Bucks County Dental Instructor Wins National Recognition

JAMISON, PA — Cynthia Midgett, a dental occupations instructor at the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology in Bucks County, has been named the winner of the national 2023 Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Award.

The award was established in 2013 by NOCTI to honor Dr. Carl J. Schaefer, a lifelong champion in career and technical education (CTE). During his career, he gained national recognition as a CTE educator and author. He was also one of NOCTI’s founding fathers.

The memorial award is a tribute to Dr. Schaefer’s memory and recognizes an outstanding CTE teacher or CTE teacher candidate. Criteria for the award is based on personal goals, work experience, awards/honors received, professional memberships, and leadership and community service activities.

For winning the award, Midgett receives a personalized award and $500 for tuition, room and board, books, or any other educational-related expense.

"Cynthia's extensive experience and dedication to dental education make her a valuable asset to both her students and the broader community," said the NOCTI in announcing the award. "As a dental occupations instructor at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, she brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to her students.

"With 15 years of experience teaching dental occupations in CTE schools, Cynthia has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to CTE. Her role as an adjunct professor at Temple University further emphasizes her expertise and wilingness to contribute to higher education. Her understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education aligns well with the principles of CTE, which emphasizes hands-on, personalized learning experiences."

In nominating Midgett for the award, Lauren Doherty, the assistant administrative director at MBIT, called Midgett “the epitome of excellence in CTE teaching.

"I am incredibly proud of the work she does day in and day out, and if you have ever had the privilege of meeting Cindy, you know that her passion is as electric as it is contagious. She makes everyone around her want to be better.”

NOCTI is the nation's largest provider of industry partner certifications and industry-based credentials for career and technical education programs. It provides credible solutions for assessing both student and teacher competence and provides detailed information that can be used for data-driven instructional improvement as well as to meet regulatory requirements.

NOCTI Business Solutions tailors performance assessments for each client's needs, helping them meet their goals through pre-employment testing, performance assessment, prior learning assessment and customized job skills assessment.

The Middle Bucks Institute of Technology enrolls students from the Council Rock, Central Bucks, Centennial and New Hope-Solebury School Districts.