with the class and would go over the same thing a hundred times just for someone to understand it.  She has given me the knowledge to be a College Algebra math tutor this semester and next semester. “

Brian Baird received comments from students such as,

“Really strived to give us the best knowledge in the short amount of time we had.  His tests are really hard and encourage us to stay on top of our studies.”

“It is absolutely evident in his above and beyond efforts that he cares so much about what he does and his students.”

“He is so smart and resourceful.  I always learn something new when he lectures.”